Welcome to the ultimate guide to cooking bacon, where we'll discover the secrets to achieving crispy, flavorful bacon every time. Whether you prefer your bacon crispy, chewy, or somewhere in between, this article will provide you with the essential techniques and tips to cook bacon to perfection. From choosing the right type of bacon to mastering the cooking process, we'll cover everything you need to know to create mouthwatering bacon that will elevate your breakfast, brunch, or any meal of the day.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING
To make his Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing recipe from Good Eats on Food Network even better, Alton Brown tops it with sliced eggs and mushrooms.
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories appetizer
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Remove the stems from the spinach and wash, drain and pat dry thoroughly. Place into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Place the eggs into an electric kettle and cover with cold water by at least 1-inch. Turn the kettle on. Once the water comes to a boil, the kettle will turn itself off. Leave the eggs in the water for 15 minutes. Remove and peel off the shell. Slice each egg into 8 pieces and set aside.
- While the eggs are cooking, fry the bacon and remove to a paper towel to drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
- Transfer the fat to a small saucepan set over low heat and whisk in the red wine vinegar, sugar and Dijon mustard. Season with a small pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper.
- Add the mushrooms and the sliced onion to the spinach and toss. Add the dressing and bacon and toss to combine. Divide the spinach between 4 plates or bowls and evenly divide the egg among them. Season with pepper, as desired. Serve immediately.
OVEN-BAKED BACON
I always bake bacon in the oven! You just need to plan a bit ahead as the bacon takes longer. With baking, the bacon grease stays nice and clean and you can reuse it to saute vegetables or eggs for extra flavor.
Provided by barbara
Categories Side Dish
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 1
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place bacon slices one next to the other on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Flip bacon slices with kitchen tongs and return to oven. Bake until crispy, 15 to 20 minutes more. Thinner slices will need less time, about 20 minutes total. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 134.3 calories, Carbohydrate 0.4 g, Cholesterol 27.3 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 573.7 mg
HOMEMADE BACON
Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network
Time 3h30m
Yield 3 1/2 pounds bacon
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Rinse the pork belly and pat dry. Transfer to a resealable 2-gallon plastic bag. To make the spice rub, mix the kosher salt, pink salt, brown sugar, honey, red pepper flakes, paprika and cumin in a bowl. Coat the pork belly all over with the mixture.
- Close the bag and refrigerate 7 to 10 days, flipping once a day, until the pork belly feels firm. It should take 7 days for a thin belly that is about 11/2 inches thick, longer for a belly that's 2 to 3 inches thick.
- Remove the pork belly from the bag, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Refrigerate the belly on a rack, uncovered, 48 hours.
- Set up your smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions using applewood chips, and set to 200 degrees F. Smoke the pork belly 3 hours, or until the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees F.
- Remove the rind (optional), then slice and cook as desired. To store, wrap the bacon in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 2 months.
- Pink curing salt is a mix of salt and sodium nitrite. It keeps the meat pink and protects it from bacteria. You can find it at specialty food stores or online.
BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN IN THE OVEN
Chicken wrapped in bacon... Goes well with corn, probably other vegetables or bread, too.
Provided by Zachary Hensler
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Baked and Roasted Breasts
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and onion powder together in a small bowl. Rub 1/2 of the spice mix over chicken breasts.
- Wrap each breast with 2 to 4 slices of bacon, depending on size. Place in a baking dish and sprinkle remaining spice mix over top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bacon is crispy and chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 25 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Serve topped with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.1 calories, Carbohydrate 15.2 g, Cholesterol 105.6 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 1212.4 mg, Sugar 13.6 g
SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON-MUSTARD DRESSING
A classic steakhouse-style spinach salad with the absolute best warm bacon-mustard dressing I've ever had! Looks and tastes like a lot of work, but can be prepared in no time! This salad can easily be converted to a main dish salad by adding strips of grilled chicken breast.
Provided by brightlightz
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes Spinach Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place spinach into a large serving bowl, top with hard-cooked eggs, mushrooms, 4 crumbled strips of bacon, Swiss cheese, and almonds.
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in shallots and garlic, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and 2 crumbled strips of bacon; season to taste with salt and pepper, then cook until hot.
- Pour hot dressing over spinach and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 662.5 calories, Carbohydrate 40.1 g, Cholesterol 292.6 mg, Fat 40.6 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 36.1 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 1123.4 mg, Sugar 26 g
PAN ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON
Sunny Anderson's Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe takes the bitter green vegetable to salty-sweet heights, and you need only four ingredients.
Provided by Sunny Anderson
Categories side-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, then roughly chop. In same pan with bacon fat, melt butter over high heat. Add onions and Brussels Sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and toss bacon back into pan. Serve immediately.
