Discover the Secret to Irresistible Cottage Bacon: Coming Soon to Cedar Valley Farms!

What is Cottage Bacon?

First things first, what exactly is cottage bacon? Unlike traditional bacon, which comes from the belly of the pig, cottage bacon is crafted from the pork shoulder. This cut of meat is leaner and packed with rich, savory flavor. When sliced thin and cooked to perfection, it delivers a unique texture that's a delightful mix between bacon and ham. Cottage bacon has less fat than traditional bacon but that's ok because the same rich smoked flavor still shines through.

Pasture-Raised Perfection!

At Cedar Valley Farms, we take pride in our pasture-raised pork. Our pigs roam freely on lush pastures, enjoying a natural diet and plenty of sunshine. This approach not only ensures the highest welfare standards for our animals and results in superior-quality meat. By choosing pasture-raised pork, you’re not only supporting ethical farming practices but also treating yourself to meat that’s more flavorful and nutritious.

Want to learn more about our happy, pasture-raised pigs? Check out our  "All About Our Pigs"!

Why Cottage Bacon?

You might be thinking why make cottage bacon and not all of our naturally cured smoked bacon? Well that's a great question and it's pretty simple. Some of the reasons were strictly for our customers and others were out of necessity.

Versatility: Cottage bacon is incredibly versatile. Fry it up for a crispy breakfast side, toss it into a salad for a smoky twist, or use it to elevate your favorite sandwiches. The options are endless and we will leave that up to you and your family

Quantity: Referring back to our anatomy lesson earlier the traditional bacon comes from the belly of the hog. This is great and all but you typically only get about 15-20 lbs per hog. When you have a waiting list for bacon this is a problem. Cottage bacon is the solution to that problem. With the smokey flavor everyone loves and more of it to go around it's a win-win.

Meatier Option: The belly is one of the fattier parts of the pig which is great for flavor but does shrink a little in the pan. Cottage bacon being from the shoulder this means there is more meat and less fat. This provides a meatier option with less shrink.

How to Cook Cottage Bacon?

Cooking cottage bacon is a breeze! It's very similar to cooking bacon. Simply heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the slices for a few minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Pro tip: Save the drippings to add a burst of flavor to other dishes!

Get Ready to Taste the Difference!

We’re so excited to bring cottage bacon to your table and can’t wait for you to try it. Be sure to keep an eye on our online store later this month to snag some for yourself. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you!

In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, recipes, and more. And don’t forget to share your cottage bacon creations with us using the hashtag #CVFpasturetoplate. We love seeing how you enjoy our pasture-raised pork!

Stay tuned, stay hungry, and get ready to enjoy the best cottage bacon around.