Uncured Bacon Recipe
Make Uncured Bacon Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cured/Prepared Bacon
Glaze (optional, sweet-savory)
Finishing & Serving
Method
Cured/Prepared Bacon
- 1
Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack on top of the sheet. The rack allows fat to drip away and produces evenly browned bacon.
- 2
Arrange bacon
Lay the 12 slices of uncured thick-cut bacon in a single layer on the wire rack without overlapping. Leave a small gap between slices so heat circulates.
- 3
Bake bacon
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispness. Start checking at 15 minutes. Thicker slices may need up to 25 minutes. Rotate the pan once at the halfway point for even cooking if your oven has hot spots.
- 4
Drain and rest
When bacon reaches the desired color and crispness, remove the sheet from the oven. Use tongs to transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat for 1–2 minutes before glazing or serving.
Glaze (optional, sweet-savory)
- 5
Make the glaze
While bacon bakes, combine 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Warm gently on low heat or in 15-second microwave bursts until just combined and slightly thinned (about 1–2 minutes on stove or 30 seconds in microwave). Stir to emulsify.
- 6
Glaze the bacon
After transferring bacon to paper towels, brush one side of each slice with the glaze using a pastry brush. If you prefer a stickier, candied finish, sprinkle about 1–2 teaspoons of brown sugar on the glazed side of each slice.
- 7
Caramelize the glaze (optional)
Return the glazed bacon to the wire rack on the baking sheet and place under a preheated broiler for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the glaze and brown the sugar. Watch closely — sugar and glaze can burn quickly. Alternatively, you can return to the 400°F oven for 3–4 minutes to set the glaze more gently.
- 8
Final drain & garnish
Remove bacon from oven or broiler and transfer to fresh paper towels to drain briefly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve warm.
Finishing & Serving
- 9
Arrange the uncured bacon on a platter as a side for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert accompaniment (for example, alongside pancakes, ice cream, or fruit for a sweet-salty contrast). Leftover bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to regain crispness.