Extra crispy, golden bacon adds the perfect flair to a variety of dishes. There are numerous techniques for cooking it, but finding the best way to achieve a crisp texture and rich color can be challenging. In this step by step guide, we will teach you how to cook deliciously golden, crispy bacon that will make your meals stand out using three convenient methods: grill pan, oven, and microwave.
It is a hearty staple for breakfast and pairs wonderfully with fluffy scrambled eggs. It accentuates creative omelets filled with an array of brightly colored vegetables, provides a satisfying, crisp texture nestled within a sandwich and gives dinnertime meals an additional zing of flavor. Your home is about to be filled with the mouth-watering scent of cooking bacon.
Before you begin:
- Cooking times will vary depending on how thick the bacon is. These are the times that worked for me. Regular bacon strips will cook faster than thick-cut. I recommend checking after 10 minutes (and every 5 minutes after that) to avoid burning the bacon. Eventually you will get to know the baking time for your oven and your favorite brand of bacon strips!
- If using frozen bacon, be sure to thaw it in the fridge first.
- Also, keep in mind that bacon does get a little more crispy as it cools.
Ingredients
Grab a package of bacon, some tongs and cooking tool of choice.
Option #1. Using a Grill Pan
This method can get a bit messy but it’s quicker than using the oven.
Step 1: Place Bacon Strips in Pan
Place the bacon in the cold grill pan on the stove. Turn the heat to medium and fry until crispy on the bottom.
Step 2: Flip
Turn it over and continue grilling until it’s golden and crispy on both sides (about 7 to 10 minutes total).
Option #2. Using an Oven
I prefer the oven method over the stove-top because it is less messy and there is less active time. The bacon strips get cooked evenly.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat an oven to 400ºF. Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil (do not overlap the bacon).
Step 2: Bake Until Crispy
Bake in the preheated oven until the bacon strips are very crispy and get a nice golden color (about 20 to 25 minutes). If you like it extra crispy, you can go a few minutes longer but keep an eye on them. There is no need to flip the bacon.
Option #3. In the Microwave
This is the quickest option, but some people like to avoid using a microwave.
Step 1: Arrange Strips on Plate
Place the bacon on a microwaveable plate covered with paper towels.
Step 2: Microwave
Microwave on full-power for about 2 minutes. Open the microwave, turn over the bacon, and cook for about 2 more minutes, until cooked through and crispy.
Final Step: Remove Excess Grease
Using paper towels, remove the excess grease from the bacon. Serve & enjoy!
Sample Preparation
Crispy bacon egg wrap.
You can add crispy bacon to a wrap with scrambled eggs and take a lunch from great to amazing!
Save the Grease
If you wish to use the bacon grease for cooking, let it cool for about 15 minutes, drain it into a glass jar and save it in the fridge. You can use it to make gravies or infuse fried rice with smoky flavor.
Storage
Transfer the cooled bacon strips to a covered container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips & Tweaks
- When you are pressed for time, try the microwave method to quickly prepare a meal on-the-go. Use the grilling or baking options when you have more time.
- If you want to try candied bacon, sprinkle some brown sugar over the strips before baking in the oven.
- Serve it alongside eggs and toast for a classic breakfast. Add some crunch to sandwiches, burgers and English muffins. Chop up the strips into bacon bits and serve over baked potatoes.
- You can also bake the strips at 375ºF but it will take a bit longer to cook (about 5 minutes longer in my oven) so I prefer 400ºF.
Please let me know in the comments, which method is your favorite for achieving perfect, crispy bacon.
Crispy Bacon – 3 Ways
Ingredients
- 1 package bacon
Instructions
Option #1. Using a Grill Pan
- Place the bacon in the cold grill pan on the stove. Turn the heat to medium and fry until crispy on the bottom.
- Turn it over and continue grilling until it’s golden and crispy on both sides (about 7 to 10 minutes total).
Option #2. Using an Oven
- Preheat an oven to 400ºF. Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil (do not overlap the bacon).
- Bake in the preheated oven, until the bacon strips are very crispy and get a nice golden color (about 20 to 25 minutes). If you like it extra crispy, you can go a few minutes longer but keep an eye on them. There is no need to flip the bacon.
Option #3. In the Microwave
- Place the bacon on a microwaveable plate covered with paper towels.
- Microwave on full-power for about 2 minutes. Open the microwave, turn over the bacon, and cook for about 2 more minutes, until cooked through and crispy.
Final Step for All 3 Methods:
- Using paper towels, remove the excess grease from the bacon. Serve & enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- Keep in mind that bacon gets more crispy when it cools.
- Cooking times will vary depending on how thick the bacon is. These are the times that worked for me. Regular bacon strips will cook faster than thick-cut. I recommend checking after 10 minutes (and every 5 minutes after that) to avoid burning the bacon. Eventually you will get to know the baking time for your oven and your favorite brand of bacon strips!
- If you want to try candied bacon, sprinkle some brown sugar over the strips before baking in the oven.
- You can also bake the strips at 375ºF but it will take a bit longer to cook (about 5 minutes longer in my oven) so I prefer 400ºF.
- Save the grease: If you wish to use the bacon grease for cooking, let it cool for about 15 minutes, drain it into a glass jar and save it in the fridge.
- Storage: Transfer the cooled bacon strips to a covered container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Looking to further enhance your cooking skills? Check out…How to Chop Garlic