Guanciale, Pig Cheek Bacon | Free Range, Dry Cured
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Free Range Guanciale | Dry-Cured Pig Cheek Bacon, Rich & Perfectly Cured
Crafted from the finest free range pork, our Free Range Dry Cured Guanciale is a culinary treasure. Cured in a special blend of herbs and spices, this pig cheek bacon is prized for its intense flavour and silky texture. A favourite in classic Italian recipes like carbonara and amatriciana — its richness and depth bring exceptional taste to every dish. May arrive fresh or frozen depending on availability.
Why You'll Love It
🔥 Traditional Italian Favourite – Perfect for authentic carbonara, amatriciana or crisped up for breakfast.
🥩 Herb & Spice Cured – A unique curing blend that enhances the natural flavour and adds aromatic depth.
🌿 Free Range & Responsibly Sourced – From free range pigs on small UK farms that prioritise ethical farming and sustainability.
A Cut Above the Rest
Guanciale is prized for its incredible depth of flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Unlike standard bacon, it delivers a richer, more intense taste that transforms dishes with just a few slices. Whether rendered down for pasta sauces or pan-fried for breakfast, it's an ingredient that makes everything better. Also explore our Blythburgh Smoked Back Bacon and Smoked Streaky Bacon for our cured bacon range.
Ingredients: Pork Cheek, Salt, Sugar, Preservative E250, Black Pepper, Spices.
Order Now
Order before 11am Tuesday to Friday for next-day delivery across the UK. Vacuum-packed and shipped in insulated packaging with ice packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is guanciale?
Guanciale is Italian cured pig cheek — literally meaning "cheek" or "pillow" in Italian. It's cured with salt, black pepper and spices (but not smoked), then aged to develop an intensely savoury, slightly sweet flavour. The cheek has a different fat composition to belly, giving guanciale a richer, more complex flavour than pancetta or standard bacon. It's the authentic ingredient in both carbonara and amatriciana.
How do I use guanciale in carbonara?
Dice into small cubes or lardons. Cook in a dry pan over medium heat — no added oil needed — until the fat renders out and the meat is golden and slightly crisp. Remove the pan from the heat, add cooked pasta, a mixture of egg yolks and Pecorino Romano, and a splash of pasta water. Toss vigorously off the heat. Season with black pepper. Never use cream — the guanciale fat is the sauce.
Can I use it instead of bacon or pancetta?
Yes — guanciale is a direct upgrade from bacon or pancetta in any Italian pasta dish. Use it anywhere you'd use pancetta: carbonara, amatriciana, gricia, or simply crisped up alongside eggs for breakfast. The flavour is more intense and the fat renders more beautifully than standard bacon.
Where does the pork come from?
From free range pigs sourced from small, independent UK farms committed to ethical farming and sustainability.
Do you offer next-day delivery?
Yes — order before 11am Tuesday to Friday for next-day delivery across the UK mainland. Free delivery on orders over £95, otherwise £6.50.
Our team will get your order ready 24 hours before the date requested at checkout. Everything will be cut fresh, packaged with the utmost care by our team and then boxed with ice packs in our sustainable packaging, ready to be delivered Next Day.
Your order will be sent via DPD to the postal address given, on the day of delivery DPD will send you a one hour timeslot for when their driver will drop off to your location. The driver will leave safe if you are not in so the box can be left outside until you arrive back home.
Our cool boxes maintain the right ambient temperature for up to 48 hours so your box will always arrive fresh and chilled.
