What Is Platter Sliced Bacon? A Complete Guide

I love bacon and am always looking for new and interesting kinds to try. A while ago, I was in the meat aisle and saw a package that said “platter sliced bacon.” I was interested because I had never heard of platter sliced bacon before.

What is platter sliced bacon, why is it called that, and how is it different from regular sliced bacon? I looked into these questions and here is everything you need to know about platter sliced bacon.

What Is Platter Sliced Bacon?

Platter sliced bacon refers to bacon that has been sliced and prepared in a way that optimizes it for attractive presentation on a platter or charcuterie board It comes from extra thick pork belly that is perfectly squared and uniformly sliced

The key characteristics of platter sliced bacon are

• Thicker cut – Usually around 1/8 inch thick per slice, significantly thicker than regular sliced bacon.

• Uniform sizing – Each slice is cut to precisely the same thickness across the entire slab of bacon

• Squared slab – The pork belly is trimmed and squared to create clean edges and right angles before slicing.

• Lean-to-fat ratio – Careful selection and trimming of the pork belly results in ideal lean meat to fat marbling in each slice.

• Visual appeal – Straight uniform slices with meat and fat marbling create an appetizing presentation.

Why Is It Called Platter Sliced?

As the name suggests, platter sliced bacon is specifically prepared for artful presentation on a platter, charcuterie board, or display. The uniform thick slices and square shape allow the bacon to be neatly arranged to create an eye-catching exhibit.

The bacon’s proportional leanness and distributed fat content also help it cook evenly for a visually pleasing look when served. Whether raw or cooked, the neat platter slices make for a appetizing bacon presentation.

How Is Platter Sliced Bacon Made?

Producing platter sliced bacon requires extra steps and care compared to regular sliced bacon. Here is an overview of how it’s made:

• Selecting the pork belly – Producers hand pick high quality, thick pork bellies ideal for slicing.

• Trimming and squaring – The pork belly is trimmed into a neat rectangular slab with straight edges.

• Precise slicing – Using a fine gauge bacon slicer, uniform 1/8 inch slices are cut across the entire pork belly.

• Curing and smoking – The bacon is cured and then cold smoked to add flavor without cooking it.

• Packaging – The platter slices are neatly stacked and packaged to retain their uniformity.

• Cooking instructions – Packages recommend baking, grilling, or pan frying to gently render the fat and cook evenly.

Why Choose Platter Sliced Bacon?

Here are some of the advantages of choosing platter sliced bacon over regular sliced bacon:

• Visual appeal – The tidy uniform slices look appetizing on their own or when incorporated into dishes.

• Even cooking – Thicker platter slices cook more evenly than thin bacon slices.

• Holds up better – Thicker bacon maintains its shape better when cooked compared to flimsy regular sliced.

• Flavor – More meaty bacon flavor since less surface area is exposed compared to thin bacon.

• Textural contrast – Provides nice contrast of meaty chew and crisp fat.

• Versatility – Works well served raw on boards, baked, grilled, wrapped around foods, etc.

• High quality – Carefully trimmed and sliced from select pork bellies only.

So if you want bacon guaranteed to look good on a platter or charcuterie spread, opt for platter sliced.

Popular Brands of Platter Sliced Bacon

Several major bacon producers offer their own platter sliced bacon line. Here are some top brands to look for:

Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon

• 1/8 inch thick slice
• Cherrywood smoked
• Sweet and savory flavor
• Family-owned Wisconsin company

Double R Ranch

• 1/8 inch “party cut” platter slice
• Uncured and naturally hickory smoked
• Made from heritage Berkshire pork
• Sustainably farmed in Washington state

Dakota Smokehouse

• 1/4 inch extra thick platter cut
• Dry cured and hardwood smoked
• Minimally processed
• Family owned company since 1937

Swift’s Premium Platter Cut Bacon

• Square cut 1/8 inch thick slices
• Dry rubbed with brown sugar and black pepper
• Applewood smoked
• Produced by meat industry leader JBS USA

Farmer John’s Platter Style Bacon

• Uniform 1/8 inch slices
• Hardwood smoked taste
• Made from hand selected pork belly
• Farmer John brand operated by Smithfield Foods

Burgers’ Smokehouse

• Platter cut into 1/8 inch slices
• Sugar cured and hickory smoked
• 33 years as family operated company
• Award winning smoked meats producer

How To Cook Platter Sliced Bacon

The best cooking methods for platter sliced bacon play to its strengths as a thicker, high-quality cut. Here are some top cooking tips:

• Bake – Arranging bacon slices on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet allows fat to drip away. Bake at 400°F for 12-18 minutes depending on thickness until crispy.

• Grill – Over direct heat, platter bacon slices can develop crispiness and attractive grill marks. Rotate occasionally to prevent burning.

• Pan fry – Cook over medium heat in a cast iron or nonstick skillet. Turn slices as needed for even crisping. Pour off excess grease to prevent curling.

• Microwave – Lay bacon slices between paper towels on a microwave safe plate. Microwave in 30 second increments, checking between until crispy.

• Slow cook – Add whole platter sliced slab to dishes like soups, beans or collard greens. Imparts flavor as it slowly cooks.

• Cold preparations – Use raw on charcuterie, in salad, or as a wrap for other ingredients.

No matter the cooking method, platter sliced bacon offers flexibility for both hot and cold preparations.

Popular Ways To Serve Platter Sliced Bacon

Here are some delicious ways to serve platter sliced bacon and highlight its aesthetic appeal:

• Neatly arranged raw bacon platter for breakfast or brunch

• Bacon wrapped scallops, shrimps, or filet slices

• Strips on a sandwich or burger

• Topping on meatloaf or casseroles before baking

• Chopped bits for salads, pasta, or potatoes

• Bacon mac and cheese with strips on top

• Potatoes au gratin with layers of bacon

• In a grilled cheese sandwich

• Candied bacon strips as a garnish

• Crumbled on top of soups like baked potato

With its photogenic qualities, platter sliced bacon is right at home served on charcuterie and cheese boards. But it also shines as an ingredient and garnish for all sorts of savory dishes.

The Bottom Line

Platter sliced bacon delivers extra thick, uniform slices cut precisely for arranging beautifully on platters and charcuterie displays. The tidy slices cook evenly and lend robust bacon flavor to dishes. While costing a bit more than regular bacon, platter sliced bacon provides top quality, visual appeal, and added versatility. So for your next special brunch or food spread, consider upgrading to platter sliced bacon. Just be prepared to wow your guests!