15 pancetta recipes

What is pancetta?

Originating from Italy, pancetta is pork belly that has been cured with salt, spices, and herbs. Its rich, fatty flavour is slightly different from bacon due to the absence of smoking, meaning it gives a pure pork taste with subtle hints of its seasoning. You can also get smoked varieties. The traditional pancetta is made in Northern Italy but you can find variations throughout the country, each offering a different twist by using regional herbs and spices. When selecting pancetta, look for even layers of fat and meat with a fresh scent, a sign of high quality.

How do you cook pancetta?

Pancetta is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked using a variety of methods. It can be diced and fried until crispy, adding texture and flavour to salads or pasta dishes like creamy gnocchi with bacon and peas. For roasting, wrap pancetta around meats or vegetables to allow the savoury flavour to soak through. You can also render it slowly to release its fat, creating a flavour-packed base for sauces or soups.

Can pancetta be eaten raw?

While many cured meats are enjoyed raw, pancetta is typically not eaten raw, unlike its cousin prosciutto. Cooking pancetta not only enhances its flavour but also ensures it is safe to consume.

Can you eat the fat of pancetta?

Yes, the fat in pancetta is not only edible but also an essential component of its flavour profile. When cooked, the fat renders, adding a rich, buttery taste to dishes and can also be used to cook other ingredients, infusing them with flavour.

Pancetta recipes

Boston baked beans

Add a new dimension to your classic baked beans by incorporating pancetta. The savoury richness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the beans and molasses, resulting in a satisfying side dish or main.

One-pot smoky pancetta pasta

Entertaining doesn't get easier than this – fry the pancetta to release the smokiness, then everything else simmers together.

Braised fennel with bacon, lemon and vermouth

This dish combines the subtle anise flavour of fennel with pancetta, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savoury tastes enhanced by a touch of vermouth and lemon.

Creamy parmesan, pancetta and pea gnocchi

Check out our quick and simple gnocchi recipe with pancetta and peas, in a creamy parmesan sauce, ready in just 20 minutes.

Leek carbonara

The oniony kick of leeks adds a richness to classic carbonara. Freeze any left-over egg whites in a small sealed container – they defrost quickly and are handy for making a pavlova or Swiss meringue buttercream.

Pea, cider and mint soup with crisp pancetta croutons

Crisp up pancetta and stir through sourdough breadcrumbs to make crisp croutons as a crunchy addition to this grown-up pea soup.

Loaded potato skins

Make these creamy, cheese jacket potatoes with crispy pancetta for the perfect mid-winter comfort meal. To cut down the cooking time you can pop the potatoes in the microwave (remember to prick them with a fork) and cook them until soft.

Chicken, leek and pancetta pie

Check out Edd Kimber's chicken, leek, tarragon and pancetta pie. This classic British pie is a great warming recipe for those winter months; what's more, it will be a winner with the whole family.

Calf’s liver with pancetta and rosemary

For a dish packed with bold flavours, pair tender calf’s liver with crispy pancetta and fragrant rosemary, creating a hearty meal perfect for special occasions.

Goat’s cheese pizza with leeks and pancetta

Elevate your pizza night with this sophisticated flavour combination. Pancetta's savoury notes complement the creamy goat's cheese and sweet leeks, making it a delightful treat.

Spring minestrone

This vibrant soup gains depth from pancetta, creating a comforting and satisfying dish brimming with seasonal vegetables and a hint of Italian herbs.

Spaghetti carbonara arancini

Crispy pancetta and creamy mozzarella carbonara filling is encased in panko breadcrumbs to create an impressive and seriously moreish canapé for your next gathering.

One-pot creamy pancetta and parmesan pasta

An easy yet indulgent meal, this pasta dish combines the salty richness of pancetta with the umami of parmesan, resulting in a creamy flavour-filled one-pot wonder.

‘Eat your greens’ quiche Lorraine

Infuse your quiche with pancetta for a smoky taste that pairs well with fresh greens and rich custard, creating a delicious dish suitable for breakfast or brunch.

Potato, pancetta and spring onion pancakes

Looking for an easy savoury pancake recipe? We've used instant mash in this recipe making the pancakes super soft and smooth, served with crisp grilled pancetta slices.