BACON CHEESE FRITTATA
Make this frittata even easier by using cooked bacon from the freezer. It's a wonderful dish to serve at brunch or to take as leftovers for lunch.
Provided by Mildred Marie Martin
Categories 100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes Eggs Frittata Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 7x11-inch baking dish.
- Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and crumble.
- Beat eggs, milk, butter, salt, and ground pepper in a bowl; pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with onions, bacon, and Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.7 calories, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 227.6 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 15.3 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 602.5 mg, Sugar 2.5 g
FRIED CABBAGE WITH BACON
My family loves this fried cabbage recipe. I serve it with homemade cornbread. Make a lot, because there will not be any left.
Provided by Vairy
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Onion
Time 50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside. Add onion and garlic and cook in bacon grease until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in cabbage, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper; mix to combine. Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Stir cooked bacon into the skillet with the cabbage mixture. Simmer over low heat until cabbage reaches the desired consistency, 20 to 30 minutes. Serve hot or warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.5 calories, Carbohydrate 9.1 g, Cholesterol 8.5 mg, Fat 3.4 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 219.9 mg, Sugar 4.6 g
WORLD'S BEST BACON CHEESE DIP
Hot delicious dip is always a hit. Makes your taste buds go crazy! Serve warm with your choice of crackers.
Provided by KAMRYN
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Bacon Appetizers
Time 25m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place bacon in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in Swiss cheese, onions, and bacon. Place bowl in microwave, and cook 2 minutes. Remove, and stir well. Return to microwave, and cook 2 to 4 minutes more. Sprinkle crushed crackers on top. Serve warm with crackers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.6 calories, Carbohydrate 2.3 g, Cholesterol 38.4 mg, Fat 23.1 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 213.4 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
QUICK GREEN BEANS WITH BACON
Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They're best when served hot. -Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place beans in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until beans are crisp-tender, 8-10 minutes; drain. In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp and onion is tender, stirring occasionally, 3-5 minutes., Add beans to bacon mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 62 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 177mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
EASY BROCCOLI BACON SALAD
Anybody who doesn't like broccoli will change their mind upon taking their first bite.
Provided by readycooker
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Broccoli Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine broccoli, onion, bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds in a bowl.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, and red wine vinegar together in a bowl until dressing is smooth; pour over broccoli mixture and stir to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 230.8 calories, Carbohydrate 28 g, Cholesterol 5.2 mg, Fat 13.5 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 94.7 mg, Sugar 20.4 g
BACON CHEESEBURGERS
This takes a little more effort than the average cheeseburger, but is well worth it! Serve on buns with your favorite condiments.
Provided by Naomi Adcock Thompson
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork
Time 30m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat a grill for high heat.
- Place bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry, stirring occasionally. When the bacon is almost done, add the onion. Cook until the bacon is crisp, and the onion is tender. Remove onion and bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon, and transfer to a food processor. Pulse a couple of times to chop finely. Do not puree. Pour into a large bowl, and mix with steak sauce and ground chuck using your hands. Form into 16 patties.
- Place patties on the grill, and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until well done. Place a slice of cheese on top of each one during the last minute.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 365 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 101.4 mg, Fat 27.3 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 26.6 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 735.1 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
SCALLOPS WRAPPED IN BACON
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the bacon strips on the parchment paper and bake until just beginning to get golden around the edges but still very pliable, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the scallops on all sides with the Essence and salt. Wrap each scallop in 1 piece of the bacon, securing it through the center with a bamboo skewer. Repeat with the remaining scallops.
- When the grill is hot, brush the grates lightly with oil, then place the scallops on the grill and cook, turning frequently, until just cooked through about 7 minutes total. Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish each scallop with a dab of the butter and serve immediately.
- Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch
- Published by William Morrow, 1993.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
BACON-WRAPPED MEATLOAF
This bacon wrapped meatloaf is made with a blend of pork and beef and cooked in the classic loaf fashion. It's very meaty and a great family dinner.
Provided by Tom Judd
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Sausage
Time 2h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) .
- Combine ground beef, ground sausage, crushed crackers, ketchup, onion, eggs, onion powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl until mixed thoroughly, using your hands for best results. Form mixture into a loaf shape.
- Weave strips of bacon into a basket weave pattern. Place meatloaf in the center and carefully lift and transfer to a loaf pan, so bacon is on the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 1 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Allow to sit for 5 minutes before carefully flipping onto a platter.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.6 calories, Carbohydrate 9.2 g, Cholesterol 149.1 mg, Fat 28.4 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 26.7 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 1112.5 mg, Sugar 7 g
SPINACH AND BACON QUICHE
A friend of mine made this, and I just had to have the recipe. And it is the best tasting quiche I have had in years. Never any complaints when I make it. Great for a fall/winter dinner with a cup of soup.
