Crispy Pan-Fried Bacon
Perfectly crispy, salty bacon strips, pan-fried to golden-brown perfection. The ultimate savory side for any breakfast, ready in minutes and a keto-friendly favorite.
For 4 servings
Ingredients list coming soon.
Arrange bacon in a cold skillet.
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in a large, cold skillet. Do not preheat the pan. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
TIPStarting with a cold pan helps the fat render slowly and evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon without burning.Cook the bacon over medium heat.
- Place the skillet over medium heat and allow it to heat up with the bacon.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the fat has rendered and the bottom of the strips are golden brown and crispy.
- Using tongs, flip the strips and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the second side is equally crispy.
TIPAdjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispiness.Drain the bacon and serve.
Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. The bacon will become even crispier as it cools slightly. Serve immediately.
TIPDon't discard the rendered bacon fat! Strain it into a jar and refrigerate. It's incredibly flavorful for cooking eggs or sautéing vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest results, always start bacon in a cold pan.
- 2Don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches to ensure each strip cooks evenly.
- 3Use a splatter screen to keep your stovetop clean from grease splatters.
- 4Bacon continues to crisp as it cools, so remove it from the heat just before it reaches your ideal crispness.
- 5To cook for a crowd, bake bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For a lower-fat option, bake the bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. This allows the fat to drip away.
quickQuick
To cook bacon in the microwave, place strips between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high for 4-6 minutes, checking for crispiness.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Create candied bacon by brushing a thin layer of maple syrup over the strips during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
Bacon provides a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
Keto-Friendly
With virtually zero carbs, bacon is an excellent food for those following a ketogenic diet, providing both fat and protein for sustained energy.
Rich in B Vitamins
It contains several B vitamins, including Niacin (B3) and B12, which are important for energy metabolism and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
Bacon is high in sodium and saturated fat but can be enjoyed in moderation. It's a popular choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets. Draining the excess grease on paper towels helps reduce the overall fat content.
