Sizzling Success: A Definitive Guide to Cooking Bacon with Olive Oil

Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is one of life’s greatest pleasures But achieving perfectly cooked bacon depends on having the right tools and techniques One of the most debated bacon cooking questions is can you use olive oil instead of traditional cooking fats like butter or bacon grease?

We will talk about everything you need to know to cook tasty bacon with olive oil in this big guide. You will learn the pros and cons, the right way to do things, how to choose the best olive oil, tasty recipe ideas, and how to clean up. With this knowledge, you’ll turn out amazing olive oil-cooked bacon every time. Let’s get sizzling!.

Why Choose Olive Oil for Cooking Bacon?

Using olive oil to cook bacon offers several advantages:

• High smoke point: Pure and extra virgin olive oils have smoke points of around 400°F. Because of this, they are great for frying at the temperatures needed to make bacon crispy.

• Prevents sticking – Oil coats the pan surface evenly, preventing bacon strips from sticking as they cook. This makes flipping and removing the bacon easy

• Adds flavor – Olive oil has a distinctive grassy, peppery flavor that nicely complements the smokiness and saltiness of bacon. The oil lightly infuses the bacon as it cooks.

• Non-stick properties – Olive oil contains fatty acids that provide natural non-stick properties. Butter and bacon grease don’t have the same effect.

• Health benefits – Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidant polyphenols that have health advantages over saturated fats like butter or bacon grease.

So olive oil allows you to cook crisp, non-stick bacon while adding flavor and health perks. For these reasons, it’s a great alternative to typical bacon fats.

Potential Drawbacks of Cooking Bacon in Olive Oil

However, there are a few potential disadvantages to keep in mind:

• Lower smoke point than other oils – While olive oil has a high smoke point for an oil, other oils like avocado, grapeseed, and refined peanut have even higher smoke points of 450°F+. These may be better for very crispy bacon.

• Can burn at very high heat – If olive oil is heated above its smoke point, it will burn and smoke just like any oil. You need to regulate temperature carefully.

• Imparts olive flavor – While delicious to many, strong olive flavor may overpower the bacon taste for some. Use pure olive oil instead of EVOO to reduce this effect.

• More expensive – Olive oil is generally pricier than alternatives like butter or bacon grease that you may already have on hand. The cost should be factored in.

• Just as high in fat and calories – Despite its health advantages, olive oil contains just as many calories and fat grams per serving as most cooking fats. Portion size still matters.

So while olive oil has some downsides to consider, with the right techniques, the advantages generally outweigh the drawbacks.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon in Olive Oil

Follow these steps for foolproof bacon cooked to crispy perfection in olive oil:

1. Choose the Right Olive Oil

Opt for pure or light olive oil over EVOO. The lighter olive oils have a more subtle flavor and higher smoke point. EVOO can burn quickly on high heat.

2. Add Just a Touch of Oil

You only need about 1 teaspoon of olive oil per slice of bacon. Too much oil will prevent crisping. Swirl to coat the pan.

3. Heat the Pan Before Adding Bacon

Preheat your skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Test the temp by adding a drop of water – it should sizzle on contact.

4. Lay Bacon Flat in the Pan

Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam instead of fry the bacon. Leave a little space between each slice.

5. Flip the Bacon Carefully

Use tongs or a fork to gently flip the bacon halfway through cooking. Don’t puncture the strips or the juices will be lost.

6. Cook to Desired Doneness

For chewy bacon, cook 2-3 minutes per side. For crispy bacon, cook 4-5 minutes per side. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.

7. Drain on Paper Towels

When done, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Tent foil over the top to keep warm and crispy.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to sizzle up perfect olive oil bacon for breakfast, burgers, salads, appetizers, and any recipe!

Purchasing the Best Olive Oil for Cooking Bacon

Not all olive oils are equal when it comes to high-heat cooking. To get the best results, look for:

• Refined or light olive oil – More refined, lighter olive oils have a neutral flavor and higher smoke point. Save the EVOO for dressing and finishing dishes.

• A high smoke point – Check the label for a smoke point of at least 400°F. This indicates suitability for frying.

• A reputable brand – High quality oils from reputable producers are less likely to burn or contain impurities.

• Bottles packaged in dark glass – Light degrades olive oil. Buying it in dark bottles better preserves freshness.

• Production and harvest dates – Opt for bottles with clearly printed production and harvest dates for assured freshness.

With the right olive oil, you can cook bacon confidently knowing it won’t burn or impart off flavors.

Incredible Recipe Ideas for Olive Oil Bacon

From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, olive oil-cooked bacon boosts the flavor of all kinds of dishes. Try it in these lip-smacking recipes:

• BLT salad – Top crispy romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and mayo with olive oil bacon crumbles for a fresh, summery twist.

• Carbonara pasta – Saute olive oil bacon bits to mix with pasta, parmesan, cracked black pepper, and eggs for an easy, decadent dish.

• Bacon jam – Caramelize onions with olive oil bacon strips, then blend into a sweet and savory jam. Spread on biscuits, bruschetta, or sandwiches.

• Bacon avocado toast – Layer smashed avocado, olive oil bacon crumbles, sliced tomato, and a fried egg atop toasted whole grain bread for a millennial-approved breakfast.

• Bacon wrapped dates – Wrap pitted dates with partially cooked olive oil bacon and bake for a sweet, savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Olive oil bacon also shines in your favorite dishes like omelets, burgers, pizza, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, or Cobb salad. Let your imagination run wild!

Cleaning Up After Cooking Bacon in Olive Oil

Like any oil, olive oil can leave a messy residue in your pans. Make clean up easier with these tips:

• Wipe out excess oil with paper towels while the pan is still hot. The heat thins the oil for easier removal.

• Allow any remaining oil to cool before washing to avoid burning yourself.

• Use hot, soapy water and scrub with a brush or non-abrasive sponge to dissolve any oil buildup.

• If needed, apply baking soda to tough oil spots. Let sit briefly before scrubbing. The baking soda will break down the oil.

• For really stubborn residue, simmer water mixed with vinegar in the pan for 5-10 minutes to loosen oil, then scrub clean.

• Dry immediately to prevent water spots, and rub lightly with oil to condition the pan surface.

A little elbow grease will get your pans sparkling after cooking up fabulous olive oil bacon.

With the guidance in this article, you can feel confident choosing olive oil for cooking bacon and getting optimal flavor, texture, and health benefits every time. So grab a bottle of your favorite olive oil, gather ingredients for one of the recipes, and get ready to delight in sizzling, crispy bacon perfection. Let us know how your olive oil bacon creations turn out!