Olivia Carter
Bacon lovers rejoice! There’s a new and delicious way to cook your favorite breakfast treat – in a cast iron skillet. This method results in crispy, perfectly cooked bacon that will have you coming back for seconds.
Why cook bacon in a cast iron skillet, you ask? Well, cast iron is known for its ability to distribute heat evenly, resulting in bacon that cooks evenly and develops a beautiful crispy texture. Plus, cooking bacon in a cast iron skillet allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in a perfectly rendered and flavorful bacon.
So, how do you bake bacon in a cast iron skillet? It’s simple. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line your cast iron skillet with bacon slices, making sure not to overlap them. Place the skillet in the oven and let the bacon bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Once the bacon is done, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, delicious goodness of cast iron skillet bacon!
In conclusion, baking bacon in a cast iron skillet is a game-changer. It results in evenly cooked, crispy bacon that is bursting with flavor. So grab your cast iron skillet and give this method a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Preparation
Before you start baking bacon in a cast iron skillet, you’ll need to gather a few necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A pound of sliced bacon
- A cast iron skillet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Tongs or a fork
Make sure your cast iron skillet is clean and dry before you begin. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil on the bottom of the skillet to catch any drippings and make for easier cleanup.
Next, carefully arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the skillet. Make sure the slices are not overlapping for even cooking. You can cut the bacon in half if necessary to fit the skillet.
Now it’s time to bake the bacon! Place the skillet in the preheated oven and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
Once the bacon is done cooking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts or potholders. Use tongs or a fork to transfer the cooked bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Allow the bacon to cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed on its own or used in various recipes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Baking bacon in a cast iron skillet is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy crispy bacon without the mess. Follow these preparation steps for a successful cooking experience!
Choosing the right bacon
When it comes to baking bacon in a cast iron skillet, choosing the right bacon is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect bacon:
1. Thickness: Opt for thick-cut bacon as it holds its shape better during the baking process. Thin bacon tends to shrink and become brittle.
2. Quality: Look for bacon that is made from high-quality pork. The better the quality, the better the flavor and texture will be.
3. Smoked or unsmoked: Decide whether you prefer smoked or unsmoked bacon. Smoked bacon will add a rich, smoky flavor to your dish, while unsmoked bacon will allow the natural flavors of the pork to shine through.
4. Fat content: Consider the fat content of the bacon. If you prefer leaner bacon, look for cuts with less fat. However, keep in mind that a little fat adds flavor and helps prevent the bacon from drying out during the baking process.
5. Nitrate-free: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, choose nitrate-free bacon. This type of bacon is made without the use of artificial preservatives, which some people prefer to avoid.
Remember, the quality and type of bacon you choose will ultimately determine the taste and texture of your baked bacon. So, take your time to choose the perfect bacon to enhance your cast iron skillet dish.
Preparing the skillet
Before you start baking bacon in a cast iron skillet, it’s important to properly prepare the skillet to ensure the best results.
First, make sure your cast iron skillet is clean and dry. If it has any rust or food residue, scrub it with a stiff brush or steel wool and hot soapy water. Rinse the skillet thoroughly and dry it completely with a clean towel.
Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the skillet gets hot enough to cook the bacon evenly.
Once the skillet is clean and dry, you can season it. This step helps to prevent sticking and improves the flavor of the bacon. To season your skillet, rub a thin layer of oil or bacon fat all over its surface, including the bottom and sides.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes to allow the oil or bacon fat to heat up and create a non-stick surface.
After the skillet has been seasoned, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts or pot holders, as it will be hot. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil or bacon fat, as this can cause the bacon to be greasy.
Now your cast iron skillet is ready for cooking bacon. With its well-seasoned surface, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, crispy bacon every time.
Preheating the skillet
Before you start baking bacon in a cast iron skillet, it’s important to preheat the skillet. Preheating helps to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and achieves that crispy texture that everyone loves.
