What Is a Bacon Chop?

This is one of those questions we get asked every so often, and it really does not take long to answer. Sometimes, when something sounds simple, customers assume there must be something much more interesting or complicated happening behind the scenes.

Maybe that is sometimes the case, but not today.

What is a bacon chop?

A bacon chop, sometimes called a bacon steak, is a thick cut chop taken from a whole cured bacon loin.

In other words, a bacon chop is basically a super thick rasher of back bacon. It comes from the same area as the bacon you put on your sandwich, and it is cured in much the same way. The difference is that it is cut thicker, giving you a much meatier piece of bacon.

If you want to understand more about where different bacon cuts come from, our guide on where bacon comes from is a useful read.

Is a bacon chop the same as a gammon steak?

A bacon chop and a gammon steak are similar, but they are not quite the same thing.

A bacon chop is usually cut from the cured pork loin, while gammon is usually cut from the leg. Both are cured pork cuts, both can be grilled or pan-fried, and both work well with egg or pineapple, if you are that way inclined.

The bacon chop, though, has that classic bacon flavour and comes from the loin, making it feel more like a thick, meaty rasher of bacon than a traditional gammon steak.

What do you do with bacon chops?

If you are thinking, “what is the point if it is just bacon, but thicker?”, you probably have not considered the idea fully.

Yes, bacon chops make a great substitute for gammon steak with egg, chips, peas or pineapple. But the real beauty of a bacon chop is on a cooked breakfast.

Swap your usual rashers of bacon for a thick bacon chop and you have suddenly taken your fry-up to the next level. It gives you the same bacon flavour, but with more bite, more texture and a proper centrepiece on the plate.

How do you cook bacon chops?

Bacon chops can be grilled, pan-fried or oven cooked. Because they are thicker than normal bacon rashers, they need a little longer to cook through.

To grill or pan-fry, cook over a medium heat for around 4 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until piping hot throughout and nicely coloured.

To oven cook, place the bacon chops on a baking tray and cook in a preheated oven at 190°C, 170°C fan, Gas Mark 5 for around 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

For more general bacon cooking advice, read our guide on how to cook bacon.

Are bacon chops worth buying?

Yes, bacon chops are worth buying if you love bacon and want something a little more substantial than a normal rasher.

They are great for breakfasts, quick dinners, brunches and gammon-style meals. They are simple, filling and full of flavour, which is probably why people tend to come back for them once they have tried them.

If you are exploring different bacon cuts, you may also like our guide to types of bacon.

FAQs about bacon chops

What cut is a bacon chop?

A bacon chop is cut from a cured pork loin. It is similar to back bacon, but cut much thicker.

Is a bacon chop just thick bacon?

Pretty much, yes. A bacon chop is essentially a thick cut piece of cured bacon loin, giving you a meatier version of a bacon rasher.

Can you fry a bacon chop?

Yes, bacon chops can be fried. Cook them over a medium heat for around 4 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until piping hot throughout.

Can you have bacon chops for breakfast?

Absolutely. Bacon chops work very well on a cooked breakfast and make a more substantial alternative to standard bacon rashers.