Bacon and its Italian cousin, pancetta, really do make everything better. These cured pork belly products add deep, rich flavor to almost any recipe, from breakfast to pasta, vegetable dishes, casseroles and everything in between. But is one type of bacon better than the other, and can you get away with making substitutions? We break down everything you need to know about pancetta vs bacon.
What Is Pancetta?
Pancetta is an Italian, salt-cured meat made from pork belly. It’s often seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic, black peppercorns and bay leaves. The cure uses pink salt (or sodium nitrite) to turn the meat a distinctive, bright-red color. The belly is then rolled into a log and hung to dry for several weeks. Because it’s not smoked, pancetta has a pure, savory flavor that’s reminiscent of bacon but deeper and richer.
You can enjoy pancetta raw, although it’s usually cooked. Look for thinly-sliced pancetta and use it in place of prosciutto on a charcuterie platter. Those thin slices are also perfect for making pancetta-wrapped shrimp, an elegant alternative to traditional bacon-wrapped seafood appetizers.
To cook with pancetta, it’s best to cut it into small cubes. Depending on where you buy it, it may come pre-chopped. Crisp it up in a little cooking oil before adding veggies like peas or Brussels sprouts to create a tasty side dish. You can also bake it to make breakfast casseroles or add it to classic pasta dishes like carbonara or spaghetti All’Amatriciana. Don’t be afraid to use it to infuse fantastic flavors into soups, stews or bean dishes, either.
What Is Bacon?
Bacon is also made from pork belly, and it’s cured with salt, spices and sometimes sugar. After five days to a week, the bacon is removed from the cure and rinsed to remove any excess salt. It’s then smoked for a few hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F. This gives it a smoky flavor that’s missing from pancetta.
Unlike pancetta, it’s not safe to eat raw bacon, so it must be cooked first. If you’re lucky enough to find slab bacon, you can cut it to your desired thickness. Thick-sliced bacon is great for making glazed bacon, or for cutting into lardons (matchstick pieces cut to approximately 1/4 inch by 1 inch). Lardons are ideal for pasta dishes, slow cooker recipes or being crisped up and used as a pizza topping.
Thinly-sliced bacon is better suited for serving on its own or making bacon-wrapped recipes like meatloaf or jalapeno poppers. These thin slices are also the easiest way to make a bacon lattice.
When to Use Pancetta vs Bacon
If you can’t find pancetta, it’s almost always OK to substitute bacon for pancetta. Alternatively, you can substitute pancetta in recipes that call for bacon lardons. The two have very similar textures and flavors since they’re both made from pork belly, although bacon has a heavier, smokier flavor. If your recipe calls for raw pancetta or thinly sliced pancetta, it’s best to use prosciutto as a substitute.
How to Get Your Bacon Fix
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Gentleman's Whiskey Bacon Jam
Bacon's not just for breakfast or for slipping in a BLT. Turn this salty treat into a jam and spread it on everything from crackers to burger buns! Not sure which brand of bacon to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.
BBQ Chicken Bites
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich
Take your grilled cheese sandwich to a place it's never been before with crispy bacon and tangy tomatoes and five—yes, five!—types of cheese. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky
Chicken & Bacon Tart
If you’re one of those folks who think bacon is a food group, you’ll love this weeknight-friendly twist with a sweet and spicy kick from jalapeno jelly. Crisp puff pastry and store-bought chicken strips make prep work goof-proof! —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
Bacon Roll-Ups
This family recipe dates back to the 1930's, when my grandmother started making these hearty breakfast rolls. —Janet Abate, North Brunswick, New Jersey
You're-Bacon-Me-Crazy Potato Salad
The stuff from the deli just isn't our thing, but for us it isn't a summer cookout without potato salad! I toyed with many recipes until I developed this one. Now if I even mention grilling or barbecuing, this side dish is my family's top request. —Paul Cogswell, League City, Texas
Maple Bacon French Toast Bake
Our family loves Sunday brunch. Each season I try to bring a little different flavor to the table. This French toast bake reminds us of fall. Whole or 2% milk works best, but I use regular almond milk because I can't have dairy and it works, too! —Peggie Brott, Milford, Kansas
Bacon Cinnamon Buns
I absolutely love bacon! I also love recipes that blend sweet and savory flavors, so I put chopped bacon in traditional cinnamon buns for a finger-licking-good combination. —Danielle Williams, Newport, Rhode Island
Lemony Bacon-Artichoke Dip
Move over, spinach-artichoke dip—bacon adds much more flavor. You might want to double the recipe because there are never any leftovers. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee Cake
Wake up the sleepyheads in your household with this moist, tender coffee cake that’s both sweet and savory. Bacon and nuts in the crumbly topping blend with flavors of maple, nutmeg and cinnamon. Yum! —Angela Spengler, Clovis, New Mexico
Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cut the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Bacon & Tomato-Topped Haddock
Haddock topped with bacon makes even the pickiest of eaters willing to take a bite. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Bacon-Topped Meat Loaf
