Bacon Recipe
Make Bacon Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Ingredients — Basic Crispy Bacon
Optional Glaze (Sweet & Savory)
Method
Directions — Oven-Baked Crispy Bacon (recommended)
Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet if you want straighter, extra-crisp bacon and to let fat drip away; otherwise place bacon directly on the foil for chewier edges.
Arrange bacon
Lay the 12 bacon slices in a single layer across the rack or foil without overlapping. If using black pepper, lightly sprinkle it over the bacon slices now.
Add water
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water around the bacon on the foil (not on top of the bacon). The small amount of water helps render fat more evenly and prevents the bacon from curling.
Optional glaze (if using)
If you want glazed bacon, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon maple syrup in a small bowl. Brush a thin, even layer of the glaze onto the top side of each bacon slice. If you like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes (1 tsp) lightly over the glazed bacon.
Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for 15–22 minutes, checking at 12–15 minutes if your bacon is thinner. Cooking time depends on thickness and desired crispness: 15–18 minutes for medium-crisp, 18–22+ minutes for very crisp.
Drain and rest
When bacon reaches the desired color and crispness, use tongs to transfer slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Let rest 1–2 minutes — bacon will crisp slightly more as it cools.
Serve
Serve immediately while hot for best texture. Leftover bacon can be stored in the refrigerator between paper towels in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.
Directions — Stovetop Method (alternate)
Prepare skillet
Place a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer, overlapping slightly if necessary — they will shrink as they cook.
Cook slowly
Cook bacon slowly over medium to medium-low heat, turning every 2–4 minutes with tongs so it renders fat and browns evenly. Adjust heat if bacon is splattering excessively or browning too fast.