How to Cook Perfectly Crisp Bacon — 3 Easy Ways
On the stovetop, in the microwave and in the oven, these basic techniques deliver every time.
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Bacon, it makes everything better. Your eggs would be lonely without it. Your burgers a little less delicious. What's a B.L.T. with no "B"? A breakfast, lunch AND dinner staple, these crispy strips of savory goodness are super simple to make. On the stovetop, in the microwave and to perfection in the oven, here are three triple-tested, so-simple techniques for making it perfect every time.
WATCH: How to Cook Bacon
Watch or keep reading for all the basic ways to cook it.
Method #1: On the Stovetop
Place strips of bacon, side by side, in the base of a 12-inch flat-bottomed pan and turn the burner on to medium-low heat. As the pan heats up and strips begin to cook, turn pieces occasionally using metal tongs. Tongs, rather than a fork, make long pieces easier to turn. Place a metal screen over the pan in between flips to avoid splatters. Cook to desired crispness, then transfer to a paper towel-lined platter. Allow paper towels to absorb grease and then serve.
FLAVOR UPGRADE: Brush with Hoisin sauce during the last 3 minutes of cooking for an extra savory kick.
Method #2: In the Microwave
Layer two-to-three sheets of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Line 10 or so strips of bacon side by side on the plate, arranging them so the lean edge of each slice overlaps with the fat edge of the next slice. Cover with another piece of paper towel. Place plate in microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and check doneness. Repeat cooking on high in 1-minute increments until the strips reach your preferred state of crispness. When checking, carefully lift the paper towel on top to avoid splatter or getting burned. Blot bacon with a fresh paper towel and transfer to another plate with tongs. Then eat!
Method #3: In the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the bacon slices on a large metal baking sheet, overlapping the lean edge of each piece with the fat edge of the next one. Place on the upper rack and bake for 25 minutes until the pieces are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through cooking, move the pan to the lower rack. Tranfer the bacon pieces with tongs to a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to sit briefly to absorb the grease and cool slightly. Then serve!
FLAVOR UPGRADE: Brush with maple syrup and sprinkle with black pepper halfway through cooking for a little more vavoom.
More delicious ways to cook with bacon »
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