Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, is a culinary icon who has charmed audiences with her warm and approachable style of cooking. Her recipes are known for their simplicity and elegance, and her techniques for preparing classic dishes are often the subject of culinary admiration. One such technique that has become popular among food enthusiasts is her method of cooking bacon in the oven.
Cooking bacon in the oven is a technique that has been around for a while, but it’s Ina’s specific approach that has garnered attention. Her method involves cooking the bacon in the oven at a low temperature, which results in perfectly crispy and evenly cooked bacon. It’s an easy and fuss-free way to cook bacon, and it’s no wonder that it has become a go-to method for many home cooks. In this article, we will dive deeper into Ina Garten’s bacon cooking method and explore why it’s so effective.
The Benefits of Baking Bacon versus Frying
Baking bacon in the oven is a great alternative to frying because it offers several benefits. First and foremost, it’s a healthier option as it allows excess fat to drip off the bacon as it cooks. This results in a crispy and delicious bacon that’s free from excess grease and oil. Unlike frying, bacon baked in the oven doesn’t sit in its own grease as it cooks, which can lead to a soggy texture.
Baking bacon in the oven is also extremely convenient and time-saving. This method requires minimal prep work as it eliminates the need for consistent flipping and monitoring. Plus, it makes clean-up a breeze as it eliminates the need for hot grease splatters on the stovetop. By simply laying out the bacon on a baking sheet and popping it in the oven, you can free up your time to focus on other things while still enjoying a satisfyingly crispy treat.
Ina Garten’s Bacon Recipe: Step-by-Step
Ina Garten’s oven-cooked bacon recipe is a popular method among many home cooks, as it eliminates the mess and fuss associated with cooking bacon on a stovetop. Using this technique, you can cook bacon to crispy, golden perfection in no time.
The steps for cooking bacon in the oven according to Ina Garten’s recipe are simple and easy to follow. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, lay bacon strips on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. Remove from the oven, drain the excess grease on paper towels, and enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon.
Seasoning Your Bacon Before Baking
To add an extra punch of flavor to your bacon, seasoning it before baking is a great way to do so. Ina Garten suggests using a combination of brown sugar, black pepper, and pure maple syrup to give your bacon a sweet and savory taste.
Begin by mixing one tablespoon of brown sugar and one teaspoon of black pepper in a small bowl. Next, brush both sides of the bacon slices with pure maple syrup and then sprinkle the brown sugar and black pepper mixture over the top. Make sure the bacon slices are evenly coated to ensure maximum flavor. Place the seasoned bacon on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for around 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. By seasoning your bacon before baking, you can enjoy an extra burst of flavor that will make your dish even more delicious.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Bacon Every Time
Cooking bacon in the oven is a great way to achieve crispy, evenly cooked strips without the mess of stove-top splatters. Here are some tips to ensure that your bacon comes out perfectly every time.
Firstly, it’s important to use a rimmed baking sheet to contain any drippings. Line the sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup even easier. Next, make sure to arrange the bacon strips in a single layer and don’t overlap them, as this will result in uneven cooking. It’s also a good idea to rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly. Finally, keep a close eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time, as it can quickly go from perfectly crispy to burnt. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked bacon straight from the oven.
How to Store Leftover Bacon
Leftover bacon can be a lifesaver on busy mornings when you need to rush out the door. It’s important to store the bacon properly to ensure its freshness and taste. The best way to store leftover bacon is by placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will prevent air and moisture from getting in and causing the bacon to spoil or dry out.
You should also store the bacon in the refrigerator where it will last for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep it for longer, freezing is your best option. Simply wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bacon can last for up to 6 months and can easily be thawed in the refrigerator overnight or defrosted in the microwave for quick use. With these tips, you can enjoy your leftover bacon without having to worry about its freshness and taste.
Recipes to Try with Oven Baked Bacon
There are countless ways you can enjoy oven baked bacon in your meals. Whether you’re looking for a savory breakfast or a flavorful topping for your salad, there are plenty of recipes to try. One classic dish that features bacon is the BLT sandwich, which you can easily make with Ina Garten’s oven baked bacon recipe. Toast some bread, add lettuce and tomato slices, and you have a delicious sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Another recipe to try is bacon-wrapped asparagus. Simply wrap some asparagus spears in bacon, bake them in the oven, and enjoy a tasty and healthy side dish. You can also add oven baked bacon to your pasta dishes, soups, and stews for an added burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless when it comes to oven baked bacon, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your favorite recipes.
Other Tips and Tricks from Ina Garten’s Kitchen
Ina Garten’s cooking tips and tricks are well known to her fans. From perfect roast chicken to easy appetizers, the Barefoot Contessa has a wealth of knowledge to share. Here are a few additional tips and tricks from her kitchen.
Firstly, Ina recommends keeping a well-stocked pantry and fridge. This means having basic ingredients like olive oil, herbs, spices, and fresh fruits and vegetables on hand at all times. She also suggests investing in good quality cookware and kitchen tools to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Secondly, Ina believes in serving simple, unfussy food that is easy to prepare. Her recipe for Baked French Toast can be prepared the night before, making breakfast a breeze. Finally, she advises home cooks to enjoy the process of cooking and to share their creations with loved ones.
The Conclusion
Cooking bacon in the oven allows the fat to render out and the bacon to become crispy without the need for constant attention or flipping. Ina Garten’s method of starting with a cold oven and placing the bacon on a wire rack elevates the bacon and ensures even cooking. By using parchment paper and cleaning up any bacon grease, the cleanup is also minimal compared to cooking bacon on the stovetop.
In summary, Ina Garten’s method of cooking bacon in the oven is a simple and efficient approach that yields delicious and crispy bacon. If you’ve never tried cooking bacon in the oven before, give this method a try and see for yourself how easy it is to cook up a perfect batch of bacon.