What Is Canadian Bacon?

What Is Canadian Bacon?

Despite its name, Canadian bacon is not made from the same cut as "American" or streaky bacon, which is made by salt-curing and smoking pork belly. Canadian bacon, on the other hand, is made by brining back bacon, a much leaner cut of pork that includes the loin and is sold in thin slices or cylindrical rolls.

This cut is referred to simply as bacon in Canada and may be known as English or Irish bacon elsewhere in the world. English and Irish bacon is similar to Canadian bacon, but it's cut to include more fat in addition to the loin.

Canadian bacon is much leaner than bacon or pancetta. In Canada, "peameal bacon" is Canadian bacon that was originally rolled in a coating of ground-up dried yellow peas to help preserve it. Today, it is rolled in cornmeal. Peameal bacon is typically found in the Toronto area.

How to Cook Canadian Bacon

Because it is sold already cooked, Canadian bacon can be eaten straight from the package. However, it's typically pan-fried or otherwise heated before serving. This adds crispness, color, and flavor.

Cook Canadian bacon in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until browned on each side, then serve hot as part of a breakfast sandwich or serve it instead of belly bacon with your favorite style of eggs and toast or an English muffin. You can also lay slices out on a sheet pan under the broiler for a few minutes until browned and crispy around the edges.

What Does Canadian Bacon Taste Like?

Canadian bacon tastes very similar to ham. It's sweeter, less salty, and less fatty than its American counterpart, with a pleasant pork flavor. It's also more tender than belly bacon and doesn’t crisp up or shrink as much when cooked.

Canadian Bacon vs. Ham

Sliced ham and Canadian bacon can be used interchangeably in many cases, such as on Hawaiian pizza or sandwiches. However, ham is made from leg meat rather than pork loin, and it typically contains a sweetener such as sugar or honey while Canadian bacon does not.

Canadian bacon can also be a pizza topping, though ham is often used in its stead. Along with pineapple, it's one of the signature ingredients of Hawaiian pizza.

Canadian Bacon Recipes

• Hawaiian Pizza
• Classic Eggs Benedict
• Crock Pot Split Pea Soup

Where to Buy Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon is available to purchase, typically pre-sliced and vacuum-sealed in plastic, in the breakfast meats section of most supermarkets and grocery stores. Specialty grocers or butcher shops may offer it sliced to order at the deli or meat counter.

Storage

Store Canadian bacon sealed in its original packaging in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Be sure to use it before the best-by date on the package. After opening, refrigerate the unused portion in an airtight container, plastic wrap, or a plastic zip-top bag for three to four days. Canadian bacon can also be frozen in its original packaging or sealed in plastic for up to two months.

Nutrition and Benefits

If you're looking for a lower-fat alternative to belly bacon, Canadian bacon provides a much leaner substitute. It's also much lower in sodium and has far fewer calories than belly bacon or turkey bacon. It's comparable to ham in terms of nutrition and a good source of protein.