Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast foods, but cooking it on the stovetop can be messy and time-consuming. You have to deal with splattering grease, uneven cooking, and constant flipping. Not to mention, you have to clean up the greasy skillet and the stove afterwards.
But what if there was a better way to cook bacon? A way that is simple, fast, and hassle-free? A way that produces perfectly crispy and delicious bacon every time? In this article, Trendbbq will show you how to bake bacon, why you should bake bacon, and some tips and tricks to make your bacon even better.
Table of Contents,
1. Why You Should Bake Bacon
Baking bacon offers numerous advantages compared to frying it, including:
- You can easily cook an entire pound of bacon all at once in just a matter of minutes.
- Baked bacon cooks uniformly and lays flat, preventing it from curling up or getting burnt.
- There’s no need to flip the bacon or keep a close eye on it while it cooks.
- You can bid farewell to worries about grease burns, stains, or splatters.
- It opens up extra space on your stovetop for preparing other dishes.
- Your kitchen is filled with an enticing aroma when you bake bacon.
- You have the flexibility to incorporate various seasonings or toppings to your bacon, such as brown sugar, black pepper, or maple syrup.
- You can preserve the bacon grease for future culinary or baking endeavors.
2. How to Bake Bacon
To prepare bacon in the oven, you’ll only require a few items:
- Bacon
- Aluminum foil
- A shallow, rimmed baking pan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- A large plate
Follow these steps for baking bacon:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line the baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the sides to catch any grease.
- Arrange the bacon strips on the prepared baking pan, slightly overlapping them if necessary. Alternatively, you can use a baking rack to elevate the bacon, allowing excess grease to drip off and achieving crispier results.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your preferred level of thickness and crispiness for the bacon. There’s no need to flip the bacon halfway through the baking time.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool for a few minutes before serving.
If you wish to preserve the bacon grease, carefully pour it into a heat-safe container and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. If not, allow the grease to cool down before disposing of it.
3. Tips and Tricks to Make Your Bacon Even Better
Here are some tips for elevating your bacon experience:
- For achieving extra crispy bacon, begin by placing it in a cold oven and then preheat to 425°F. This gradual heating process allows the bacon to slowly release its fat, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy texture. This method typically takes about 14 minutes to cook the bacon to perfection.
- To infuse more flavor into your bacon, consider sprinkling various seasonings or toppings on it before baking. Some delicious options include cracked black pepper, brown sugar, chipotle chili powder, maple syrup, honey, or rosemary. You can also brush on sauces like barbecue sauce, mustard, or teriyaki for a unique twist.
- To make bacon more enjoyable, experiment with different types, such as turkey bacon, Canadian bacon, or vegan alternatives. You can also cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and bake them to create bacon bits or crumbles. These can be used as tasty garnishes for salads, soups, casseroles, or baked potatoes.
- For a healthier bacon option, opt for leaner cuts like center-cut or low-sodium bacon. Additionally, blot the cooked bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease, or use a baking rack to allow the fat to drip off during cooking. To balance your meal, pair your bacon with fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. This will provide a more nutritious and well-rounded dining experience.
Baking bacon is the best and easiest way to cook bacon in the oven, and it has many advantages over frying it. Baking bacon is simple, fast, and hassle-free, and it produces perfectly crispy and delicious bacon every time. You can also customize your bacon with different seasonings, toppings, or types of bacon, and enjoy it with your favorite breakfast foods. Once you try baking bacon, you will never go back to frying it again. Try it today and see for yourself how amazing it is!
>>> See more: How to Cook Chorizo: A Guide to Enjoying This Spicy Sausage
4. FAQs
4.1. What type of bacon works best for baking?
You can use any type of bacon for baking, whether it’s regular, thick-cut, or even flavored bacon. Choose your favorite!
4.2. Do I need to preheat the oven before baking bacon?
Yes, it’s essential to preheat your oven. Preheat it to around 375°F (190°C) for best results.
4.3. Should I use parchment paper or aluminum foil on the baking sheet?
Either parchment paper or aluminum foil can be used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup. This step is optional but recommended.
4.4. How long does bacon bake in the oven?
The baking time can vary based on bacon thickness and your desired level of crispiness. In general, it takes about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and remove it when it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
