Side Bacon Recipe
Make Side Bacon Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Bacon
Method
Bacon
Oven method (crispy, even)
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup and place a wire rack on top of the sheet. Lay the 8 bacon slices in a single layer on the rack without overlapping. If making candied bacon, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons brown sugar evenly over the bacon and lightly dust with the 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; alternatively brush the bacon with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and then sprinkle pepper. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 12–18 minutes, checking at 12 minutes for doneness: 12–14 minutes for slightly chewy, 15–18 minutes for crisp. Remove when desired crispness is reached. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. If candied, let rest 1–2 minutes on the rack so the sugar sets but don't let it cool completely flat (it can stick to the foil).
Skillet method (fast, stovetop)
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon neutral oil only if your skillet is not nonstick and bacon has been trimmed very lean. Place 4–6 bacon slices in a single layer, leaving space between pieces; cook in batches if necessary. Cook 4–6 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 3–5 minutes, adjusting time to desired crispness. For candied bacon, when bacon is nearly done (about 1–2 minutes before finishing), sprinkle brown sugar evenly and let it melt and caramelize while flipping occasionally; use a spatula to prevent burning. If using maple glaze, brush on during the last minute of cooking. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Broiler method (very quick)
Place bacon on a foil-lined sheet pan (no rack necessary). Set oven broiler to high and position the rack about 6–8 inches from the heat. Broil for 3–6 minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid burning; flip once when edges brown. Season with pepper and apply maple glaze or brown sugar in the last minute if desired. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Finishing and serving
After draining excess fat on paper towels for 1–2 minutes, arrange bacon on a warm plate. If you used brown sugar and it has a sticky surface, allow it to cool briefly so the sugar sets. Serve immediately as a side (8 slices serves 2–4 depending on portion). To keep warm for a short time, place bacon on a wire rack in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for up to 20 minutes.