How Much Does a Slab of Bacon Weigh?

Bacon is one of the most beloved breakfast meats, adding a smoky, salty goodness to everything from sandwiches to burgers and more. Many bacon aficionados prefer to buy it in slab form rather than presliced. But if you’re new to purchasing bacon this way, you may wonder – how much does a slab of bacon actually weigh?

The weight of a bacon slab can vary quite a bit based on the cut, thickness, brand, and other factors. Below is a guide to typical bacon slab weights so you know what to expect when you buy yours.

Average Weight of a Slab of Bacon

A standard supermarket bacon slab:

• Usually weighs 1-2 pounds (450-900g)

• May contain 10-20 individual slices

• Yields about 8-16 ounces cooked

A specialty or artisan bacon slab:

• Typically 2-5 pounds (900g-2.25kg)

• Contains 15-30+ slices

• Yields around 1-2.5 pounds cooked

So you can expect most raw bacon slabs to be in the 1-5 pound range, with thicker artisan cuts being on the heavier end. The packaging should indicate the approximate weight.

Key Factors Affecting Slab Weights

Several variables impact the weight of a full bacon slab:

• Cut of pork – belly, back, etc.

• Thickness of slice – thin vs. thick cut

• Type of cure – dry cured loses moisture

• Brand practices – slicing, trimming, etc.

• Quality level – artisan vs commercial

• Slab shape – slab dimensions affect weight

• Hog size – larger hogs produce heavier slabs

So premium dry cured artisan slabs from large hogs tend to be heavier than regular grocery store slabs from smaller pigs.

Comparing Thick Cut vs Regular Slab Weights

Thick cut bacon slabs are significantly heavier than regular sliced supermarket slabs:

• Regular grocery slab: 1-2 lbs

• Thick cut slab: 3-5 lbs

Thicker bacon means more weight per slice. Aim for around 1 pound of thick cut bacon per 2 servings.

Calculating Nutrition & Calories Per Slab

To find nutrition info:

• Check label on packaging for overall nutrition per slab

• Weigh full slab and divide into meal portions

• Use label to calculate nutrition per ounce or per portion

• For calories, note total per slab and divide by weight

For example:

• 2 lb slab with 500 total calories
• 500 calories ÷ 2 lbs = 250 calories per lb
• 6 oz portion of slab = roughly 150 calories

This gives you a more accurate idea than the overall package info.

Serving Size Guidelines

Some serving recommendations for slabs:

• 2-4 slices per serving

• Around 4 oz or 1/4 lb raw bacon per person

• No more than 2 oz cooked bacon per serving

• Limit processed meats to 2-3 servings weekly

Adjust based on appetite, calories, and health factors.

Storing an Unused Slab

To store the rest of a slab:

• Tightly wrap in plastic wrap first

• Then place in a resealable bag or airtight container

• Store in the coldest part of the fridge for 1-2 weeks max

• Can also freeze for 2-3 months

Properly stored, bacon slabs stay fresh for later use.

Cooking a Full Slab

To cook an entire slab:

• Slice the slab or cook it whole

• Place on a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet

• Bake at 400°F for 15-25 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway

• Can also pan fry in batches if preferred

Baking gives evenly cooked bacon without the splatter!

When buying bacon in slab form, expect weights to be 1-5 pounds based on the cut, brand, and other factors. Heftier premium artisan slabs tend to be on the heavier end. Understanding approximate bacon slab weights makes it easier to portion out meals, calculate nutrition, and store any leftovers properly. With the right techniques, you can fully enjoy the convenience of cooking delicious bacon from the slab.