Bacon (3 Pieces) Recipe

Bring bacon to room temperature

Remove 3 slices of bacon from the refrigerator and let sit on a plate for 10 minutes. This reduces temperature shock and helps the bacon cook more evenly.

Choose cooking method

Decide whether you want skillet-fried, oven-baked, or microwave-cooked bacon. Below are instructions for skillet and oven (microwave is noted as a quick alternative).

Skillet method (crispy edges, faster)

Place a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-low heat. If your bacon is very lean, add 1 tsp neutral oil and swirl to coat. Lay the 3 bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping. Cook slowly so fat renders: about 6–8 minutes total. After 3–4 minutes, when the bottom edge is browned, use tongs to flip each slice and continue cooking another 2–4 minutes until desired crispness. Adjust heat down if bacon is splattering excessively or browning too fast. For chewier bacon, remove earlier; for crispier, cook until deep golden and slightly stiff.

Oven method (even cooking, less splatter)

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top (optional for extra-crisp). Arrange the 3 bacon slices in a single layer on the rack or directly on foil (rack yields crisper results). Bake for 12–18 minutes depending on thickness and desired crispness: check at 10–12 minutes for thinner bacon, 14–18 for thick-cut. Rotate the pan once if your oven has hot spots. Remove when edges are golden-brown and fat is clear.

Microwave method (quick, small quantity)

Line a microwave-safe plate with 2 layers of paper towels. Place bacon slices in a single layer, cover with another paper towel to catch splatter. Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes, checking at 2.5–3 minutes; time depends on microwave power and bacon thickness. Continue in 30-second increments until desired crispness.

Drain and season

Using tongs, transfer cooked bacon to a plate lined with fresh paper towels to absorb excess fat. Lightly blot the top with another paper towel if needed. If desired, sprinkle up to 1 tsp black pepper across the slices while still warm.

Serve

Let rest 1–2 minutes, then serve warm. Save rendered bacon fat by pouring into a heatproof container once slightly cooled; refrigerate and use for cooking.