Countless recipes, including savory sandwiches and sweetchocolate layer cakes, can be improved by bacon.
it’s possible for you to’t go wrongas long as you know how to cook bacon perfectly.
(In other words, it’s not limp, soggy, dry, or overly chewy).
Credit:BHG / Abbey Littlejohn
We’ll also dish on how to select and store your pork for the best results.
It’s a great option to cook bacon quickly, and you’ll only need one pan.
If using an electric range, preheat the element for 2 to 4 minutes.
Credit:BHG / Abbey Littlejohn
We suggest cooking it over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until your desired doneness, turning occasionally.
If the bacon browns too quickly, reduce heat slightly.
Drain well on paper towels.
Credit:BHG / Abbey Littlejohn
Test Kitchen Tip: Try using a cast-iron bacon press to place on top of the cooking bacon.
This helps the bacon cook evenly and more quickly and also minimizes shrinkage.
Consider an inexpensive splatter screen to cover your skillet to cut down on splattered grease when frying bacon.
Credit:BHG / Abbey Littlejohn
Curious about what temperature to cook bacon in the oven?
We suggest a relatively high temperature: Preheat the oven to 400F.
Place bacon slices side by side on a rack on a foil-lined, shallow-rimmed baking pan.
Credit:BHG / Abbey Littlejohn
Bake 18 to 21 minutes or until crisp-cooked.
Drain well on paper towels.
Cleanup is also a cinch.
Place bacon slices on a microwave-safe rack or a plate lined with microwave-safe paper towels.
Cover with a paper towel.
Microwave on 100% power (high) to desired doneness, rearranging bacon once.
We recommend cooking bacon in acast-iron skilletfollowing the stovetop instructions above to avoid this.
How About Air-Fryer Bacon?
Wondering how to cook bacon in air fryers?
Our Test Kitchen doesn’t recommend it.
For crisper bacon, buy a thinner cut.
Thinner slices take less cooking time, so they get crispy before burning occurs.
Take a peek at the bacon through the packaging to see the fat-to-meat ratio to determine your desired ratio.
In some markets, it’s possible for you to also buy bacon from the butcher or meat counter.
How to Freeze Bacon
Yes, it’s possible for you to freeze bacon.
Here are a few options to consider:
Thaw any of the above in the refrigerator before using.
