How To Cook Bacon On The Stove

There's nothing quite like the aroma of sizzling bacon filling your kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. Cooking bacon on the stovetop is a simple yet essential culinary skill that can elevate your breakfast game to new heights.

Whether you prefer your bacon crispy or slightly chewy, this guide will walk you through the process of achieving perfectly cooked bacon every time. With just a few basic tools and one star ingredient, you'll be well on your way to bacon perfection.

Ingredients:

Bacon

The star of the show and the only ingredient you need is bacon. While any type of bacon will work (pork, turkey, thin-cut, or thick-cut), we recommend using regular-cut pork bacon for the best results. 

For superior flavor and quality, consider purchasing high-quality organic bacon. The difference in taste and cooking performance is noticeable and well worth the investment.

Kitchen Tools:

1. Frying Pan

A standard frying pan is sufficient for the pan-fry bacon method. We prefer using a non-stick pan, such as the Always Pan, as it simplifies the cleaning process.
Alternatively, a cast-iron skillet is an excellent choice. Its ability to withstand and even benefit from bacon grease makes it a popular option among bacon enthusiasts.

2. Paper Towel-Lined Plate

Prepare a plate lined with paper towels. This serves two important purposes:

• It provides a resting place for the bacon after cooking.
• It helps absorb excess bacon grease, ensuring your bacon is crispy rather than greasy.

3. Tongs

A pair of kitchen tongs is essential for safely flipping and removing the bacon from the hot pan. They provide better control than a fork or spatula, helping to prevent burns and bacon breakage.

4. Grease Container

If you plan to save the bacon grease for future cooking, a heat-resistant container with a tight-fitting lid is useful for storing it safely.

5. Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer

These tools are handy for removing the bacon from the pan while leaving behind most of the grease.

Step-1: Preheat the Skillet

Start by placing a large nonstick skillet on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures even heat distribution across the pan's surface.

You can test if the pan is ready by flicking a tiny droplet of water onto the surface - if it sizzles and evaporates quickly, your pan is at the right temperature. Proper preheating prevents the bacon from sticking and promotes even cooking.

Step-2: Cook Bacon in the Pan

Carefully lay 5-6 strips of bacon in the hot pan, ensuring they don't overlap. Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking and potentially undercooked portions. The number of strips may vary depending on your pan size and bacon width.

As the bacon begins to cook, you'll notice it starting to curl slightly and the fat beginning to render. Cook times vary based on desired doneness:

• 4-5 minutes for perfectly balanced bacon: A good blend of chewy and crispy
• 2-3 minutes for softer bacon: Ideal for those who prefer a more pliable texture
• 5-6 minutes for extra crispy bacon: Perfect for those who enjoy a crunchier bite

During this time, you may notice the bacon releasing its fat and starting to sizzle. This is a good sign - the rendering fat is key to achieving that perfect bacon texture.

Step-3: Flip the Bacon

After the initial cooking time, use tongs to carefully flip each bacon strip. Tongs are preferable to forks as they're less likely to tear the bacon. Once flipped, cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. During this time, you'll see the bacon become firmer and darker in color.

The exact time may vary depending on your bacon's thickness and your desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on the bacon during this stage - it can go from perfectly cooked to burnt quite quickly. Look for a deep golden-brown color for optimal flavor and texture.

Step-4: Let the Bacon Rest

Once your bacon reaches your preferred doneness, use the tongs to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels serve an important purpose - they absorb excess grease, which helps the bacon become crispier as it cools.

Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the paper towels. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. During this resting period, the bacon will continue to crisp up slightly as it cools, and its texture will set. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect bacon texture.

Step-5: Repeat the Process

Continue cooking in batches until all your bacon is done. Between batches, you may need to adjust your heat slightly. If the pan starts smoking, lower the heat a bit. You might also want to drain some of the accumulated bacon fat between batches (save it for other cooking if you like!).

This prevents the bacon from frying in too much oil, which can make it greasy rather than crispy. Make sure the pan is still hot enough before adding the next batch - you should hear a sizzle when the bacon hits the pan.

Additional Tips:

• For more even cooking, try rotating the bacon slices in the pan halfway through cooking each side.
• If you're cooking a large amount of bacon, consider using two pans to speed up the process.
• Different thicknesses of bacon may require adjusted cooking times. Thick-cut bacon will naturally take longer to cook than regular slices.
• Listen to the sizzle - it should be constant but not too loud. If it's too quiet, your pan may be too cool; if it's extremely loud, your pan may be too hot.