To preheat the skillet, place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes until it is hot to the touch. You can test the heat by sprinkling a couple of drops of water onto the skillet – if they sizzle and evaporate almost immediately, the skillet is ready.
While preheating the skillet, make sure to adjust the burner size to match the size of the skillet. This will help ensure even heating and prevent any hot spots from forming.
It’s important to note that preheating the skillet also helps to render the bacon fat more effectively, resulting in bacon that is less greasy and more flavorful.
Tip: If your skillet is not properly preheated, the bacon may end up being undercooked or, conversely, burnt. So, taking the time to preheat the skillet is definitely worth it!
Baking the bacon
Now it’s time to start baking the bacon in your cast iron skillet. Here’s how:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This will help the bacon cook evenly and get crispy.
Step 3: Carefully remove the heated skillet from the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves.
Step 4: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the hot skillet. Make sure to leave a little space between each strip so they don’t stick together.
Step 5: Place the skillet back in the oven. Let the bacon bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and your personal preference.
Step 6: Keep an eye on the bacon while it bakes to ensure that it doesn’t burn. If it starts to get too dark, you can lower the oven temperature or remove the skillet from the oven earlier.
Step 7: Once the bacon is baked to perfection, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Use tongs or a fork to transfer the bacon strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.
Step 8: Allow the bacon to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly crispy and delicious baked bacon!
Note: Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on the bacon to make sure it doesn’t burn. Thicker bacon may require a longer baking time, while thinner bacon may cook more quickly.
Flipping the bacon
Once the bacon has been cooking for a few minutes, you’ll need to flip it to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides. Use a pair of tongs to carefully pick up each slice of bacon and flip it over in the skillet.
Be cautious when flipping the bacon, as the hot grease can splatter. It’s a good idea to wear oven mitts or use a splatter guard to protect yourself from getting burned.
Continue cooking the bacon, flipping it occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Some people prefer their bacon to be softer and chewier, while others like it crisp and crunchy. Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks to prevent it from burning or becoming too crispy.
Once the bacon is done cooking, remove it from the skillet using the tongs and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will help absorb any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Removing the bacon
Once the bacon is cooked to your desired crispiness, it’s time to remove it from the cast iron skillet. Follow these steps to safely and effectively remove the bacon:
Step 1: Prepare a plate lined with paper towels
Before removing the bacon from the skillet, grab a plate and line it with a few pieces of paper towels. The paper towels will help absorb any excess grease from the bacon, resulting in a crispier and less greasy end product.
Step 2: Use tongs or a slotted spatula
Using tongs or a slotted spatula, carefully lift each strip of bacon from the skillet. Make sure to shake off any excess grease as you remove the bacon to avoid transferring it to your plate.
Step 3: Transfer the bacon to the paper towel-lined plate
Place each strip of bacon onto the prepared plate lined with paper towels. Arrange the bacon in a single layer to ensure that it cools down evenly and any remaining grease is absorbed.
Step 4: Blot the bacon with additional paper towels
Once all the bacon strips are on the plate, blot them with a few more pieces of paper towel. Gently press the paper towel onto each strip of bacon to remove any excess grease. This step will make the bacon even crispier and less greasy.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Your perfectly baked bacon is now ready to be served and enjoyed. Serve it alongside your favorite breakfast foods, use it as a topping for salads or sandwiches, or simply indulge in the deliciousness on its own. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and savor every crispy bite!
FAQ
What is the best way to cook bacon in a cast iron skillet?
The best way to cook bacon in a cast iron skillet is to preheat the skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the bacon strips in a single layer and cook them until crispy, flipping them occasionally. This method allows the bacon to cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
Can I cook bacon in a cast iron skillet in the oven?
Yes, you can cook bacon in a cast iron skillet in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the skillet with the bacon in it. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. Cooking bacon in the oven can be a convenient method as it requires less attention and allows for a larger quantity of bacon to be cooked at once.
