Can You Cook Bacon and Onions Together? A Guide to Combining These Classic Ingredients

Bacon and onions are two of the most beloved ingredients in cooking. The smoky salty flavor of crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet aromatic taste of caramelized onions. But can you actually cook them together? The short answer is yes, you can cook bacon and onions together with great results. However, there are some techniques and tips to follow for cooking bacon and onions together safely and for maximum flavor.

The Benefits of Cooking Bacon and Onions Together

Cooking bacon and onions together rather than separately. has some advantages

• You can cook the bacon and onions in one pan instead of having to clean several pans to cook them separately. This saves time and hassle. This saves cleanup time.

• Flavor blending – Cooking the bacon and onions together allows their flavors to mingle and complement each other. The rendered bacon fat can flavor the onions, while the onions pick up the smoky taste.

• Easy to combine – Once cooked together, the bacon and onions are already combined and ready to add to recipes like omelets, sandwiches, salads and more.

Challenges and Safety Tips

It’s possible to get great flavor by cooking bacon and onions together, but there are some things to keep in mind for safety:

• With different cooking times—onions take longer than bacon, the times need to be matched up.

• Preventing burnt onions – The onions can easily burn if they cook too quickly over high heat. Lower heat is required.

• Food safety – Raw bacon can contaminate the onions with salmonella. Proper cooking of the bacon is vital.

• Splattering grease – Bacon grease can splatter and burn you when onions are added.

To cook bacon and onions safely together, follow these tips:

• Start with raw bacon – Cook raw bacon first to render the fat properly. Pre-cooked bacon won’t produce enough fat.

• Use thick-cut bacon – Thick slices will cook more slowly to match the onion cooking time.

• Cook over low to medium-low heat – This prevents burning and allows even cooking.

• Cook the bacon until crispy – Ensure it’s fully cooked for food safety before adding onions.

• Remove some bacon fat – Pour off excess grease so the onions don’t fry in too much fat.

• Add onions once bacon is nearly done – This coordinates the cooking times well.

• Stir frequently – This prevents sticking and evenly cooks.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon and Onions Together

Follow these simple steps for foolproof bacon and caramelized onions cooked together:

1. Cook the Raw Bacon

• Place thick, raw bacon strips in a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal).

• Cook the bacon over medium-low heat. This allows the fat to render slowly without scorching.

• Fry the bacon until it’s browned and very crispy, about 8-10 minutes.

• Flip the bacon occasionally for even cooking.

2. Remove Some of the Bacon Fat

• Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

• Carefully pour off some of the bacon grease into a heatproof container. Leaving about 1-2 Tbsp in the pan.

• Removing some grease prevents the onions from frying too quickly in too much fat.

3. Cook the Onions

• Add the onions to the pan with the remaining bacon fat.

• Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.

• Slow cooking allows the onions to caramelize and sweeten gradually, about 10-15 minutes.

• If needed, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning.

4. Combine the Bacon and Onions

• Once the onions are softened and caramelized, return the cooked bacon to the skillet.

• Toss the bacon and onions together and cook for 1-2 more minutes to blend the flavors.

• You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or broth to deglaze the pan for extra flavor.

• Season with salt and pepper as needed.

And that’s it! You now have perfect crunchy bacon and sweet, tender onions cooked together in one pan. These can be enjoyed as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, omelets, salads and more. While cooking bacon and onions together takes a little coordination, the extra time and effort yields big rewards in terms of convenience and maximum flavor.

Tips for the Best Results When Cooking Bacon and Onions Together

Follow these tips to ensure you achieve the perfect texture and flavor when cooking bacon and onions together:

• Use a heavy, thick pan like cast iron or stainless steel to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning. Nonstick pans can react with the rendered bacon fat.

• Leave the bacon fat in the pan after cooking the bacon. This adds flavor. You can drain off some of the fat, but leave 1-2 Tbsp to cook the onions.

• Use a slotted spoon when removing the bacon so the fat stays in the pan. Tongs will remove too much fat.

• Cook over med-low heat and stir the onions frequently. High heat will scorch them.

• Don’t crowd the pan with onions. Cook them in a single layer for the best caramelization. Cook in batches if needed.

• Add a splash of balsamic, sherry, or red wine vinegar once combined. The acidity balances the richness.

• Let the bacon and onion mixture cool slightly before adding to cooked dishes so it doesn’t overcook them.

• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days. The fat may solidify when chilled. Reheat gently before using.

Cooking Bacon and Onions Together in the Oven

While the stovetop allows you to monitor the cooking process closely, you can also cook bacon and onions together in the oven:

• Arrange thin bacon slices on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes until crispy.