If your main question is about the cooking time for bacon on the stovetop, here's a simple guideline: For medium-cut bacon, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. However, the exact cooking time can vary based on several factors:

Bacon Thickness:

• Thin-cut bacon: 3-4 minutes per side
• Medium-cut bacon: 4-5 minutes per side
• Thick-cut bacon: 5-6 minutes per side

Desired Crispiness:

• For chewier bacon, aim for the lower end of the time range
• For crispier bacon, cook towards the higher end of the range

Stove Temperature:

• Start with a cold pan on medium-low heat
• Gradually increase to medium heat as the bacon cooks

Pan Type:

• Non-stick pans may cook bacon slightly faster than cast iron
• Adjust timing accordingly based on your pan

Bacon Quantity:

• Cooking more bacon at once may require slightly longer cooking times

Personal Preference:

• Some people prefer their bacon barely cooked, while others like it extra crispy
• Adjust the cooking time to suit your taste

Tips for Perfect Bacon:

• Monitor closely: Bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt quickly
• Flip frequently: For even cooking, flip the bacon every 1-2 minutes
• Remove when slightly underdone: Bacon continues to crisp as it cools
• Drain properly: Let the bacon rest on paper towels to absorb excess grease

Got leftover bacon grease? Don't throw it away - this flavorful byproduct of cooking bacon can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. Bacon grease adds a rich, smoky flavor to many dishes and can be used as a substitute for butter or oil in various recipes. 

With proper storage and handling, you can make the most of this tasty kitchen staple. Whether you're learning how to cook bacon frying pan style or using other methods, saving the grease can elevate your future cooking endeavors.

Storing:

• Transfer bacon grease into a Mason jar while it's still liquid
• Allow it to cool at room temperature before sealing the jar
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or in the freezer for up to a year

Uses:

Try using bacon grease in:

Chicken and Rice

• Use it to sauté vegetables before adding rice
• Adds depth and savory notes to the dish

Scrambled Eggs

• Cook eggs in bacon grease instead of butter
• Creates flavorful, rich eggs with a subtle bacon taste

Roasted Red Potatoes

• Toss potatoes in melted bacon grease before roasting
• Gives potatoes a crispy exterior and bacon-y flavor

Additional uses:

• Sautéing vegetables
• Seasoning cast iron cookware
• Making homemade salad dressings
• Flavoring cornbread or biscuits

After enjoying your perfectly bacon cooking, you may find yourself with leftovers. Proper storage is crucial to maintain the bacon's quality and ensure food safety. Begin by allowing the cooked bacon to cool completely to room temperature.

This prevents condensation from forming in the storage container, which could lead to soggy bacon. Once cooled, carefully transfer the bacon strips to an airtight container, placing a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Alternatively, you can wrap the bacon tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a resealable plastic bag. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, cooked bacon can last up to 5 days, retaining much of its flavor and texture.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover bacon, you have two convenient reheating options. For the stovetop method, place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

This method helps restore some of the original crispiness and is ideal if you have a bit more time. For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.

Heat on high for approximately 30 seconds per 2-3 slices. If needed, add 10-second intervals until the bacon is heated to your liking. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the bacon to become tough or burn.

Whichever method you choose, always ensure the bacon is heated thoroughly before consuming.

Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your morning than with the irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon? As you master how do you cook bacon on the stove, you'll find that this versatile ingredient can be the cornerstone of countless delicious breakfast combinations.

But why stop at bacon alone? Let's explore some mouthwatering companions that will transform your morning meal into a feast fit for royalty. Complement your expertly cooked bacon with these mouthwatering breakfast options:

1. The Ultimate Breakfast Potatoes

Elevate your morning meal with what we confidently call the best breakfast potatoes you'll ever taste. These potatoes strike the perfect balance - crispy and golden on the outside, while remaining fluffy and tender on the inside.

The secret lies in the cooking method, which ensures each bite is packed with flavor. Prepare a large batch of these breakfast potatoes to accompany your bacon, and you'll have a satisfying meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.

2. Foolproof Hard-Boiled Eggs

Mastering the art of hard-boiled eggs is essential for any breakfast enthusiast. This foolproof method guarantees perfect results every time, allowing you to achieve your desired yolk consistency - whether you prefer them to be slightly jammy or fully set. These eggs pair wonderfully with bacon, adding a protein-rich element to your breakfast plate.

As you ponder how to cook bacon to perfection, remember that combining it with perfectly boiled eggs creates a classic breakfast duo.

3. Innovative Sheet-Pan Pancakes

Revolutionize your pancake-making process with this ingenious Sheet-Pan Pancakes recipe. This method eliminates the need for constant flipping and monitoring, making it ideal for serving a crowd or when you want a hands-off approach to breakfast.

Simply pour your favorite pancake batter into a sheet pan and bake. The result? A large, fluffy pancake that can be cut into squares and served alongside your crispy bacon. This combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a balanced and satisfying breakfast experience.