How to Cook Hempler’s European Center Cut Bacon to Perfection

Hempler’s European center cut bacon is a delicious and unique type of bacon that is different from traditional American bacon. With its thick-cut size oval shape and naturally smoked flavor, Hempler’s bacon provides a hearty, meaty bite in every dish.

But to truly enjoy this special bacon, it’s important to know how to cook it properly so you achieve the perfect texture – whether you prefer your bacon chewy or super crispy

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know to cook Hempler’s center cut bacon to perfection using either the stovetop or oven method. We’ll share tips on avoiding common mistakes as well as how to get your bacon just the way you like it.

Understanding Hempler’s European Center Cut Bacon

Hempler’s bacon is made from pork collars that come from hogs fed a diet of lean grains. This gives the bacon a distinct flavor and texture compared to traditional bacon.

Some key things to know about Hempler’s center cut bacon:

• It’s thicker than American bacon, sold in slices called rashers that are often rectangular or oval shaped.

• The thickness and lower fat content make it chewier than American bacon.

• It has a naturally smoked flavor without artificial smoke flavoring.

• The rectangular shape means it browns more evenly than curled American bacon.

Knowing these characteristics will help you cook this specialty bacon properly.

How to Cook Hempler’s Bacon on the Stovetop

One easy way to cook Hempler’s center cut bacon is right on the stovetop. Here are some tips for stovetop perfection:

Start with a Cold Pan

Putting the bacon slices in a cold skillet allows the fat to render slowly, leading to even cooking without curling.

Don’t Crowd the Pan

Cook the bacon in a single layer with some space between slices. Crowding the pan steams the bacon instead of crisping it up.

Use Medium Heat

Cooking over medium heat renders fat without scorching or undercooking the bacon. High heat risks burning the outside before the middle cooks through.

Cook Until Crisp

Fry the bacon until it’s fully browned and as crisp as you like it. Hempler’s will get crisper than American bacon without crumbling apart.

Drain on Paper Towels

Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to soak up excess grease. Let it cool slightly before eating so you don’t burn your mouth!

Follow these stovetop tips for laying out evenly spaced slices in a cold pan and frying at medium heat. You’ll get deliciously crispy Hempler’s bacon every time.

How to Cook Hempler’s Bacon to Perfection in the Oven

The oven is great for cooking large batches of Hempler’s bacon evenly. Here’s how to oven-fry it to crispy, mouthwatering perfection:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. The high heat helps render fat and crisp the bacon.

Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet

A rimmed baking sheet contains grease splatters. You can also line it with foil for easy cleanup.

Use a Cooling Rack (Optional)

Placing a wire rack atop the baking sheet allows air flow for extra crispiness.

Don’t Overcrowd

Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the rack or pan with a bit of space between each slice.

Cook 10-15 Minutes

Bake for 10-15 minutes until browned and sizzling. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Drain on Paper Towels

Remove from oven and transfer bacon to paper towels to drain off excess grease.

The oven frees you up from stove-top monitoring. Just check periodically for your desired level of crispness.

Getting the Texture Just Right

One of the great things about Hempler’s European bacon is you can customize the texture based on your preference. Here are tips for achieving chewy or crispy bacon.

For Chewy Bacon:

• Use medium or medium-low heat to avoid over-crisping.
• Cook to lightly browned but still flexible and tender.
• Remove from heat before it gets crispy.

For Crispy Bacon:

• Use higher heat, either stovetop or oven.
• Cook until deep golden brown and browned on both sides.
• Drain on paper towels to soak up extra grease after cooking.

The thickness of Hempler’s bacon slices affects texture too. Thicker slices stay chewier while thin slices crisp up faster.

So customize your texture by controlling heat and cook time according to your bacon slice thickness.

Cooking Bacon Safely

When cooking up any pork product, there are some important safety steps to take:

• Always cook raw bacon thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

• Use separate utensils and plates for raw versus cooked bacon to prevent bacterial cross-contamination.

• Never leave cooked bacon sitting out for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Following basic food safety guidelines will protect you from potential illness while enjoying delicious bacon.

Serving up Hempler’s Bacon

One of the great things about Hempler’s center cut bacon is it upgrades any dish. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• Crispy bacon on a burger or sandwich provides a hearty crunch.

• Chop up chewy baked bacon to top off salads or baked potatoes.

• Wrap asparagus, chicken, or other foods in bacon for amazing flavor.

• Crumble crispy bacon into scrambles, omelets, baked goods, and casseroles.

With its smoky taste and meaty texture, the possibilities are endless when cooking with Hempler’s bacon!

Enjoy the Unique Flavor of Hempler’s Bacon

Hempler’s European center cut bacon is a tasty treat. With its thick, oval slices and naturally smoked flavor, it offers a porky richness you don’t get from regular American-style bacon.

For the perfect texture and taste, fry it up in a pan on the stovetop or bake it to crispy, mouthwatering perfection. Adjust your cooking times and temperatures to achieve either chewy or super crisp bacon based on your preference.

From sandwiches to salads to wraps and more, this specialty bacon definitely delivers. We hope these tips will help you enjoy the unique experience of cooking with Hempler’s exceptional European-style center cut bacon.