How Many Slices of Bacon are in a 12 oz Package? A Guide to Bacon Sizes

Bacon is a breakfast staple in many households. The salty, smoky, and fatty flavor pairs perfectly with eggs, pancakes, and other morning favorites. But when grabbing a package of bacon off the shelf at the grocery store, many wonder – how many slices will I get in this pack?

The number of slices in a package depends on a few factors:

Bacon Slice Thickness

Bacon comes in different slice thicknesses:

• Thin or regular sliced – Thinner cut bacon with around 14-18 slices per pound
• Thick cut – Thicker sliced bacon with 10-14 slices per pound

Thinner sliced bacon will have more slices in a 12 oz package while thick cut will have fewer.

Brand and Package Size

While most grocery store bacon is sold in 12 oz or 1 lb packages some specialty or high-end bacon may come in 8 oz or 10 oz packs. The brand and exact pack size will impact slices per package.

Weighing and Hand Cutting

Bacon is not always perfectly uniform, Some natural variation in weight means packs that claim to be 12 oz may weigh slightly over or under, Hand cutting by butchers also leads to variation in slice sizes,

So while a 12 oz pack will generally contain 14-18 slices of thin cut bacon, the exact count can vary.

Estimating Slices in a 12 oz Package

As a general guideline for sliced bacon in the US:

• A 12 oz package contains approximately 15-17 slices of thin or regular cut bacon
• A 1 lb pack has about 18-22 thin cut slices
• Thick sliced bacon packs will have 2-4 fewer slices than thin

Of course, specialty artisan bacon may fall outside these ranges.

To get a closer estimate, check the slices per pound listed on the package. An average slice weighs about 0.6-0.7 oz. So divide the pack weight by estimated slice weight to get approximate count.

While the slice count varies, most households find a 12 oz pack provides plenty for weekend breakfasts or a weeknight dinner side.

Buying Bacon for Recipes

When buying bacon for a recipe, consider:

• Ingredient amount: If the recipe calls for 8 oz of chopped bacon, a 12 oz pack will give you plenty. But for 16 oz crumbled bacon you may need two packs.

• Serving size: Estimate 3-4 bacon slices per serving. So a 12 oz pack can serve 4 for breakfast.

• Leftovers: Cook the whole pack at once, then save leftovers chilled in an airtight container up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving.

• Freezing: Uncooked bacon freezes well for 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

With some simple math and planning, you can buy the right pack size to fit your recipe or meal.

Cooking and Serving Bacon

Once you’ve bought your pack of bacon, how much should you cook for your family? Here are some serving guide estimates:

• 2-3 slices per child
• 3-4 slices per teen or adult
• 5-6 slices for big breakfast appetites

The nutrition information on the package can also help gauge serving sizes. Look for data on calories, fat, sodium, etc per slice.

Bacon shrinks quite a bit when cooked. A 12 oz raw pack yields about 8 oz cooked. To get crispy bacon without burning, use a baking sheet in a 400°F oven or cook over medium heat in a skillet. Drain cooked bacon on paper towels before serving.

Crumble drained bacon into dishes like soups, salads, and pasta. Or chop and mix into quiches, omelets, or potato dishes. Fold longer strips into sandwiches or serve alongside eggs.

Health Considerations

While delicious, bacon does come with some health concerns. The high saturated fat and sodium levels mean consuming multiple slices daily is not recommended. The World Health Organization suggests limiting processed meat intake, including bacon, to no more than 1.5 oz (about 2-3 slices) per day.

For a leaner option, look for bacon advertised as lower sodium or reduced fat. Turkey bacon contains less fat than pork. Vegetarian bacon made of soy, coconut, or eggplant can also fit into heart-healthy eating patterns.

In moderation, bacon can still have a place in a balanced diet. Just be mindful of portions and enjoy as an occasional treat. With some care when shopping and cooking, you can make the most of the 12 oz bacon pack for your family.