What’s a Rasher of Bacon? A Look at this Classic Breakfast Meat

Crispy, fatty, and oh-so-tasty, bacon is a breakfast staple loved by many. But if you’ve heard the term “rasher of bacon” and aren’t sure what it means, you’re not alone. Let’s explore the origins and meaning behind a rasher of bacon.

What is a Rasher?

The word “rasher” refers to a thin slice or sliver of bacon or ham It likely comes from the Latin word “radere” meaning “to scrape or shave” This gives us an image of thin pieces scraped off from a larger cut of meat.

While a rasher originally referred to just one slice, it now can mean a few slices – like what you’d be served for breakfast. For example

• “I’ll have eggs and a rasher of bacon, please.”

• “Can I get a rasher of ham for my sandwich?”

So a rasher is basically the standard thin slices of cured pork belly or ham that we’re used to seeing.

History and Etymology

The term “rasher of bacon” dates back to the 16th century. One belief is it referred to the speed or “rashness” with which bacon could be prepared to feed surprise guests. However, most etymologists think the Latin root is more likely.

“Rasher” was also once used to mean breakfast in general or eating a meal quickly. The slang phrase “a ride and a rasher” meant having intercourse followed by breakfast!

The original spelling may have been “rasure” similar to “erasure.” Other related words are “abrade,” “razor,” and “rash” – all containing shades of scraping, shaving, and scratching.

How Much is a Rasher?

A rasher is an informal, imprecise unit. The number of slices can vary:

• Traditionally, a rasher was just one slice.

• These days, it often means 2-3 slices – a serving size.

• In a full English breakfast, a rasher may be more like 4-6 slices.

Thickness varies too. Back bacon rashers are thicker while American-style bacon is thinner.

So a rasher is not a standardized unit like “1 cup” or “1 pound.” It’s more of a general term for the short strips of bacon we recognize from breakfast plates.

Buying and Cooking Bacon

When buying bacon in a store, a rasher generally means a single slice:

• Packages may be labeled “8 rashers” or “12 rashers”, meaning count of slices.

• Bacon is typically priced per rasher or per pound.

For serving sizes, cook 2-4 rashers depending on appetites. Less if bacon is a side, more if it’s the main fare.

Fry or bake until crispy. Make extra – bacon leftovers can garnish salads and sandwiches later in the week!

Rasher vs Slice

While “slice” and “rasher” can be interchangeable, rasher conveys the classic look of breakfast bacon. “Slice” has a broader meaning and may make people think of cold cuts, pizza, cake, etc.

So for menus or recipes, “rasher” says bacon loud and clear!

Other Food Rashers

While bacon and ham are the most common rashers, the term can also apply to:

• Chicken rashers – thin sliced chicken breast
• Turkey rashers – sliced turkey meat
• Beef rashers – thin slices of beef sirloin

Any thin breakfast meat can be called a rasher!

A Tasty Tradition

From its Latin origins to modern breakfast plates, the rasher has stood the test of time. This thin slice of salty, fatty flavor remains a cherished way to start the day. Crisping up a few rashers of quality bacon is a ritual that can’t be beat!