Where Can I Buy Oscar Mayer Bacon in the UK?

Oscar Mayer is one of the most iconic bacon brands in the United States. Their crispy sliced bacon with its signature pop of smoky, salty flavor is a staple of American breakfast tables. But Oscar Mayer bacon can be difficult to find in shops and supermarkets here in the UK.

This article will cover everything you need to know about getting your hands on tasty Oscar Mayer bacon in Britain. We’ll look at what makes it different, where to buy it, how to cook it, and even how to make your own version. Let’s dive in!

What Makes Oscar Mayer Bacon Special

Oscar Mayer bacon comes from pork belly that is cured, smoked, and ready to cook. It has some key features that give it its signature taste and texture:

• Lightly smoked over natural hardwoods like oak and beech

• Thin sliced and uniform – perfect for getting crispy

• Minimal to no skin or fat caps – it’s nearly all meat

• Mild curing so the natural pork flavor shines through

• Bright pink color from curing salts

The curing process gives Oscar Mayer bacon its distinctive salty flavor. And the light smoking infuses it with subtle woody notes without overpowering the fresh pork taste. It’s tended to be less heavily smoked than many British bacons.

Where to Buy Oscar Mayer Bacon in the UK

Oscar Mayer bacon can be tricky to find in local UK supermarkets or shops. Here are some of the best options for getting your hands on the real deal:

• American specialty food stores – Check stores like Jonesys Deli in London that specialize in American imports.

• Online shops – Several online retailers like American Fizz sell it. You can also find it through Amazon Pantry.

• Direct from the US – Ordering directly from US stores that ship internationally.

• American section in supermarkets – Some bigger supermarkets like Tesco may carry it.

• Wholesale suppliers – Foodservice suppliers like Fine Food Specialist offer it to retail customers.

Oscar Mayer bacon is becoming more available as American flavors grow in popularity in the UK. But your best bets are still US specialty stores or ordering online.

How to Cook Oscar Mayer Bacon

Cooking Oscar Mayer bacon is easy because it’s pre-sliced and fully cured. Here are a few tips:

• Pan fry – Lay slices in a cold pan and fry over medium heat to desired doneness. Drain fat as it renders.

• Oven bake – Lay slices on a foil lined baking sheet and cook at 400F for 12-20 minutes.

• Grill – Bacon loves the grill! Lay over direct heat and flip occasionally.

• Microwave – Lay slices between paper towels and microwave in 30 second bursts, checking often.

• Air fry – Most air fryers can perfectly crisp pre-sliced bacon with no splatters.

• Candied bacon – Brush slices with brown sugar or maple syrup before cooking for a sweet twist.

Oscar Mayer bacon is ready to eat once it’s cooked to your desired level of crispness. It’s delicious in all the usual ways – sandwiches, burgers, eggs, salads, and more!

How to Make Your Own Version

While you can buy packaged Oscar Mayer bacon in some UK spots, it’s also possible to recreate it at home. You’ll need:

• Pork belly – With the skin removed

• Curing salt – Pink salt or Prague Powder #1

• Brown sugar

• Spices – Black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, etc

• Smoker or liquid smoke – For smoky flavor

The process involves:

1. Mixing a basic cure of salt, sugar, and spices.

2. Rubbing the cure into pork belly strips.

3. Letting them cure in the fridge 1-2 weeks.

4. Rinsing then smoking or adding liquid smoke flavor.

5. Slicing and cooking as needed.

It takes some effort, but homemade can taste nearly identical! You get the satisfaction of curing and smoking your own bacon.

Where to Buy Oscar Mayer Bacon in the UK – The Verdict

Oscar Mayer’s signature lightly smoked, thin sliced bacon can be hard to source in the UK. Your best options are looking for imports in American specialty stores, ordering online, or buying from wholesale suppliers. Bacon fiends say it’s worth the effort to get the real Oscar Mayer taste. But homemade also lets you replicate the flavor with British pork. Try tracking some down for your next full English or BLT to taste this bacon icon for yourself.