how to cook bacon in a dutch oven

How to Cook Bacon to Perfection in a Dutch Oven

By John Smith

A Dutch oven is the ultimate versatile cooking vessel. It’s heavy and has a lid that fits tightly. You can use it to cook stews or bake bread. And that includes cooking up perfect crispy bacon!.

With its thick even-heating cast iron walls the Dutch oven is ideal for frying up bacon just the way you like it. Read on to learn foolproof techniques for cooking bacon in a Dutch oven to crispy, crunchy perfection every time.

Benefits of Using a Dutch Oven for Bacon

Cooking bacon in a Dutch oven has some major advantages over using a skillet:

• Heavy cast iron construction evenly distributes heat for consistent cooking

• Large capacity allows cooking greater amounts of bacon at once.

• Tight-fitting lid contains splatter and popping grease.

• Retains heat well so bacon stays hot and crispy.

• Can use on stove, oven or over a campfire for versatility.

• Helps season the Dutch oven interior over time.

• Easier cleanup than a splattered stovetop.

With the right techniques, a Dutch oven turns out picture-perfect bacon worthy of any breakfast plate or BLT sandwich.

Choosing the Right Dutch Oven for Bacon

Any Dutch oven can work for cooking bacon but there are some features to look for:

• Cast iron or enameled cast iron construction.

• Diameter of 10-12 inches to allow bacon to lay flat.

• At least 4-6 quart capacity.

• Tight-fitting lid.

• Helper handle opposite the main handle.

• Durable cooking surface that’s pre-seasoned for nonstick.

Avoid super lightweight pots that won’t retain heat as well. Look for a reputable brand known for quality.

Pre-Seasoning Your Dutch Oven

Before its first use, proper seasoning is needed to create that essential nonstick surface for cooking bacon. Follow these steps:

1. Wash Dutch oven and lid in hot soapy water and dry thoroughly.

2. Coat the interior with a thin layer of cooking oil or vegetable shortening.

3. Place upside down in a 350°F oven for about an hour to bake on the oil coating.

4. Allow to cool completely before handling.

5. Repeat the oiling and heating process 2-3 more times until the cooking surface has a slick patina.

This pre-seasoning prevents food from sticking and rusting. Over time, continued cooking will help build up the natural nonstick seasoning even more.

How to Cook Bacon in a Dutch Oven on the Stove

The stovetop method works great for those who want to keep an eye on their bacon while it cooks to desired doneness. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:

1. Pre-heat Dutch oven over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

2. Add just enough bacon slices to fit in a single layer.

3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until underside is browned.

4. Flip bacon and cook 2-3 more minutes on second side.

5. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Repeat with remaining bacon, working in batches.

7. Drain excess grease from the Dutch oven when done.

Adjust heat as needed to prevent scorching. Cook times will vary based on bacon cut thickness.

Tips for Crispy Dutch Oven Bacon on the Stove

• Choose a lower stove setting for slow, even cooking.

• Use metal tongs for easy flipping.

• Add bacon prior to preheating for best results.

• Pour off excess grease between batches.

• Fry thick-cut bacon first, then regular cut.

• Keep cooked and uncooked bacon separate.

• Fry meats after to capitalize on bacon flavored oil.

With a few trial runs, you’ll get the timing down for your perfect crispness.

Dutch Oven Bacon in the Oven

Want to free up stovetop space and avoid babysitting? The oven is a great hands-off way to cook bacon in your Dutch oven.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Line Dutch oven with foil or a bacon rack.

3. Arrange raw bacon slices in a single layer.

4. Put on lid and place pot in oven.

5. Bake 15-25 minutes until crispy.

6. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

No need to watch and flip. Just set a timer according to your bacon thickness preference and the oven does the work!

Tips for Oven-Baked Bacon in a Dutch Oven

• Use foil to make cleanup easier.

• A bacon rack elevates for extra crispness.

• Bake thick cut bacon a bit longer than regular.

• Leave lid slightly ajar if you want drier bacon.

• Brush oven-safe glazes on halfway through.

• Cook other meats at same time by stacking pots.

From peppered to maple-glazed, oven-baked bacon in your Dutch oven means endless flavor options!

