I wanted to make liver for my family in a healthier way than frying it, so I came up with this recipe. If you like liver, you will love it:) My husband doesn’t like liver, but he will eat mine when I make it this way, and he loves it. minus the onions of course lol I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does.
Liver and bacon is a timeless combination that never seems to go out of style When cooked properly, the rich, meaty flavor of liver pairs beautifully with the smoky saltiness of bacon While this dish is often pan-fried, baking it in the oven is an easy, hands-off way to achieve tender, juicy results every time.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook liver and bacon in the oven for maximum flavor and texture. You’ll learn how to select the right liver, prep it properly, add flavor with spices and marinades, arrange it perfectly with bacon in a baking dish, and adjust oven temps and cook times so it turns out perfectly.
Let’s get started! Here’s everything you need to know for oven-baked liver and bacon that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
Ingredients Needed
- Slices of calf, beef, or chicken liver
- Bacon slices
- Onion, sliced
- Butter or olive oil
- Fresh thyme and parsley
- Garlic, minced
- Red cooking wine
- Chicken or beef stock
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil for coating pan
Selecting and Preparing the Liver
For the most tender mild results, calf’s liver or chicken livers are best. Beef liver has a stronger flavor and texture. Look for livers that are shiny and deep red with no grayish areas. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry.
To mellow the flavor, you can soak the liver slices in milk for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. For convenience, buying presliced liver works great. Cut slices between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
Arrange the Liver and Bacon
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a casserole dish or oven-safe skillet. Lay half the bacon slices evenly over the bottom. Sprinkle with a bit of flour, salt, and pepper.
Place the liver slices flat in a single layer over the bacon. Sprinkle again with flour, salt, and pepper. Top with remaining bacon.
Bake for about 15 minutes, then flip the liver slices and rearrange the bacon. Bake 10 more minutes. This allows everything to cook evenly.
Add Flavor with Onions, Herbs, and Wine
For fantastic flavor, sauté some sliced onions and minced garlic in butter or olive oil until softened. Spread them over the liver and bacon before baking.
You can also add fresh thyme, parsley, and a splash of red wine. Pour in a small amount of chicken or beef stock too. This adds moisture and prevents sticking.
Baste everything with the pan juices halfway through cooking. The onions, garlic, herbs, and wine infuse the liver with incredible depth and complexity.
Adjust Oven Temp and Cook Times
To ensure tender liver, bake at 400° F for 20-25 minutes total, flipping halfway. Check for doneness after 20 minutes. It should be lightly firm and still a bit pink inside.
For chicken livers, use a 375°F oven and bake for just 12-15 minutes total due to their more delicate texture. Serve chicken livers medium or medium-rare.
Bacon should render out nicely and become crispy from the hot oven. If it’s not quite crisp enough, turn the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Once the liver is cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb so your liver doesn’t dry out.
Slice the liver and bacon into portions. Spoon over the pan juices and onions. Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, wilted greens, or your favorite sides to soak up the incredible flavors.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
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Always pat liver dry before cooking – moisture can cause splattering.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness if unsure. Cook to 145°F for chicken livers and 160°F for calf or beef.
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Add a marinade for extra flavor. Red wine, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs are all tasty options.
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Don’t overcook! Liver dries out quickly. Follow recommended bake times and check for doneness early.
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Let oven-baked liver rest before slicing to maximize juiciness.
With this easy oven method and a few flavor-boosting tricks, you’ll enjoy incredible liver and bacon with ease. Impress your family with your culinary skills by cooking up this classic dish.
Ingredients For lisa’s baked liver and bacon
- WHAT YOU NEED
- slices of liver enough to feed your family
- flour
- seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 egg with 1/4 cup milk beaten
- bacon slices, cut in half so that there is enough for each liver piece
- 2 plates
- 1 bowl
- cookie sheet
- onions for frying
How To Make lisa’s baked liver and bacon
- 1. Put tin foil over a cookie sheet and spray it with a lot of cooking spray.
- 2. Put some flour and salt and pepper on one plate. Put bread crumbs on the other plate. In a bowl beat your egg and add the milk .
- 3: Lightly flour the liver slices, then dip them in the egg mixture and then the bread crumbs. Place them close together on a cookie sheet that has been baked. Follow this method till all pieces of liver are done .
- 4. When you’re done, put two and a half bacon slices on each liver. I cut them in half because it’s easier to work with half-sized pieces.
- 5. Put the liver in an oven set to 350 degrees. When the bacon is crisp and brown, about 35 minutes, the liver is done.
- 6. Fry onions in butter in a pan, and I also put gravy on top of ours. For the liver, I just use our favorite store-bought gravy. Enjoy .
- Last Step: Don’t forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network and watch all of your friends drool. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too! .
Liver, Onions & Bacon is the greatest flavour combo
FAQ
How long does the liver take to cook in the oven?
How long do you cook liver and bacon?
What is the best method for cooking liver?
Is it better to bake bacon at 350 or 400?
How do you cook liver in the oven?
To cook liver in the oven, first preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Then, in a glass baking dish, lay out all of the liver pieces and cover each one completely with sliced onions. This step is crucial, as the onions should fully cover the liver.
How do you cook liver and bacon together?
Put the liver back in the pan and heat it through in the onion gravy for 2–3 minutes until hot, stirring. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the liver and bacon with a small portion of mashed potatoes and lots of freshly cooked greens.
How long do you cook liver and onions in the oven?
Bake liver and onions in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are cooked completely. Drain the fat away on a paper towel before serving. Serve each person with 2 pieces of bacon. This is an easy way to cook liver and onions in the oven.
How long do you cook liver in bacon grease?
Cook liver in bacon grease over medium high heat, turning occasionally to brown both sides. Depending on the size of your skillet you may need to work in batches and add more bacon grease. Liver is done when juices run clear. Return bacon to the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking to warm through.