Would you like to know how to make the best oven-baked bacon? The kind that is always golden, crisp, and free of a mess? single. time?.
If so, you’re in the right spot, and I would advise you to keep reading.
Making bacon in a cast iron skillet is fun and all. hearing the sizzle. smelling the smells. but the clean up is maybe my least favorite thing ever. Not only the pan, but the stove!.
If you’re only making one or two slices, use the cast iron. But if you’re making more than that, oven-baked bacon is the only way to go.
You may have seen me post about these non-stick silicone baking mats more than once if you follow me on Instagram. Or three.
Because they can be used over and over, are healthy alternative to cooking oils and sprays, are dishwasher safe, easy to clean, and can be used for anything you would normally use parchment paper for (like cookies, bacon, vegetables, bacon, potatoes, etc.) I’m totally obsessed with them now. etc.
Note: If you do use these baking mats for bacon, make sure to wipe off any extra grease with a paper towel before washing them and putting them in the dishwasher.
Crispy, delicious bacon is a breakfast staple in many households But dealing with the splatter and mess of frying bacon on the stovetop can be a hassle This is where silicone baking mats come in handy!
Silicone mats provide a non-stick surface that prevents the bacon from sticking while catching any excess grease. This allows you to cook bacon to crispy perfection without the usual mess.
But is it really possible to cook bacon on a silicone mat? If so, how should you do it? This full guide will tell you everything you need to know, such as:
- Benefits of using silicone mats for bacon
- Step-by-step instructions
- Pro tips for perfect bacon
- How to clean and care for silicone mats
- Additional ways to use silicone mats
So read on to become a silicone mat bacon cooking pro!
Why Use Silicone Mats for Cooking Bacon?
Cooking bacon on a silicone mat offers several advantages over using a traditional frying pan:
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No sticking: The non-stick surface prevents bacon from sticking and tearing.
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Even cooking: Silicone distributes heat evenly for consistent cooking.
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Less splatter: Keeps hot grease contained and off your stovetop.
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Easy cleanup Simply wipe the mat clean or toss it in the dishwasher
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Reusable Silicone mats are durable and can be used over and over.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon on Silicone
Cooking bacon on a silicone mat is easy! Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Line a rimmed baking sheet with silicone mat. Make sure mat lays flat.
2. Arrange Bacon on Mat
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Lay bacon strips evenly on mat in a single layer without overlapping.
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For oven cooking, thinner sliced bacon works best.
3. Cook the Bacon
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Place baking sheet with mat in oven and bake for 17-20 minutes.
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For chewier bacon, cook longer. For crisper, cook less time.
4. Remove, Drain and Enjoy!
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Use tongs to transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
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Let drain briefly before serving to soak up excess grease.
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Enjoy your perfectly cooked silicone mat bacon!
It doesn’t get much easier than that. Now you can have delicious bacon with less mess and effort.
Pro Tips for Cooking Bacon on Silicone Mats
To get the very best results when cooking bacon on a silicone mat, keep these handy tips in mind:
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Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent grease drips in the oven.
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Rotate the pan halfway through cooking for even browning.
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Add a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup to the mat for candied bacon.
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Cook thicker bacon slices for 1-2 minutes longer than thin bacon.
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Let bacon cool for a few minutes before removing from the mat.
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Preheat the mat in the oven for 2-3 minutes before adding bacon.
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Lightly coat mat with cooking spray to help crisp bacon.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Silicone Mats
Proper care will keep silicone mats fresh and prevent staining:
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Hand wash mats after each use with warm water and mild detergent.
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For stubborn grease stains, soak mat in hot water with baking soda or grease-fighting dish soap.
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Avoid abrasive scouring pads which can damage the silicone.
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Air dry mats thoroughly prior to storing to prevent mildew growth.
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Roll up mats loosely instead of folding when storing.
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Replace mats displaying tears, rips, or excessive staining.
With proper maintenance, silicone baking mats will provide many years of service!
More Creative Uses for Silicone Baking Mats
In addition to cooking perfect bacon, silicone mats have many other helpful uses in the kitchen:
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Roast veggies – Toss vegetables right on the mat with no sticking.
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Bake cookies – Provides ideal non-stick surface for baking cookies.
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Line cake pans – Helps prevent sticking and simplifies removal.
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Roll out dough – Creates a non-stick base for rolling pie dough.
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Make candy – Pour melted candy or chocolate right onto the mat and spread.
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Freeze cookie dough – Place scoops of dough on mat to freeze solid.
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Make fruit leather – Puréed fruit leather comes right off the mat.
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Make jerky – Keep meat flat while dehydrating into jerky.
Silicone mats are endlessly useful! Let your creativity guide you to more kitchen uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking bacon on silicone mats:
Is it safe to cook bacon directly on a silicone mat?
Yes, FDA-approved silicone mats are safe for direct contact with food at high temperatures.
Can you use silicone mats in the microwave?
No, silicone mats should only be used for conventional oven cooking up to about 500°F.
How long does it take to cook bacon in the oven on silicone?
Cooking times range from 17-22 minutes depending on bacon thickness. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Should the silicone mat be greased before adding bacon?
Greasing is optional as silicone is non-stick. Some cooks prefer a light coat for extra crisping.
How do you dispose of worn or damaged silicone mats?
Silicone mats can’t be recycled, so dispose of them in your regular household trash.
Get Cooking with Silicone Mats!
Now that you know how to cook delicious crispy bacon using silicone baking mats, it’s time to get cooking! With proper use and care, silicone mats can make meal prep easier and more enjoyable.
Say goodbye to messy bacon splatters and sticking. Simply line your baking sheet with a silicone mat, lay on the bacon, and bake to crispy perfection.
3 Reasons I prefer making Oven Baked Bacon vs on the Stove Top:
- Nothing needs to be done—baking the bacon in the oven doesn’t take much work at all. Put the bacon on a baking mat, and then just pop it in the oven. Don’t worry about standing over the stove for hours, flipping the bacon every few minutes, and making sure the temperature is just right. It’s all taken care of!
- There isn’t much to say about this other than the fact that it’s mess-free and easy to clean up. No more bacon grease popping all over your kitchen! If you bake the bacon in the oven, it will be very easy to clean up.
- Every time, the bacon is perfectly golden and crisp. This is because the bacon starts out in a cold oven and cooks slowly as the temperature rises. This results in perfectly and evenly cooked bacon every time.
THANK YOU AGAIN TO DEXAS FOR SPONSORING THIS POST!!