Cooking Bacon Over a Campfire in a Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven is the quintessential camp cooking pot. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking bacon over an open fire:

1. Place pot near edge of fire to preheat 5 minutes.

2. Add 1-2 layers of bacon, leaving space between slices.

3. Position coal briquettes or wood underneath and on the lid.

4. Cook 10-20 minutes, checking frequently.

5. Use tongs to transfer cooked bacon to paper towels.

6. Carefully replace lid and coals to cook additional batches as needed.

Some patience is needed to get the heat right. But once mastered, campfire bacon is well worth it!

Tips for Campfire Bacon Success

• Bring pre-cooked bacon as a backup.

• Use small chips or hot coals for even heat.

• Opt for thick-cut bacon which holds up better over fire.

• Try weaving bacon slices onto campfire skewers.

• Use foil under bacon for easier cleanup.

• Have an oven mitt and tongs ready to handle the hot pot.

• Let the freshly cooked bacon rest a bit before eating.

Properly cooked campfire bacon in a Dutch oven is hard to beat!

Choosing the Best Bacon for Dutch Oven Cooking

Selecting quality bacon makes all the difference in Dutch oven outcomes. Look for:

• Thick or thin slices based on preference. Thick holds up better over campfire.

• Good marbling of fat to keep it from drying out.

• Smoked or applewood flavored for extra flavor.

• High-quality ingredients without excess sodium.

• Responsibly raised meats if possible.

• National brand or butcher bacon for consistency.

• Precut packages for ease or buy a slab to slice yourself.

Take your Dutch oven bacon from basic to gourmet by selecting premium pork.

Cast Iron Care for Dutch Oven Bacon

Cooking bacon leaves behind a greasy residue. Take care of your Dutch oven properly after each use:

• Allow cast iron to fully cool after cooking.

• Remove any stuck-on bits using a plastic scraper.

• Rinse with hot water but do not use soap on the interior.

• Dry immediately and thoroughly after washing.

• Apply a very light coat of oil to interior if not using again soon.

• Store with lid off or slightly ajar.

• Re-season occasionally to maintain the patina.

With proper maintenance, your Dutch oven will only get better with age.

Tips for Crisp Dutch Oven Bacon Every Time

• Start with a properly seasoned cast iron Dutch oven.

• Use medium-low heat and cook slowly.

• Add bacon before heating empty pot.

• Cook in batches to avoid crowding.

• Blot grease between batches.

• Turn bacon just once when second side browns.

• Avoid moving bacon too much while cooking.

• Transfer immediately to paper towels when done.

Mastering the nuances of your individual stove or campfire setup is key for consistently crisp results. But with a few tries, you’ll be a Dutch oven bacon pro!

Fun Ways to Use Leftover Bacon Grease

Don’t pour that flavorful bacon grease down the drain after cooking! Try these tasty uses:

• Saute greens like spinach or kale.

• Fry eggs, potatoes or hashbrowns.

• Make gravy roux for biscuits and gravy.

• Brush on meats before grilling or roasting.

• Grease pans for cornbread, meatloaf or baked beans.

• Use for popping popcorn or roasting nuts.

• Add to cookie dough, scones or biscuits.

• Saute onions, mushrooms or brussels sprouts.

With so many uses, leftover bacon grease is liquid gold. Store in the fridge for upto 1 month.

Serve up the Perfect Bacon Breakfast

Once you’ve mastered cooking bacon in your Dutch oven, try this delicious all-in-one campfire breakfast:

• Prepare campfire and preheat Dutch oven as previous.

• Fry bacon first, remove, and drain on paper towels.

• Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper.

• Pour egg mixture into hot Dutch oven.

• Add chopped vegetables like peppers, onions, potatoes.

• Cook until eggs are set, scraping bottom as it sets.

• Top with crumbled cooked bacon before serving.

Easy cleanup too when cooked right in the Dutch oven! This breakfast is sure to satisfy any bacon cravings.

Get the Most Out of Your Dutch Oven Bacon

Whether cooking over a campfire or your kitchen stove, bacon cooked in a Dutch oven is convenient, splatter-free and always full of flavor. With the right Dutch oven care and cooking techniques, you can fry up crisp, mouthwatering bacon every time.

So treat yourself to a weekend breakfast feast or weekday BLT with bacon cooked to perfection in your trusty Dutch oven.