Provided by Lindalou
Categories 100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes Eggs Quiche
Time 50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop when cool.
- Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce. Spread the spinach into the bottom of the pie crust; top with bacon, Cheddar cheese, and green onion. Pour the egg mixture over the filling, and sprinkle the quiche with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is lightly puffed and browned, and a knife inserted into the center of the quiche comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 505.6 calories, Carbohydrate 14.3 g, Cholesterol 240.5 mg, Fat 41.5 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19.8 g, SaturatedFat 20.1 g, Sodium 743.6 mg, Sugar 0.9 g
BACON-WRAPPED SCALLOPS
I found this recipe on another website and tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. We really enjoyed this recipe and hope you will too!
Provided by Dreamgoddess
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 33m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- If you prefer, the bacon can be pre-cooked for a couple of minutes in the microwave to insure it will be crispy by the time the scallops are done.
- Do not overcook the scallops as they will be rubbery.
- Cut each piece of bacon in half to make 24 pieces.
- Roll a piece of bacon around each scallop and secure on wooden skewers.
- Place scallops on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with Old Bay and creole seasoning.
- Both seasonings contain salt, so don't overdo it!
- Amounts listed are what I used.
- Bake at 425 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or until the scallops are done.
- The bacon should be crispy.
- While the scallops are cooking, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar in a saucepan to make the dipping sauce.
- Mix well and cook until the sugar is dissolved.
- Serve the scallops with the dipping sauce.
SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING
My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. -Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon drippings., Add vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, mustard and seasonings to drippings; heat through, stirring to blend. Transfer to a small bowl; gradually whisk in oil. Stir in half of the bacon., Place spinach, onion and eggs in a large bowl; toss with warm dressing. Sprinkle with remaining bacon; serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 280 calories, Fat 25g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 196mg cholesterol, Sodium 373mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
BACON-WRAPPED FILET
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 25m
Yield 1 serving
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Generously salt and pepper both sides of the steak. Wrap the steak with the bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. When melted, add the steak to the skillet and sear on both sides until a really nice color, about 1 minute per side.
- Remove the skillet from the stovetop and place into the oven to finish cooking. Cook until medium rare, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
EASY BACON-CHEDDAR CRUSTLESS QUICHE
Bacon and cheese make this eggy crustless quiche a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's so easy that it'll be your go-to recipe for every breakfast and brunch occasion!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Breakfast
Time 1h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
- In large bowl, beat eggs and whipping cream with whisk or fork until well blended. Stir in bacon, cheese, 1/3 cup green onions and the thyme leaves. Pour into baking dish.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, and garnish with chopped green onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 310, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 255 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 430 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 1/2 g
MAC 'N CHEESE WITH BACON AND CHEESE
Provided by Tyler Florence
Categories main-dish
Time 1h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente. Drain.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small saucepan heat the milk with the thyme sprigs and 2 garlic cloves. Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to keep lumps from forming. Strain the solids out of the milk and whisk it into the butter and flour mixture. Continue to whisk vigorously, and cook until the mixture is nice and smooth. Stir in the 4 cups of the cheese and continue to cook and stir to melt the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and the parsley and fold that all in to coat the macaroni with the cheese mixture. Scrape into a 3-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 cups cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- While that bakes, heat a saute pan. Add the bacon, render the fat and cook until crispy. Add onion, garlic and thyme leaves and cook for about 5 minutes to soften the onion. Season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, scatter the bacon mixture over the mac and cheese. Use a big spoon to scoop out servings, making sure you get some of the smoking bacon mixture on each spoonful.
Tips:
- Choose the right bacon: Not all bacon is created equal. For the best results, choose thick-cut bacon with a good amount of marbling. This will help the bacon cook evenly and give it a crispy texture.
- Cook the bacon over medium heat: This will help the bacon render slowly and evenly. If you cook the bacon over too high heat, it will burn on the outside before it's cooked through on the inside.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking bacon, it's important to give it enough space so that it can cook evenly. If you overcrowd the pan, the bacon will steam instead of fry and it won't get crispy.
- Flip the bacon halfway through cooking: This will help the bacon cook evenly on both sides.
- Cook the bacon until it's crispy: The best bacon is crispy and slightly chewy. Cook the bacon until it reaches the desired doneness, then remove it from the pan and drain it on paper towels.
Conclusion:
Bacon is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. With these tips, you can cook bacon perfectly every time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, reach for the bacon!
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