What Is Arkansas Bacon?
Arkansas bacon is a traditional shoulder bacon made from pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, instead of pork belly.
Because it comes from the shoulder, it may look different than the long, thin bacon strips most people are used to. The slices can be meatier, less uniform, and more old fashioned in appearance.
- Made from pork shoulder, not pork belly
- Also known as shoulder bacon
- Meatier than traditional belly bacon
- An old fashioned butcher style cut
How Does It Taste?
Arkansas bacon has the familiar smoky, savory flavor of bacon, but with a heartier bite from the pork shoulder.
The flavor lands somewhere between classic bacon and smoked ham. It is rich, satisfying, and especially good when you want deep smoked pork flavor in simple family meals.
- Smoky and savory
- Heartier than regular bacon
- Somewhere between bacon and smoked ham
- Great for breakfast, beans, greens, sandwiches, and skillet meals
How to Use Arkansas Bacon
Breakfast
Serve with eggs, potatoes, sourdough, or breakfast bowls.
Beans & Greens
Use anywhere you would normally add smoked pork or bacon.
Skillet Meals
Dice and brown before adding to potatoes, vegetables, or hash.
Sandwiches
Use for bacon sandwiches, burgers, or sourdough breakfast sandwiches.
Cooking Tips
Arkansas bacon cooks a little differently than traditional belly bacon because it comes from the pork shoulder. It is meatier, heartier, and may not render as much fat in the pan.
For best results, cook it low and slow so the edges brown while the meat stays tender and flavorful.
- Cook slowly over medium heat.
- Do not expect it to render as much fat as belly bacon.
- For crispier edges, brown on both sides.
- For recipes, dice first, then brown in a skillet.
Smoky, hearty shoulder bacon served simply with breakfast.
Is Arkansas bacon the same as regular bacon?
No.
Regular bacon comes from pork belly.
Arkansas bacon is made from pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, which gives it a meatier texture and heartier bite.
Why does Arkansas bacon look different?
Because it comes from the pork shoulder, the slices may be shorter, wider, thicker, or less uniform than traditional belly bacon strips.
That is normal for this cut.
Does Arkansas bacon get crispy?
It can brown and crisp around the edges, but it may not cook exactly like thin belly bacon. It is meatier and may not render as much fat.
How should I use Arkansas bacon?
Use it for breakfast, beans, greens, skillet meals, sandwiches, soups, or anywhere you want deep smoked pork flavor with a heartier bite.
What does uncured mean?
Uncured means it is made without conventional synthetic curing agents.
It is still salted and smoked like bacon.
Where is this Arkansas bacon from?
This uncured smoked Arkansas bacon comes from Prairie Farmstead in Sherman, Texas, and is offered through ROCK Farmhouse for local farm food delivery in the DFW area.