Its easy to make bacon in the oven. This bacon recipe is great whether you’re making a lot of bacon at once or putting some in the freezer to use for breakfast or dinner.
Today were talking about how you can make bacon for a crowd. Even if that crowd is your family. Because I live with a family of six, I had to learn this skill for my own safety.
And while it may seem odd that Im excited about a bacon recipe, I can explain.
Bacon is a breakfast staple loved by many for its savory smoky flavor and satisfying crunch. While frying or baking are the usual methods for cooking bacon par-cooking is another technique that can lead to better results. Par-cooking, also known as blanching, involves partially pre-cooking the bacon in boiling water before finishing it off with the traditional cooking method. This extra step allows you to customize the flavor profile and texture of the bacon. Read on for an in-depth guide on how to par-cook bacon for maximum crispness and taste.
What is Par-Cooking Bacon?
Par-cooking, or blanching, bacon refers to briefly boiling raw bacon in water prior to cooking it completely. The bacon is partially cooked in the boiling water for 1-3 minutes, then removed and finished off by frying, baking, or other cooking methods.
Par-cooking offers several benefits
- Removes excess saltiness from the bacon
- Reduces smoky flavor if desired
- Makes the bacon more pliable for wrapping
- Shortens total cooking time
- Lessens popping and splattering when frying
- Allows for more even cooking
So if you want to tone down the saltiness or smokiness of bacon par-cooking is the way to go. It also provides a head start on the cooking so the bacon finishes faster.
Why Should You Par-Cook Bacon?
Here are some of the biggest reasons to give par-cooking a try:
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Customize flavor – Boiling removes some salt and smoky essence from the bacon so you can better control the end flavor.
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Make bacon more pliable – Par-cooked bacon is more flexible, making it easier to weave, wrap, or stuff.
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Shorten cooking time – Starting the bacon in boiling water gives it a head start on cooking.
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Reduce splattering – Blanching renders out some fat, leading to less popping when pan-frying.
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Cook more evenly – The partial pre-cooking allows the bacon to finish cooking evenly. No more underdone middles!
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Enhance texture – It leaves the bacon with a pleasant, meaty chew instead of tough, dry, or overly crunchy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Par-Cooking Bacon
Follow these simple steps for perfect par-cooked bacon every time:
Ingredients:
- Bacon slices, thawed if frozen
- Water for boiling
Instructions:
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Bring a pot of water to a rapid boil over high heat. Use at least 4 cups water per 4 slices of bacon.
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Add the bacon slices and boil for 1-3 minutes. Time will vary based on thickness and personal preference.
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Remove bacon with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly.
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Pat the bacon thoroughly dry with additional paper towels.
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Finish cooking the par-boiled bacon using your preferred method like baking, frying, or grilling. Reduce cooking time by a few minutes.
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Enjoy your customized crispy, flavorful bacon!
Tips for Par-Cooking Bacon
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Choose a large pot so the bacon has room to move freely while boiling.
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Reduce heat to medium once it reaches a boil to prevent overflow.
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Work in batches to avoid crowding the pot and uneven blanching.
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Let bacon drain and dry well or it won’t crisp up properly when cooked.
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Closely monitor doneness time when finishing par-cooked bacon.
How to Finish Cooking Par-Boiled Bacon
There are several excellent ways to finish cooking par-boiled bacon:
Pan-Frying: Fry for 2-3 minutes per side in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crispy. Use tongs to flip.
Baking: Arrange in a single layer on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Grilling: Place on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip carefully.
Microwaving: Lay strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave in 30 second intervals until crispy.
Air-Frying: Air-fry at 380°F for 4-8 minutes, shaking basket occasionally, until browned and crisp.
Best Uses for Par-Cooked Bacon
Par-cooking bacon provides texture and flavor ideal for:
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Wrapping foods like scallops, shrimp, chicken, and roasted meat.
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Weaving bacon for an attractive presentation.
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Chopping or dicing for omelets, salads, pasta, soups, and more.
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Adding to bean dishes and casseroles where you want smokiness in the background.
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Making BLTs and bacon burgers when you want crispy bacon that isn’t overly salty.
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Cooking quick weeknight meals since it shortens total cooking time.
Storing and Reheating Par-Cooked Bacon
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Allow par-cooked bacon to cool completely before storing.
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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To reheat, cook by baking, frying, or microwaving until hot and crispy.
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For best quality and food safety, avoid freezing par-cooked bacon.
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Fully cooked leftover bacon keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I use when par-boiling bacon?
Use at least 4 cups of water per 4 slices of bacon. Too little water leads to uneven blanching.
Does par-cooked bacon shrink up?
Yes, you may notice up to 15% shrinkage after blanching. This allows you to fit more bacon in the pan when frying.
Can I par-cook bacon in advance?
It’s best to finish cooking par-boiled bacon right away for food safety. Fully cooked bacon can be made ahead.
Should I soak the bacon after blanching?
No, soaking makes it hard to get crispy. Drain briefly then thoroughly pat dry before cooking.
How long can I store par-cooked bacon?
For quality and food safety, par-cooked bacon is best used within 4 days when refrigerated.
Get Perfectly Cooked Bacon with Par-Cooking
Now that you know all about how to par-cook bacon through blanching, you can enjoy customized texture and flavor. Follow the simple process of boiling briefly, draining, drying, and finishing with your favorite cooking method. Par-cooking helps remove excess saltiness, makes bacon more pliable for recipes, reduces splatter when frying, and leaves you with evenly cooked and crispy meat.
How long to cook bacon in the oven
How long it takes will depend on a few factors….
The brand you buy can vary, as well as fat content. Also, thick cut, center cut and regular cut bacon can all vary.
I could go on and on about how different people like their bacon cooked! My husband likes his soft. Me, I prefer crispy bacon! So the answer is really within you, friends.
Try different times and pay close attention the first time you make this so you can figure out how your oven bakes bacon.
If no one is waiting in line to get a slice or two, here are some ways I keep bacon warm.
- put the warm bacon in a slow cooker on low
- Put it in a pan with a lid and put it in the oven on the lowest setting.
- You can cook the bacon ahead of time and then heat it up on low in a skillet when you’re ready to serve.
- I’ve also been known to keep mine in the microwave to keep them warm.
How to cook bacon in the oven without a rack
My bacon is cooking on a rack over here, but you can cook it directly on the pan for even easier cleanup.