What’s a Rasher of Bacon? A Complete Guide to This Traditional Bacon Term

If you’ve ever browsed a brunch menu or read a classic English novel, you may have come across the term “rasher of bacon.” But what exactly does this traditional bacon phrase mean?

In this article, we’ll explore the origins, definitions, and usage of the term rasher when it comes to everyone’s favorite pork product – bacon!

What is the Definition of a Rasher of Bacon?

A rasher of bacon refers to a thin slice or strip of bacon. Traditionally, a rasher was one singular slice of bacon. However, the term is also commonly used today to mean multiple slices or rashers served together.

Some key definitions

• A rasher = one strip of sliced bacon
• Rashers (plural) = multiple slices or strips of bacon
• “A rasher of bacon” = one slice or strip
• “Two rashers of bacon” = two slices or strips
• “A couple rashers of bacon” = two or three slices

Where Does the Word “Rasher” Come From?

The origins of the word rasher are uncertain, but there are a few theories:

• From the Latin “rado” meaning to scrape or scratch – referring to slicing thin strips
• From the French “rasure” meaning a thin scrap or slice
• From the speed or “rashness” with which bacon can be cooked
• From the Old English term “hracer” which meant meat slices

The term has been used since around the 16th century to refer to slices of bacon or ham. But it likely stems from Latin or Old English words referring to thin cuts or strips

How is a Rasher Different Than Regular Bacon?

There is no difference in the actual type or quality of bacon. Rasher is simply the traditional terminology used to describe bacon that has been cut into ready-to-cook slices or strips.

Some key differences:

• Regular bacon = sold in full slabs or chunks before slicing
• Rashers = pre-cut into thin slices or strips for cooking
• Regular bacon must be sliced at home before cooking
• Rashers come ready to cook as pre-cut slices

So rashers provide the convenience of uniform slices for quick cooking. Regular bacon must be hand sliced at home into custom thicknesses.

How Thick is a Traditional Rasher?

Traditionally, a single rasher of bacon was cut very thin, around 1-2 mm or less. This allowed for even cooking and crisping when fried in a pan.

However, modern bacon slicing terminology includes:

• Thick cut: Approximately 1/8 inch per slice
• Regular cut: Approximately 1/16 inch per slice
• Thin cut: Approximately 1/32 inch per slice

So the modern “thin cut” rasher is closest to the traditional very thin rasher. While thick cut provides a hearty rasher.

How Many Slices are in a Rasher of Bacon?

Traditionally, a rasher referred to just one single slice of bacon. But today, the term rasher is also used flexibly to mean:

• 1 slice of bacon
• 2-3 slices of bacon
• A couple strips or slices served together

Some examples:

• “I’ll have a rasher of bacon” = 1 slice
• “Two rashers of bacon, please” = 2 slices
• “My breakfast includes a couple rashers of bacon” = 2 or 3 slices

So in modern usage, a “rasher” can mean 1 to 3 slices depending on context. But traditionally was just one slice.

How is Rasher Used in a Sentence?

Here are some examples of how to use rasher of bacon in a sentence:

• Please fry me up a nice crispy rasher of bacon for breakfast.
• The cafe was serving eggs with two rashers of bacon on the side.
• I grabbed a couple rashers of bacon to make a BLT for lunch.
• The basic hotel breakfast included juice, toast, and a rasher of bacon.
• My favorite diner has thick cut rashers that I love to order.

Rasher vs Slice vs Strip

While rasher is the traditional term, bacon can also be described as:

• Slices – referring to circular cuts from a slab
• Strips – referring to longer rectangular cuts
• Rashers – referring to any thin rectangular cuts

So slices, strips, and rashers all refer to the thin, cooked cuts of bacon. Rasher is just the traditional way of saying “bacon cut into slices or strips.”

Popular Uses for Rashers of Bacon

Rashers of bacon are commonly used in:

• Full English breakfasts and fry-ups
• Side orders of bacon with eggs and toast
• BLT sandwiches
• Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches (BLTs)
• Cobb salads
• Baked potatoes topped with bacon
• Macaroni and cheese baked with bacon
• Bacon potato cakes
• Beans cooked with bacon

The thin slices allow the bacon to cook up crispy and also crumble easily over salads, sandwiches, bakes, beans, etc.

So next time you’re browsing a brunch menu and see “two rashers of bacon” – you’ll know that means two tasty slices are headed your way!