My family loves meat loaf—and this one in particular. I created this bacon meatloaf after trying and adjusting many other recipes over the years. Cheddar cheese tucked inside and a flavorful bacon topping dress it up just right for Sunday dinner! —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Bacon & Mushroom Omelets
I had grown tired of the same breakfast meals, so I wanted to make something more interesting. These fresh and flavorful omelets come with a versatile sauce that can also be used as a nacho dip. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Barbecue Chicken Pizza
My husband and I love this BBQ chicken pizza recipe, especially when we take it up a notch by adding other toppings that we love, including smoky bacon and creamy Gorgonzola. My mouth starts to water just thinking about it! —Megan Crow, Lincoln, Nebraska
Ultimate Bacon-Maple French Toast
A savory update to baked French toast, this is an easy make-ahead dish that is excellent for brunches and showers. The combination of maple syrup, bacon and nuts makes it impressive and satisfying. —John Whitehead, Greenville, South Carolina chi
Easy Glazed Bacon
Brown sugar, mustard and wine make bacon a little more special in this recipe. It's easy to prepare while working on the rest of the meal. —Judith Dobson, Burlington, Wisconsin
Beans, Bacon & Tomato Bake
Bacon, tomatoes and lima beans combine for a nutrient-packed side dish that makes the perfect accompaniment to turkey. —Karen Kumpulainen, Forest City, North Carolina
Canadian Bacon Onion Quiche
For more than 20 years, we sold our homegrown specialty onions at the farmers market. I handed out this favorite recipe for a classic quiche to all our customers. —Janice Redford, Cambridge, Wisconsin
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
I tweaked this bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe to please my family, and boy were they glad! For less heat, skip the jalapenos. —Debbie Cheek, State Road, North Carolina
Bacon Caprese Salad
In summer, I am always looking for ways to use the fresh basil and tomatoes that grow in my herb garden. This recipe combines the two flavors in a wonderful salad that you can make any time of year! —Mary Ann Turk, Joplin, MO
Blue Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Peppers
Whenever I put out a plate of these cute little appetizers, people come flocking. Good thing there are lots of peppers in each bag. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado
Broccoli with Garlic, Bacon & Parmesan
My approach to this broccoli is to cook it slowly in the seasonings so the garlic blends with smoky bacon. A few simple ingredients make ordinary broccoli irresistible. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Bacon-Swiss Pork Chops
I'm always looking for quick and easy recipes that are impressive enough to serve company. These bacon wrapped pork chops certainly fits the bill. —Keith Miller, Fort Gratiot, Michigan
Bacon and Eggs Casserole
Because it's fast to fix and such a great hit with family and friends, this egg casserole with bacon is a favorite of mine to make for brunches. Served with a fruit salad, hot muffins and croissants, it's excellent for an after-church meal. —Deanna Durward-Orr, Windsor, Ontario
Roasted Cauliflower & Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This deeply delicious recipe is a surefire way to get my husband to enjoy Brussels sprouts. Between the roasted flavor of the veggies and smoky, crisp bacon, it will convert even the pickiest eater. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & Cheese
All my dishes use ingredients that are usually sitting in the fire department pantry. I just adjust amounts depending on how many people we have on duty that day. This is always popular. —Nick Kaczor, New Hudson, Michigan
Bacon Tortellini Bake
I stirred up this easy tortellini bake and figured if we all like it, others might, too. Broccoli and bacon add color and crunch to this creamy casserole. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Bacon-Potato Corn Chowder
I was raised on a farm, so a warm soup with homey ingredients, like this corn chowder with bacon, was always a treat after a chilly day outside. My hearty chowder nourishes the family. —Katie Lillo, Big Lake, Minnesota
Bacon-Topped Mini Meat Loaves
Here's all the savory deliciousness of Mom's meat loaf in a single-serving size! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate-Covered Bacon
It's a hit at state fairs everywhere, but you can make this salty-sweet concoction at home. Some say bacon is perfect as is, but chocolate makes everything better! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Asparagus, Bacon & Herbed Cheese Pizza
A zesty pizza that’s especially nice with spring asparagus but lovely all year round when you add mozzarella and bacon. — Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Maple-Bacon Doughnut Bites
While these delicious bite-size treats are ready in minutes, they’ll disappear in a flash. And don’t relegate the deep-fried goodness to the breakfast nook—I’ve never had anyone turn these down no matter the time of day. —Chelsea Turner, Lake Elsinore, CA
Triple Bean Bake with Bacon
Tried and true baked beans go from ordinary to extraordinary when you mix bean varieties and add the zing of horseradish. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Bacon Chicken Chopped Salad
Here's one of many reasons we love tomato season. Chopped salads are so simple and such a fantastic way to eat fresh. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding
I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Spinach & Bacon Salad with Peaches
