Irish Bacon vs American Bacon

Create Classic Irish Recipes in the USA
Irish bacon and American bacon are two beloved breakfast staples, each with its own unique charm. While American bacon has a delicious smoky flavour and crispy texture, Irish bacon has a leaner, tender bite with a savory taste that’s perfect for every meal.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what sets Irish bacon apart from American bacon, the benefits of each and which one is right for your next bacon-filled feast.

What is Irish Bacon?
Irish Bacon vs American Bacon: Key Differences
If you are exploring Irish culture and all the fine cuisines it offers, you may find yourself asking what is Irish bacon? What are the main differences between Irish bacon and American bacon? Well, we have the answers you’re looking for!
To help you understand the differences, we have created a handy table that highlights the key features of each bacon variety:
Meat Aspect |
Irish Bacon |
American Bacon |
Texture |
Chewy and firm, less greasy |
Crispy and crunchy |
Cut |
Includes pork loin from the back of the pig |
Fatty cut from the belly of the pig |
Flavor |
Savory, subtle & slightly salty |
Salty, smoky & fatty |
Fat |
Much leaner than streaky bacon |
Higher fat content gives signature white streaks |
Uses |
Soups & traditional breakfast sandwiches |
Pancakes, club sandwiches & burgers |
Cooking |
Fried, boiled or grilled |
Fried or baked |
Cooking Irish Bacon vs American Bacon: Which Is Easier?
Cooking Irish bacon dishes and American bacon can offer delicious, distinctive results, but the cooking process for each is quite different. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Irish meal of bacon and cabbage or a classic American breakfast with streaky bacon on the side, each type requires its own technique to bring out the best texture and flavor.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when preparing each type of bacon:
Preparing Irish Bacon
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Cooking Method - Irish bacon can be prepared in a few different ways. To achieve that tasty, traditional Irish flavor, boiling or grilling is the preferred method - remember, Irish bacon is lean and doesn’t need much oil.
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Temperature - Irish bacon should be cooked on medium heat to maintain its tenderness, whether you’re boiling or grilling. Place your bacon on the grill at around 400°F for 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on its thickness.
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Texture - Remember, Irish bacon has a much more tender texture than American bacon. Don’t wait for it to get super crispy, we want it to stay nice and tender with a light crisp around the edges.
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Tips - For extra flavour, season lightly with salt and black pepper or add your favorite herbs while cooking. Serve with eggs and soda bread or in a toasted sandwich for an appetizing Irish breakfast.
Recipe Ideas: Cooking with Irish Bacon and American Bacon
If you’ve never cooked with Irish bacon or American bacon, now is the perfect time to experiment! Both types of bacon in recipes bring something special to your meals to mirror authentic American or Irish cuisine. Here are a couple of tasty recipe ideas that highlight the best of both:
Preparing Irish Bacon
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Irish Mac N Cheese - A comforting Irish twist on the classic American mac n cheese, this dish combines tender pasta with a delicious Irish cheddar cheese sauce. With the addition of Irish bacon, this hearty dish is a perfect mix of creamy and savory.
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Full Irish - A Full Irish Breakfast is the traditional way to start the day in Ireland. It perfectly highlights the subtle salty flavor of Irish bacon, best paired with Irish bangers, black and white pudding, eggs, tomatoes, potato and soda bread.
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Irish Bacon & Cabbage - According to Ireland’s food board, bacon and cabbage is the meal that is most synonymous with traditional Irish delicacies. Best paired with mashed potatoes, the cabbage soaks up all the rich flavor of Irish bacon, making this dish simple and satisfying.
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Irish Breakfast Sandwich - This quick and easy meal perfectly captures the essence of Ireland. Packed with Irish bacon, a fried egg, Irish sausages and a classic brown sauce, it’s the perfect breakfast choice for an on-the-go treat.
Preparing American Bacon
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American Breakfast Pancakes - Traditional American breakfast pancakes are the ideal sweet treat to start your day. These fluffy pancakes are light and airy, served with butter, maple syrup and a side of crispy American bacon.
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American Style Bacon Burger - Perfect for lunch, dinner or a BBQ treat, American bacon burgers consist of a juicy beef patty topped with American bacon, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato and all your favorite extras.
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American Club Sandwich - The American Club Sandwich is a classic that never disappoints. This multi-layered masterpiece is made with American bacon, your meat of choice, lettuce, tomato and mayo between 3 slices of toasted bread.

Where to Buy Irish Bacon in the USA
Discover Authentic Irish Bacon Recipes with Jolly Posh Foods
If you are wondering where to buy Irish bacon in the USA, then look no further! At Jolly Posh Foods, we have been bringing authentic Irish flavors to American doors for over 15 years, including Irish bacon. Check out our Irish Breakfast Box that contains everything you need for a delicious, genuine Irish breakfast!
Whether you’re craving a traditional Full Irish breakfast or want to add an Irish bacon option to your favorite recipes, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we offer 20% off all orders over $200, making it even easier to stock up on your Irish favorites.
At Jolly Posh Foods, we are committed to delivering your products safely and sustainably. We use EVRgreen advanced technology thermal coolers for all shipments of our products, ensuring your Irish bacon is fresh and ready to cook. These coolers are eco-friendly and biodegrade 94% over 4 years, meaning the packaging can be discarded with your household waste.
Are you ready to bring a taste of Ireland to your kitchen? Order with Jolly Posh Foods today and get your Irish bacon delivered with care, freshness and sustainability in mind.
