Pan-Fried Bacon Strips
Perfectly crispy, salty, and savory bacon strips, pan-fried to golden-brown perfection. An essential part of any classic American breakfast, ready in under 15 minutes and incredibly easy to make using the cold-pan method for the best texture.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Arrange Bacon in a Cold Skillet
- b.Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in a large, cold skillet (cast iron or non-stick works well).
- c.Do not preheat the pan. Starting cold is crucial for rendering the fat slowly, which results in perfectly crispy bacon.
- d.Ensure the strips do not overlap. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Slowly Over Medium-Low Heat
- b.Place the skillet over medium-low heat. You will hear a gentle sizzle as the pan slowly heats up and the fat begins to render.
- c.Cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired crispiness.
- d.Using tongs, flip the strips every 2-3 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- e.Continue cooking until the bacon is golden brown and has reached your preferred level of crispiness. The bacon will continue to crisp up slightly after being removed from the pan.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the bacon strips to a plate lined with paper towels. This will absorb any excess grease.
- c.Let the bacon rest for a minute before serving. If using, sprinkle with a little freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
- e.Optional: Carefully pour the rendered bacon fat from the skillet into a heatproof jar. Let it cool and store it in the refrigerator to use for cooking eggs, potatoes, or vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The secret to perfectly crispy bacon is starting with a cold pan. This allows the fat to render slowly and evenly, preventing the bacon from burning before it gets crisp.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. If the strips are too close, they will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches for the best results.
- 3The final cooking time depends on the thickness of your bacon and your preference for crispiness. Watch it closely during the last few minutes as it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
- 4Save the rendered bacon fat! It's a flavorful cooking fat that's amazing for frying eggs, roasting vegetables, or making cornbread.
- 5For perfectly flat bacon strips, you can use a bacon press or place another heavy, heatproof skillet on top as it cooks.
- 6Use a splatter screen to minimize grease splatters on your stovetop.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweet & Spicy Bacon
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, drain most of the fat, then drizzle the bacon with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook, flipping once, until glazed.
Oven Baked BaconOven-Baked Bacon
For a hands-off method with less mess, arrange bacon strips on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispiness is reached. No flipping required.
Candied Bacon (Pig Candy)Candied Bacon (Pig Candy)
Before cooking (using the oven method), sprinkle the bacon strips generously with brown sugar and a little black pepper. Bake as directed for a sweet, savory, and crispy treat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Bacon provides a significant amount of high-quality animal protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork bacon is a good source of several B vitamins, including Thiamin (B1), Niacin (B3), B6, and B12. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Contains Essential Minerals
Bacon contains important minerals like phosphorus and selenium. Phosphorus is vital for bone health, while selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of three average-sized strips of pan-fried bacon (about 35 grams) contains approximately 150-170 calories, depending on the thickness and how much fat is rendered out.