Bacon is a staple food that’s loved for its salty, crispy texture and its delicious flavor. Many people cook bacon on the stove or on a griddle, but have you ever tried cooking it in the oven? Cooking bacon in the oven is a great way to prepare a large amount of bacon all at once without the mess and hassle of cooking it on the stove.
While it might seem strange at first, cooking bacon in the oven is actually quite easy and yields delicious results. It’s also a great way to avoid the splatters and burns that can come with cooking bacon on the stovetop. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to cook bacon in the oven, so you can enjoy perfectly crispy bacon every time.
Why fry bacon in the oven?
Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast foods in the world, and it’s no surprise that people have come up with countless ways to cook it. Among the many methods, oven-baking is a popular choice for many cooks. While many people still opt for the traditional stovetop frying technique, others prefer to bake their bacon in the oven, and for good reason.
Firstly, baking bacon in the oven is much more convenient than frying it on the stovetop. This is particularly true when cooking for large groups or when needing to multitask in the kitchen. Cooking bacon in the oven frees up precious stovetop space and allows you to prepare other dishes simultaneously. Additionally, cooking bacon in the oven results in crispier bacon that is evenly cooked, thanks to the consistent heat distribution in the oven. The result is a perfect, crispy bacon that melts in your mouth.
Preparing the bacon for oven frying
Preparing the bacon for oven frying requires a bit of attention to detail to ensure that it cooks perfectly. The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F and choose a baking sheet with raised edges to prevent bacon grease from spilling over. Next, you’ll need to prepare the bacon, starting by selecting good quality bacon with the right thickness. Thick-cut slices work best for oven frying as they cook evenly and provide a meatier texture.
Once you’ve picked out the bacon, lay the strips on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. If you prefer, you can cover the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleaning easier. Lastly, you can season the bacon with some black pepper or other spices you like. This will help to enhance the flavour of the bacon while it cooks in the oven. Once you’ve completed these steps, your bacon is ready to be fried in the oven in just a few minutes.
Setting up and adjusting the oven for best results
Setting up and adjusting the oven for the perfect bacon can make all the difference to your final result. It is essential to first ensure that the oven is preheated to the correct temperature before cooking. Preheating the oven takes about 10 to 15 minutes and allows the bacon to cook evenly. The appropriate temperature for cooking bacon in the oven is 400°F.
Next, ensure that the oven’s racks are arranged to accommodate the bacon strips. The optimal position for the racks is in the middle of the oven. This guarantees that the bacon cooks evenly, and the strips do not burn. Finally, it is important to place the bacon on a wire baking rack. This enables the bacon to cook evenly, with minimal mess, as it allows the grease and fats to drip through the rack and onto the pan below. These simple setup and adjustment steps will ensure that your oven-fried bacon is perfectly cooked, crispy, and delicious.
How to determine the perfect cook time for your bacon
Determining the perfect cook time for your bacon in the oven depends on the thickness of the bacon and the desired level of crispiness. Thicker bacon will require a longer cook time, while thinner bacon will cook faster. A good rule of thumb is to begin checking the bacon after 10-12 minutes of cooking and then every 5 minutes thereafter.
To determine the desired level of crispiness, you can visually check the color and texture of the bacon. If it appears too soft or chewy, continue cooking for a few more minutes. However, if it becomes overly brown or blackened, it has likely been cooked for too long. It is important to note that the bacon will continue to cook and crisp up once removed from the oven and allowed to cool for several minutes. By monitoring the cook time and using visual cues, you can achieve perfectly cooked bacon every time.
Alternative techniques for oven frying bacon
While the classic method of oven-frying bacon may be the go-to for many, there are a few alternative techniques worth trying. One such approach is to bake bacon on a wire rack or cooling rack, which elevates the bacon and allows grease to drip off more easily. This method can result in crispier bacon and less mess in the pan.
Another alternative technique is to add a bit of water to the pan before baking. This may seem counterintuitive, but the water can help render the fat and make the bacon less greasy. To try this method, simply place bacon in a baking dish, add a small amount of water, and bake as usual. Drain any excess liquid or discard it once the bacon is done. Experiment with different methods to find your preferred way of oven-frying bacon.
Cleaning up after oven frying bacon
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious bacon, it’s time to clean up your oven. First, you have to wait until the oven has cooled down sufficiently before cleaning it. You can also put on protective gloves before cleaning the oven to avoid any possible burns.
Start by removing the tray with the bacon grease and pouring it out into a heat-resistant container. You can now use a sponge or a cleaning brush to scrub away the grease on the baking tray. You can also use an all-purpose cleaner to get rid of any remaining grease. Then, wash the tray with hot soapy water and leave it to dry completely before storing it. Finally, wipe down the inside of the oven with hot soapy water and then use a clean cloth to dry it out. With just a little bit of elbow grease, you can have a clean and fresh-smelling oven.
Tips and tricks for serving perfectly cooked oven-fried bacon
When it comes to serving perfectly cooked oven-fried bacon, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference. First and foremost, it’s important to remove the bacon from the oven as soon as it becomes crispy and golden brown. This will ensure that it doesn’t become overcooked or burnt, which can ruin the taste and texture of the bacon.
Another tip is to place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil or grease. This will help make the bacon less greasy and more enjoyable to eat. Finally, consider adding some seasoning or spices to the bacon before baking, such as black pepper or cayenne pepper, to give it an extra kick of flavor. With these tips and tricks, you can serve up perfectly cooked oven-fried bacon that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
Frying bacon in the oven is an easy and hassle-free way to cook this crispy and delicious breakfast staple. It saves time and energy, and also ensures that the bacon is evenly cooked without any burnt or undercooked spots.
To fry bacon in the oven, all you need is a baking sheet, some parchment paper and a rack to place the bacon on. You can also experiment with different seasonings and flavors to make your bacon even more delicious. Overall, baking bacon in the oven is a great option for busy mornings or when cooking for a crowd. So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy perfectly cooked bacon every time!