How Do You Cook Canadian Bacon in the Oven? A Step-By-Step Guide

Some people call Canadian bacon “back bacon” or “peameal bacon.” It’s a popular breakfast meat that tastes smoky, salty, and slightly sweet. You may be used to seeing Canadian bacon already cooked and ready to eat. But did you know that it’s easy to bake your own at home and you can make it taste like you want it?

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the simple process of cooking Canadian bacon in the oven from start to finish. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have delicious homemade Canadian bacon ready in no time!

Benefits of Cooking Canadian Bacon in the Oven

There are several advantages to baking Canadian bacon in the oven rather than frying it on the stovetop

• Even cooking: The oven heat surrounds the bacon from all sides, preventing burning and allowing it to cook evenly throughout.

• Holds on to moisture: Baking bacon makes it soft and juicy, while pan-frying it can dry it out.

• Adds flavor Seasonings and glazes can be easily added to the bacon before baking for extra flavor

• Less messy Unlike greasy pans baking sheets contain drippings for fast clean up.

• Healthier: The bacon cooks in its own rendered fat rather than being cooked in excessive oil or butter.

Ingredients Needed

To bake Canadian bacon in the oven, you will need just a few simple ingredients:

• Canadian bacon slices (about 8 oz)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Cooking spray or oil
• Seasonings (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps for perfect oven-baked Canadian bacon every time:

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it is hot when the bacon goes in.

2. Prepare the baking sheet

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. The raised edges prevent grease drippings.

3. Arrange the bacon

Lay the slices of Canadian bacon flat on the baking sheet without overlapping. Make sure there is some space between each slice.

4. Coat with oil or spray

Lightly brush or spray the top of the bacon with oil or cooking spray. This helps promote even browning.

5. Season (optional)

Sprinkle lightly with seasoning if desired. Black pepper, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or barbecue rub all taste great.

6. Bake

Place the baking sheet on the center oven rack. Bake for 10-14 minutes until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness.

7. Flip and bake again

Remove sheet from the oven and carefully flip each slice of bacon using tongs. Coat the other side with oil/spray and seasonings if desired. Return to oven for 5-7 more minutes.

8. Remove and enjoy!

Allow the cooked Canadian bacon to cool slightly before serving or adding to recipes.

Cooking Tips

• Watch closely to avoid overcooking. Canadian bacon can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

• Use metal or wooden tongs to flip. Plastic may melt from the heat.

• Add extra glaze/seasoning after flipping for maximum flavor.

• Let cool before eating or the bacon will be very hot.

• Save leftover drippings to use for cooking other foods.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you know how to perfectly oven-bake Canadian bacon, here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

• Breakfast sandwiches – Pair with eggs, cheese, and English muffins or biscuits.

• Benedicts – Top poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin.

• Baked potatoes – Garnish loaded baked potatoes.

• Salads – Add crumbled Canadian bacon to spinach, wedge, or Caesar salads.

• Pizza – Use Canadian bacon as a savory low-fat topping.

• Pasta – Toss chopped Canadian bacon into pasta dishes.

• Soups – Add Canadian bacon bits to bean, potato, or broccoli cheese soups.

• Omelets – Include diced Canadian bacon in your favorite omelet fillings.

• Kabobs – Alternate with pineapple, peppers, and onions on skewers.

• Baked beans – Mix into homemade or canned baked beans.

Common Questions

What is Canadian bacon?

Canadian bacon is a form of back bacon made from the lean loin of a pig. It has less fat than regular bacon.

Is Canadian bacon already cooked?

Pre-packaged Canadian bacon found in stores is typically fully cooked but home-cooked allows more customization.

How long does it take to bake Canadian bacon?

At 400°F, it takes 10-15 minutes to initially bake the bacon and 5-7 more minutes after flipping.

Should Canadian bacon be baked on a rack?

A wire rack can allow more airflow but a foil-lined baking sheet will also work well.

What temp should I bake Canadian bacon?

400°F is ideal, but anywhere from 375°F to 425°F will work. Higher heat risks burning.

Can I add maple syrup or brown sugar?

Yes, brushing the bacon with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar before baking adds delicious sweetness.

Is baked Canadian bacon healthier than regular bacon?

It can be since it has less fat overall than regular pork bacon from the belly.

The Takeaway

Cooking Canadian bacon in the oven results in an easy and delicious breakfast meat option. Thanks to the controlled heat of the oven, you can achieve bacon that is perfectly cooked, crisp yet moist, and full of customized flavor. So next time you are looking to switch up your typical bacon routine, give baking Canadian bacon a try! Follow this simple recipe for mouthwatering results every time.