How to Use a Copper Bacon Pan: A Complete Guide for Perfectly Crispy Bacon

Cooking bacon can be a messy endeavour The splattering grease, the constant flipping, and the stuck-on bits left behind make traditional frying pans less than ideal This is where the copper bacon pan comes in!

Copper bacon pans have become a popular kitchen tool for their ability to cook bacon to crispy perfection. With their innovative design and non-stick surface, these pans allow you to cook bacon evenly with less splatter and hassle.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to master your copper bacon pan for perfect bacon every time.

Benefits of Using a Copper Bacon Pan

So why choose a copper bacon pan over other types of cookware? Here are some of the key benefits:

• Even heating Copper is an excellent conductor of heat meaning it heats up quickly and evenly. This allows the bacon to cook through consistently.

• Non-stick surface The pan’s coated cooking surface prevents sticking Bacon lifts out easily when cooked

• Holds up to 12 slices: The large surface area lets you cook a lot of bacon at once. Great for feeding a crowd!

• Minimal splatter: The pan contains grease splatter inside while allowing fat to drain off. Less mess!

• Easy cleanup: Food doesn’t stick to the surface, so cleanup is a breeze. Simply wipe out grease with a paper towel.

• Durable material: Copper pans are sturdy and built to last through repeated use.

Using a copper bacon pan takes the frustration out of cooking bacon. You get crisp, evenly cooked bacon in large batches without the usual hassles.

How to Choose a Copper Bacon Pan

When selecting a copper bacon pan, there are a few features to keep in mind:

• Size: Look for a pan that can hold about 12 slices of bacon to cook a full package at once. Standard sizes are usually around 13 x 9 inches.

• Depth: Pans should be deep enough to contain splatter but allow grease to drain off. 1 to 2 inches deep is ideal.

• Non-stick coating: Make sure the cooking surface is coated in a non-stick material like ceramic or titanium for easy release.

• Thickness: Opt for thicker copper for superior heating. Thinner copper may heat less evenly. 1-2mm thick is a good choice.

• Handle material: Metal handles can get hot. Look for plastic or silicone handles that stay cool.

• Brand: Select a pan from a reputable brand known for quality. Some good options are Gotham Steel or Copper Chef.

The right copper bacon pan allows you to churn out pile after pile of perfectly cooked bacon. Keep these tips in mind when selecting one for your kitchen.

Seasoning Your New Pan

Before cooking up your first batch of bacon, you’ll need to give your new copper pan a quick seasoning. This helps the non-stick surface reach peak performance.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Wash the pan: Use hot water and mild soap to wash away any residue from manufacturing and shipping. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

2. Apply thin oil layer: Coat the cooking surface with a thin layer of cooking oil. Vegetable, coconut, or avocado oil all work well.

3. Heat pan: Place pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes to distribute the oil.

4. Wipe away excess oil: Carefully wipe out any excess oil with a paper towel or soft cloth. The surface should have just a light coating remaining.

5. Allow to cool: Let the pan cool fully before using or storing.

Repeat oiling and heating 1-2 more times before cooking bacon to finish the seasoning. Your pan is now ready for bacon magic!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon

Now for the fun part—it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy copper pan bacon:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Place a baking sheet lined with foil or a wire cooling rack inside the oven. This will catch any bacon drippings.
• Set the copper bacon pan on top of the baking sheet or rack.

2. Arrange Raw Bacon

• Lay raw bacon slices in a single layer on the pan.
• Make sure slices aren’t touching each other. Leave about 1⁄4 inch between slices for even cooking.
• You can fit about 12 average-sized slices on a standard 13 x 9 inch pan.

3. Cook the Bacon

• Place pan carefully in the preheated 400°F oven.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes. For chewier bacon, cook just 18 minutes. For extra crispy bacon, bake for the full 22 minutes.
• Rotate the pan once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

4. Remove and Drain

• When bacon reaches desired crispness, remove pan from oven.
• Use metal tongs to carefully transfer bacon slices from pan to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Let bacon rest 1-2 minutes to drain excess grease.

5. Enjoy Your Crispy Bacon!

Your bacon is ready to enjoy! The copper bacon pan results in bacon that’s sizzling hot, evenly cooked, and perfectly crispy without any hassle.

Cleanup and Storage Tips

Part of what makes the copper bacon pan so convenient is that it’s also easy to clean up. Follow these tips:

• Discard grease: Pour hot grease from pan into heat-proof container. Allow grease to cool before disposing.

• Use paper towels: Wipe away any remaining grease residue while pan is still warm using paper towels.

• Clean with soap and water: Wash with hot water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.

• Dry thoroughly: Ensure pan is completely dry before storing to prevent moisture damage to the copper.

• Apply light oil layer: Rub a thin layer of oil over the cooking surface to maintain the non-stick coating.

• Store properly: Hang pan or place in a secure, dry spot. Never stack items on top of the pan during storage.

With proper care, your copper bacon pan will deliver picture-perfect bacon for years to come!

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Master these simple tips and tricks for bacon that’s cooked to crispy, mouthwatering perfection every time:

• Start with cold raw bacon straight from the fridge. Do not pre-cook.

• Make sure the bacon lays flat. Twist or tuck under any warped edges.

• Leave space between slices for even cooking. Overcrowding leads to uneven crispness.

• Cook thicker cut bacon a couple minutes longer than thin cut bacon.

• Watch closely near the end of cooking time to prevent burning.

• Allow bacon to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking to set up the crispness.

• Pour off bacon grease into heat-safe container for storage. Can be used for cooking later.

• Let pan cool fully before cleaning. Hot oil can damage if cooled too quickly.

• Dry pan thoroughly after cleaning and rub with oil to maintain the non-stick surface.

Get Creative: Bacon Recipes to Try

A copper bacon pan isn’t just for plain old bacon. Get creative with these fun recipes:

• Candied bacon: Coat cooked bacon slices with brown sugar or maple syrup. Bake until caramelized.

• Bacon jam: Cook bacon bits, onions, garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices into a sweet and savory spread.

• Bacon wrapped appetizers: Wrap baked bacon slices around scallops, shrimp, chicken chunks, or other bite-sized foods.

• Bacon fried rice: Stir cooked bacon and veggies into rice with soy sauce, eggs, and sesame oil.

• Loaded baked potato soup: Top velvety potato soup with cooked bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and chives.

• Bacon pancakes: Add crumbled bacon right into pancake batter and on top of cooked pancakes.

The possibilities are endless! A copper bacon pan is the perfect tool for turning out creative bacon dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about getting the most out of your copper bacon pan? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

What type of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon contains more fat and will cook up with a better texture. Standard sliced bacon works too. Stay away from extra-thin bacon which tends to overcook.

Should I use bacon on the thinner or thicker side?

Aim for average thickness; very thin bacon disintegrates while thick-cut bacon requires longer cooking. 8-12 slices per pound works well.

How much bacon can I cook at once?

A 13 x 9 inch pan can accommodate about 12 slices in a single layer. Overcrowding prevents even cooking.

Do I really need to preheat the oven and use a baking sheet?