• Drain off some fat, then scatter chopped onions and diced bacon over the baking sheet.

• Roast at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the onions are tender and browned.

Cooking in the oven takes a bit longer, but requires less hands-on monitoring. Just be sure to toss the ingredients partway through for even cooking.

Favorite Recipe Ideas Using Bacon and Onions

Bacon and onions cooked together is a foundational topping that can be used in all types of recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use them:

• Burgers – Top beef, turkey, or veggie burgers with the bacon onion mix. The fat keeps the burger juicy.

• Pizza – Scatter the bacon onion mixture over pizza and bake until the onions get crispy.

• Salads – Toss the bacon onion combo warm or cold over spinach, kale, or wedge salads.

• Sandwiches – Layer it on grilled cheese, BLTs, pulled pork, or breakfast sandwiches.

• Omelets – For a heartier omelet, fill it with the bacon, onions, and cheddar.

• Soups – Add some bacon onion flavor to minestrone, baked potato soup, or chicken noodle.

• Pasta – Toss with spaghetti and Parmesan, or use it as a rich carbonara sauce.

• Potatoes – Mix into mashed potatoes or scatter over baked potatoes.

The possibilities are endless! Bacon and onions truly complement any dish.

Cooking Bacon and Onions Together Safely

When cooking bacon and onions together, proper food safety is crucial. Follow these guidelines:

• Always cook raw pork bacon thoroughly to at least 145°F internal temperature.

• Partially cooking bacon then adding onions later risks bacteria growth. Fully cook bacon first.

• Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards before and after contact with raw bacon.

• Cook the bacon and onions mixture thoroughly if adding to cooked dishes or serve cooked dishes immediately.

• Don’t leave the bacon onion mixture or dishes containing it sitting in the temperature danger zone between 40-140°F.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Discard if smells or looks spoiled.

• Reheat leftovers to 165°F until hot and steaming before serving again.

Following basic food safety provides protection against foodborne illnesses when cooking bacon and onions.

Common Questions About Cooking Bacon and Onions Together

Can you cook bacon and onion together from raw?

It’s best to always start by cooking raw bacon first. Adding raw onions to raw bacon can contaminate the onions with bacteria from the pork. Cook bacon until crispy before adding onions.

Should bacon be crispy before adding onions?

Yes, cook the bacon until very crispy before adding onions. This renders the fat fully and ensures any bacteria is killed. Undercooked bacon can make the onion mix unsafe.

What temperature should you cook bacon and onions at?

Cook over medium-low, around 300°F on the stove. High heat risks burning and uneven cooking. Low and slow allows the fat to render and onions to caramelize gradually.

Should you drain all the bacon grease before onions?

Drain off some, but leave 1-2 Tbsp bacon fat in the pan to cook the onions. The fat adds flavor. Draining all of it may cause the onions to stick.

How long does it take to cook bacon and onions together?

It takes about 15-20 minutes total. Cook bacon about 8-10 minutes until crispy, then add onions and cook 10 more minutes until softened and browned.

Can you make bacon and onion jam?

Yes! Dice or slice cooked bacon and onions, then cook together in a pan with vinegar, brown sugar, and spices until thickened to make a sweet and savory jam topping.

Get Creative with Combining Bacon and Onions

Cooking bacon and onions together unlocks a world of possibilities for enhancing dishes with their complementary flavors. While the basic method is straightforward, don’t be afraid to get creative:

• Use different types of onions like yellow, white, or red onions. Vidalia and Walla Walla onions are extra sweet.

• Experiment with flavored bacons like applewood smoked, peppered, or maple-glazed.

• Toss in garlic, jalapeños, or ginger to add layers of flavor.

• Deglaze the pan with beer, wine or whiskey for an intense sauce.

• Finish with a dash of cream or goat cheese for a creamy flavor.

• Sprinkle with fresh thyme, rosemary, sage or other hearty herbs.

• Swap in turkey bacon or mushroom “bacon” for vegetarian options.

The basic techinique remains the same, but the ingredient variations are endless. Playing with different flavors will keep this classic combination exciting.

Conclusion

Bacon and onions are better together. Learning how to cook them together safely opens up new possibilities for extracting maximum flavor. While it requires some coordination and care, the effort pays off in terms of deliciousness and convenience. Crispy, salty bacon highlights the sweetness of caramelized onions, bringing out the best in both ingredients. Whether you’re cooking up a quick breakfast or dressing up a gourmet dish, bacon and onions cooked together is a combination you’ll want to revisit again and again.