Pan-Frying Bacon: Size Matters

Frying bacon is a traditional method of cooking it. You can use a basic frying pan, but a cast-iron skillet is also a good option as it weathers bacon grease well. A 12-inch pan should be big enough to fit several slices of bacon. The bacon slices should be placed almost touching, but not overlapping, as this may cause uneven cooking. You can also use a cast-iron bacon press to place on top of the bacon to help it cook evenly and minimise shrinkage.

Pan-frying bacon: use a cast-iron skillet or frying pan

Frying bacon in a pan is a quick and easy way to cook those delicious strips of meat. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a frying pan, and there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best results.

Firstly, you don't need to add any oil to the pan. Bacon is a fatty cut of meat, and while it may stick to the pan at first, it will soon release its fat and stop sticking.

When it comes to choosing your pan, a wide, flat-bottomed 12-inch frying pan works well. A cast-iron skillet is another great option, and some even come with raised ridges that allow the fat to drip away from the bacon. If you're using a cast-iron skillet, it's best to start with a cold pan so that the grease is slowly released as the pan heats up, helping the bacon not to stick.

Whether you're using a frying pan or a cast-iron skillet, make sure you don't overcrowd the pan. The bacon strips should not be overlapping or touching. Place the bacon strips in the pan and cook over medium heat until the bacon starts to brown on one side. Use tongs to flip the bacon, and continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness.

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy bacon cooked in a cast-iron skillet or frying pan.

Cooking bacon in the oven: use a rack in a foil-lined baking pan

Cooking bacon in the oven is a great way to make a large batch of bacon with minimal splattering and mess. It's also easy to do and allows you to multitask in the kitchen.

To cook bacon in the oven using a rack in a foil-lined baking pan, first preheat your oven to between 350°F and 450°F. Take a large, rimmed baking sheet and line it with foil, making sure there is overhang on all four sides to catch the bacon grease. Place a wire or metal rack inside the baking sheet and lay the bacon slices on top in a single layer.

Cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your bacon and how thick the slices are. For thin bacon, cook for 15-19 minutes; for average bacon, cook for 18-23 minutes; and for thick-cut bacon, cook for 22-26 minutes. Check on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time and remove it from the oven when it's reached your desired level of crispiness.

Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and pat the top with more paper towels to help it get extra crisp. You can also save the bacon grease by tilting the pan and pouring it into a jar or container.

Cooking bacon in a microwave: use a microwave-safe rack or plate

Cooking Bacon in the Microwave:

Using a Microwave-Safe Rack or Plate

If you're short on time and want to cook bacon without the mess, using a microwave is a great option. It's also a good choice if you only want to cook a few slices, as it's quicker and easier than using a stovetop or oven.

The basic method involves using a microwave-safe plate or rack and paper towels to absorb the grease. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Plate or Rack

Find a microwave-safe plate or rack. If using a plate, line it with 3-4 paper towels. If using a rack, you may not need any paper towels, as the grease will drip through.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon

Place your bacon slices on the paper towels or rack, ensuring they don't overlap. If using a plate, you can overlap the slices, but they may stick together. Try to avoid this if possible.

Step 3: Cover with Paper Towels (Plate Only)

If using a plate, cover the bacon with an additional paper towel to reduce mess from splatter. If using a rack, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Microwave

Microwave for 4-5 minutes, checking regularly to ensure the bacon doesn't overcook. The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave, the thickness of the bacon, and how crispy you like it. For thinner slices, you may only need 1 minute per slice. For thicker slices, it could take up to 7 minutes for crispy bacon.

Step 5: Check and Continue Cooking if Needed

Once the bacon is almost as crispy as you like it, remove it from the microwave. It will continue to cook a little once it's out. If it's not quite done, put it back in for 30-second bursts until it's perfect.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Transfer the bacon to a fresh paper towel to drain for a couple of minutes. You can also pat it with a towel to absorb excess grease. Then, serve and enjoy!

Pros and Cons of Using a Microwave

Pros:

• Shorter cooking time
• Easy to cook just a few slices
• Able to achieve crispy bacon
• Less mess and easier to clean than a stovetop or oven
• No special equipment required

Cons:

• Can't cook as much bacon at once as other methods
• Unable to sear the edges
• Some methods result in uneven cooking, with crispy edges and chewy centres
• Uses a lot of paper towels
• You can't save the rendered bacon fat for future use

Cooking bacon on a grill: use a cast-iron skillet

Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple, and cooking it on a grill with a cast-iron skillet is a great way to get that perfect crispiness. Here are some detailed tips and tricks for achieving the best results:

Choosing the Right Pan

Select a cast-iron skillet designed specifically for bacon. These pans typically have a square shape with raised grill lines, which improve grilling performance. Tall sides are also a safety feature, as they help prevent hot grease from splashing. Additionally, look for a pan with a lid to provide extra protection from splattering grease.

Pan Preparation

Before cooking, ensure your cast-iron skillet is well-seasoned, as this enhances the flavour of the bacon and makes the pan non-stick. Start with a cold pan, as this will help prevent the bacon from sticking. Preheat the skillet over medium heat, being careful not to let it get too hot.

Cooking the Bacon

Place 4-6 strips of bacon in the pan, ensuring they are not overlapping. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for grilling, as thinner slices may scorch or stick to the grill grates. Cook the bacon for 4-5 minutes on each side for a perfectly cooked, slightly crispy texture. Use tongs to flip the bacon, and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Final Steps

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Allow the bacon to rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, you can save the leftover bacon grease in a jar to use in place of butter or oil in other recipes.

Troubleshooting

If you find that your bacon is sticking to the pan, try adding a small amount of extra cooking oil or bacon grease to the pan before adding the bacon. Additionally, be sure to manage the heat carefully, as lower-to-moderate heat is best for cooking bacon.

Alternative Methods

While cooking bacon in a cast-iron skillet on a grill can deliver excellent results, there are also other methods worth considering. One option is to cook the bacon in the oven, which is a convenient way to prepare bacon for a larger group. You can also try cooking bacon in an air fryer or even in the microwave, though this method may not yield the same crispy texture.

Bacon storage: freeze in portions or roll slices into pinwheels

Bacon is a delicious treat, but sometimes you may have some leftover. Luckily, there are several ways to store it for later.

Freeze Bacon in Portions

If you have uncooked bacon, it should be used within seven days or stored in the freezer. Opened bacon can be frozen for up to a month, or four months maximum. It's best to freeze individual slices so you can defrost only what you need. To do this, place each slice on a sheet of wax or parchment paper, roll it up into a spiral, and repeat with the remaining slices. Place the spirals on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a sealable freezer bag.

Roll Slices into Pinwheels

Another option for storing bacon is to roll the slices into pinwheels. First, fry and chop the bacon. Then, unroll a sheet of crescent dough onto a cutting board and spread cream cheese over it. Sprinkle the bacon on top, along with some shredded cheddar and green onions. Starting with the widest side, roll the dough up and cut it into 1/2-inch slices. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until golden. These pinwheels are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven.

Frequently asked questions