Get large batches of perfectly cooked bacon every time and say goodbye to the grease splashes that come with a frying pan.
You know how to cook bacon, right? I’ve covered it numerous times on the site. Really, it comes down to convenience. Do you have time to watch the strips as they cook in their grease atop a stove? Do you have the ointment on hand to apply to your arms when they inevitably take a shot of scalding hot grease? Do you have the focus necessary to constantly switch out the bacon and put a new batch on? And do this enough times to feed the small army you have coming over for brunch? Do you want to spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning your pan and splattered stovetop afterward?
If you answered yes to all these questions, I salute you. You are more a master of the kitchen than I.
For the rest of us mere mortals, I suggest doing the bacon in the oven. No errant splats of grease, no “helicopter cooking” (is that a term?), and enough space to accommodate large batches at once. And yes, the bacon will taste just as good as any other method you may have adopted. Got a brunch coming up? Get bakin’ that bacon!
Is Bacon Healthy?
Well, not exactly. Bacon is high in sodium and saturated fat, so those watching their intake of both may want to limit the amount of bacon consumed or avoid it altogether. For others, they may like to know that bacon contains protein and is relatively low in calories. It can also be enjoyed as part of gluten-free, low-carb, keto, and Whole30 diets, assuming that you pay attention to the ingredient label.
Tricks For Making Bacon In The Oven
If you really want to nail this method, the key is to make sure the bacon is spread out evenly on the baking tray. There should be no overlapping. This ensures an even cook and crispy finish. If you have a wire rack to sit atop your baking tray, even better. This will allow the heat from the oven to permeate the bacon on all sides.
Finally, don’t forget to save the grease! Once it’s cool, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three months or in the freezer indefinitely. You can use this leftover grease to replace cooking oils in your favorite savory recipes as a way to boost flavor.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Bacon can totally be made ahead of time, which will come as a relief for those expecting lots of guests for brunch. Just cook them up, let them cool, wrap them in paper towels, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge (a resealable bag will do nicely). When you’re ready, just keep them wrapped in the paper towel and microwave them for 15 seconds at a time. Use the fridge-stored bacon within 4 days. You can also freeze the bacon for 1 month. Lay the strips out on a cooking tray, then place them all in the freezer. Once the strips have stiffened, remove the tray and put the bacon in freezer-safe bags or an airtight container. You can then let them thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave the frozen bacon for 30-second intervals.
Serving Suggestions
Though bacon can be served as part of sandwiches, salads, and pizzas, just to name a few, I still consider it primarily a breakfast dish. With that in mind, you can serve any number of morning meals alongside it, like this Blueberry Oatmeal With Cheesecake Swirl, a healthy dish with a slight sweetness. You can also layer the bacon strips between Cottage-Cheese Pancakes—what a protein boost! And, of course, you have eggs as an option, be they Over-Easy Eggs, Over-Medium Eggs, Scrambled Eggs, or as part of a Shakshuka.
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Arrange the bacon slices on the parchment paper. Season with cayenne pepper and chopped rosemary.
- Cook the bacon for 10-15 minutes in the oven, until browned and crispy. Remove the tray from the oven and transfer the bacon to a cooling rack.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment