Baked Bacon: A Healthier Option?

Bacon is a popular breakfast food, but it's not always the healthiest choice. A few slices of bacon can contain upwards of 100 calories and 10 grams of fat. One way to make it healthier is to bake it in the oven, which creates a more evenly cooked product than frying it on a stovetop. Baked bacon is also easier to prepare, as it creates less mess and allows you to multitask in the kitchen. To bake bacon, preheat your oven to 400°F and cook the bacon for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

Baked bacon is healthier than frying it

Bacon is a popular breakfast food, with its salty, crunchy texture and hickory flavours. However, it is not always the healthiest choice. A few slices of bacon can contain upwards of 100 calories and 10 grams of fat.

One way to make bacon a little healthier is to bake it in the oven, rather than frying it. This method is endorsed by Martha Stewart, who recommends lining a baking tray with parchment paper, and spacing out the bacon evenly. The bacon is then cooked in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Baking bacon has several benefits. Firstly, it is a much cleaner way of cooking bacon, as it doesn't create splatters all over the stove. Secondly, it cooks the bacon evenly, so you don't end up with some slices burnt and others undercooked. Thirdly, it frees up your time as you can put the bacon in the oven and then focus on preparing other parts of your meal, such as eggs or pancakes.

If you want to make your bacon even crispier, you can place a wire rack on the baking tray, so the grease drips away from the bacon as it cooks. This method is also endorsed by Dana Angelo White, a registered dietitian, who recommends roasting the bacon in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

So, if you're looking for a healthier way to cook your bacon, give baking it in the oven a try!

Martha Stewart's method for baking bacon

• It makes more bacon: You can cook more pieces of bacon on a sheet pan than in a skillet, which is ideal when cooking for a crowd.
• It's hands-off: There is no need to flip the bacon as it cooks, so you can sit back and relax with a cup of coffee while it cooks.
• It's crispier: Bacon cooked in the oven is crispier and more evenly cooked than bacon cooked in a skillet on the stove.

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

To cook bacon in the oven, Martha Stewart suggests the following:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Lay your favourite bacon slices flat on the sheet pan, making sure they don't overlap. For extra-crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the sheet pan and lay the bacon strips on top.
• Bake the bacon for 15 to 18 minutes, or until well-browned and crisp. Rotate the sheet pan halfway through for best results, although this step can be skipped if necessary.
• Carefully transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain. It will continue to crisp as it cools.

Tips:

• Make your whole breakfast on the sheet pan: Before discarding the bacon fat, crack a few eggs directly into the pan and slide it back into the oven. You can also reserve a portion of the sheet pan for frozen hash browns or toast.
• Save your bacon fat: Martha Stewart collects her bacon fat in a jar and stores it in the fridge, using it later for cooking eggs or roast potatoes.

How to prevent grease splatters when baking bacon

Baking bacon in the oven is a great way to cook it without the mess of grease splatters. Here are some tips to prevent grease splatters when baking bacon:

Use a Baking Rack

Using a baking rack allows the bacon grease to drip down onto a baking sheet, keeping the bacon out of the grease and reducing splatters. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lay the bacon strips on the rack and bake until crisp and browned.

Add Water to the Pan

Adding a tablespoon of water to the pan after placing the bacon inside can help to prevent splatters. The water will render the fat, keeping splashes at bay, and the heat will crisp the bacon after the water has evaporated.

Use a Mesh Splash Guard

A mesh splash guard placed over your pan can help to contain grease splatters. These are readily available at most supermarkets.

Control the Temperature

Cooking bacon at very high temperatures can increase the amount of splattering. Using a moderate temperature will take a bit longer but will save some of the mess.

Use a Paper Towel

When cooking bacon on the stove, placing a wadded-up paper towel in the pan can help to absorb excess grease and prevent splatters. Simply add a second towel if needed, then remove and discard the towel once the grease has cooled.

How to clean up bacon grease

While bacon is a tasty treat, cleaning up the grease afterwards can be a pain. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Cool the Grease: Allow the bacon grease to cool slightly in the pan. This will prevent splattering and make it safer to handle.
• Strain the Grease: If you plan to reuse the grease, strain it through a sieve or strainer into a jar or container. This will remove any burnt bacon pieces or impurities. You can use a paper towel or coffee filter as a strainer for convenience.
• Store the Grease: If you want to reuse the grease for cooking, carefully pour it into a glass jar or container. It's best to use tempered glass to prevent cracking or breaking under heat. Label the container and store it next to the stove or in the fridge. Bacon grease can be stored in the fridge for up to three months or in the freezer for up to a year.
• Dispose of the Grease: If you don't plan to reuse the grease, dispose of it properly. Do not pour grease down the drain as it can cause clogs. Instead, pour it into a non-recyclable container, such as an old jar or can, and throw it away in the trash once it solidifies.
• Clean the Pan: For cast iron pans, avoid using soap as it can strip the seasoning. Instead, use hot water and a scrub brush to clean the pan while it's still warm. You can also use coarse salt and a small amount of water to clean the pan. For non-stick pans, let the pan cool, then use paper towels to absorb the excess grease. After wiping down the pan, rinse it with hot water and detergent or dish soap.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean up bacon grease and even reuse it for future cooking adventures!

What to serve with bacon

Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner, and even desserts. Here are some ideas on what to serve with bacon:

Breakfast and Brunch

Bacon is a breakfast classic and can be served with eggs, pancakes, French toast, or in a breakfast sandwich such as a BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese). For a heartier morning meal, try a bacon weave breakfast taco, a bacon weave s'more, or a breakfast bomb—a biscuit stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try a bacon avocado fry or a bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper. You can also add bacon to a quiche or frittata, like a kale and bacon frittata or a hash brown-crusted bacon and cheddar quiche.

Salads and Sides

Bacon can be used to add flavour and texture to salads. Try a classic BLT pasta, a spinach-bacon salad, or a warm bacon slaw. For a more substantial side dish, roasted bacon-wrapped asparagus, maple-glazed carrots, or Brussels sprouts with bacon are elegant options.

Appetizers

Bacon-wrapped appetizers are always a crowd-pleaser. Try bacon-wrapped scallops, bacon-wrapped dates, or bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites. For something spicy, go for bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers or bacon-wrapped stuffed mushrooms. If you're looking for a more elegant option, try bacon-wrapped caramelized onion bites or bacon-wrapped mozzarella-stuffed dates.

Mains

Bacon can be added to a variety of main courses, including pastas such as spaghetti carbonara, tagliatelle with bacon and mushrooms, or Tuscan chicken pasta. For a heartier meal, try a bacon-wrapped meatloaf, beef bourguignon, or coq au vin. Bacon also pairs well with chicken, such as in a spinach-stuffed chicken breast or chicken Dijon.

Desserts

While it may seem unusual, bacon can even be used in desserts. Try maple bacon cinnamon rolls, bacon cannoli, or bacon chocolate roses.

Drinks

For a unique twist, try pairing your meal with a bacon-infused cocktail.

No matter the meal, bacon can be a delicious addition, providing a salty, crispy, and savory element to enhance your dish.

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