Peaches and bacon? Oh, yeah. I made this family favorite for a big summer party. It was so easy to prep the parts separately, then toss it all together right before chow time. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois
Bacon Breakfast Cups
My son joked about adding bacon to cupcakes. I made bacon cups the next morning. The look on his face was priceless. — Karen Burkett, Reseda, California
Potato Bacon Omelet
Here's a great way to use up a leftover potato and bacon. This hearty, yummy omelet will quickly become a favorite! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
I love combining some of my favorite dishes into a brand new creation. This is a meatball and a bacon cheeseburger literally rolled into one. This hearty dish will please the meat lovers in your gang.—Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Bacon Potato Bake
This cheesy potato casserole is always popular. It's a nice change from mashed potatoes and with a bread crumb and crumbled bacon topping, it looks as good as it tastes. —Helen Haro, Yucaipa, California
Bacon Date Bread
Friends joke that whenever I’m asked to bring a dish to a party, my contribution always contains bacon. This recipe has the sweet and salty flavors of date-nut bread and bacon-wrapped dates. —Terrie Gammon, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pear Sauce
I enjoy cooking for my parents, and my bacon-wrapped scallops recipe is one of their favorites. If you prefer, replace the pear preserves with preserves or jam of a different flavor. —Ethan Hall, King, North Carolina
Bacon, Cremini & Brie Potatoes for Two
This is my version of an ultimate baked potato. Rich Brie, crispy bacon and cremini mushrooms transform the humble baked potato into something really special. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Inside-Out Bacon Cheeseburgers
During grilling season, these sandwiches often appear on my menus. Cheese and bacon are stuffed inside tender burgers, which are then topped with caramelized onions. —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bacon-Pecan Chocolate Truffles
I love eating these truffles the day after I make them, after the full flavor of the bacon comes through. —Sylvia Shankle, Munhall, Pennsylvania
Bacon-Sausage Quiche Tarts
As a teacher, I attend many meetings and also have special celebrations with rest of the staff. The other teachers are very fond of this treat and often request that I bring it to our functions. —Jackie Milliken, Pittsboro, North Carolina
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits
In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Brat & Bacon Appetizer Pizza
Chopped bratwurst and maple bacon are a fabulous way to start a pizza. I jazz up this treat even more with apricot preserves and honey mustard. The snack-sized slices win over even the toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast Bake
Sweet meets savory in this fun twist on the typical breakfast casserole. It's great for parties and potlucks because you can make it the night before. —Katie Osborn, Toledo, Ohio
Stilton, Bacon & Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Bold, savory flavor from bacon, Stilton cheese and fresh garlic take mashed potatoes to a whole new level. This side dish is so rich and satisfying, it could be eaten as an entree! —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Pecan Bacon
Crispy, sweet bacon brightens up any morning. When my girls see this, they call it “special breakfast.” The big flavor punch may just surprise you. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Slow-Cooked Enchilada Casserole
Tortilla chips and a side salad turn this savory casserole into a fun and festive meal with very little effort. —Denise Waller, Omaha, Nebraska
Butterscotch Pie with Walnut-Bacon Toffee
This recipe started as an experiment in making bacon toffee, but by the time I was done I had this sweet and savory butterscotch pie. —Juliann Stoddart, Chicago, Illinois
Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs
I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Grits & Bacon Casserole
A Mississippi home cook gave me her recipe for grits casserole. It baked like traditional custard. I garnish it with parsley, crumbled bacon and cheese. —Theresa Liguori, Elkridge, Maryland
Lemony Tortellini Bacon Salad
Who says summer meals have to be complicated? We love this tangy, simple and tasty salad on warm summer nights. Add a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea and dinner couldn’t be easier. —Samantha Vicars, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Bacon Horseradish Spread
This spread is a great choice for any occasion because it's loaded with flavor and comes together in a snap. Start with one or two teaspoons of horseradish and add more to suit your taste. —Terri Peterson, Spring Valley, Illinois
Bacon & Eggs Pizza
I tried a breakfast pizza at a resort buffet and wanted to adapt it for home. I'm pleased with the results. It’s a fun alternative to the more typical egg bakes. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon
I've loved my aunt's crispy-coated bacon ever since I was a child. Now I've shared the super simple recipe with my own children. We still enjoy a big panful every Christmas morning—and on many other days throughout the year! —Brenda Severson, Norman, Oklahoma
The Elvis Ice Cream Sandwich
Hearken back to the days of the King of Rock and Roll with this creamy concoction that combines peanut butter, bananas and bacon. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, MichiganThe post Pancetta vs Bacon: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Taste of Home.
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