What Is Canadian Bacon?
And how is it different from ham?
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By Layla Khoury-Hanold for Food Network Kitchen
Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network.
If you’ve ever ordered eggs benedict at brunch or tucked into a slice of Hawaiian pizza, you’ve likely sampled Canadian bacon. But what exactly is it? And how is it different from ham? Here’s everything you need to know about Canadian bacon, including what to do with it.
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What Is Canadian Bacon?
Canadian bacon comes from boneless pork loin and is typically cured, smoked and sliced into rounds.
Canadian bacon is so named because it originated in Canada, but it is also known as back bacon or rashers. It's often served in classic eggs benedict and used to top Hawaiian-style pizza. Because Canadian bacon is sold already cooked, it can be eaten as is or sauteed or fried. Add it to stir-fries, quiche, pasta or rice dishes, or use it as a garnish for roasted vegetables, soups and stews.
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Canadian Bacon vs Ham
Although Canadian bacon and ham are both pork products, they differ in cut, flavor and texture.
Cut: Canadian bacon comes from the back of the pig, specifically the loin, whereas ham comes from the hind legs of the pig, specifically the rear and thighs.
Flavor: Canadian bacon has a mild, sweet pork flavor, whereas bacon tastes saltier due to its higher sodium content.
Texture: Canadian bacon is leaner than ham, so it has a firmer texture but is still tender and juicy. Ham is softer than Canadian bacon.
What to Do with Canadian Bacon
Slices of pan-fried Canadian bacon anchor this classic brunch dish, and its tender texture and sweet flavor perfectly complement a runny-yolk egg, hollandaise sauce and a toasted English muffin.
After you try Canadian bacon in this classic breakfast sandwich combo, you may never go back to bacon. Pro tip: stash these sliders in the freezer for a quick heat-and-eat breakfast on the go.
Charles Masters
Chopped and crisped Canadian bacon gets folded into a creamy sauce amped up by scallions, and then cloaks broccoli and corkscrew noodles in this luscious pasta you’ll want to make on repeat.
Charles Masters
In this easy stir-fry, Canadian bacon adds flavor without too much salt, allowing the bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and peppers to shine. Pair with brown rice for a satisfying supper.
Since Canadian bacon is already cooked, it’s a ready-to-go protein that can be added to salads, like this riff on a classic pairing of bacon and black-eyed peas.
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