The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Bacon on the Stove

If you’re a bacon lover, the thought of preparing a delicious plate of bacon for breakfast may seem like a daunting task. However, cooking bacon on the stove is actually quite simple and can result in crispy and flavorful bacon strips that are perfect for starting your day. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to make bacon on the stove, ensuring you have a delicious breakfast every time!

To start, you need to have a good quality pan that is suitable for cooking bacon. A cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan could be used – make sure there is enough space to fit all of the bacon strips. However, avoid using a high-sided pan because it can prevent even cooking. Once you have the pan, you need to turn on the stove to medium heat and wait for a few minutes until it is hot enough to start cooking the bacon.

After getting your bacon from the store, the next step is to actually cook it. Cooking bacon on a stove is the most classic way to make it, and it’s super easy! Here’s how to make bacon on the stove.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary supplies from your kitchen. You’ll need a stove, a frying pan, a pair of tongs, and of course, bacon.

Choose The Right Pan

The right pan can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your bacon. Choose a sturdy frying pan that fits your bacon strips comfortably. Cast iron or stainless steel pans work best.

Preheat the Pan

Preheat your pan on medium heat for a few minutes before adding your bacon. This helps to cook the bacon evenly and avoids hot spots.

Add Your Bacon

Carefully lay your bacon strips in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the bacon will cook unevenly. Make sure the bacon is laid flat in the pan to prevent curling.

Cooking Time

How long to cook your bacon depends on your preference. Generally, bacon should be cooked for around 8-12 minutes. Turn the bacon occasionally to ensure it browns evenly.

Watch The Grease

Bacon produces a lot of grease while cooking. If the grease gets too hot, it can start splattering. This can be dangerous and make a mess on your stove. Watch the grease and adjust the heat accordingly.

Take the Bacon Out of the Pan

After your bacon is cooked to your liking, take it out of the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Don’t leave your bacon in the pan for too long after cooking—it will continue to cook and become crispy.

Clean Up

Clean up your pan and throw away any excess grease in a safe manner. You can also save the bacon grease to use for future cooking.

Serve Your Bacon

Now that your bacon is cooked and ready to go, it’s time to serve it up! Enjoy your delicious bacon with a side of eggs, toast, or even as a topping on your favorite burger.

Experiment with flavors

While bacon is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different flavors to add some extra depth to your dish. Try sprinkling brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne, or even maple syrup over your bacon while cooking for a unique twist.

Making bacon on the stove is an easy and classic way to enjoy delicious bacon. By following these 10 simple steps and experimenting with flavors, you can elevate your bacon game and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

Preparing Your Bacon

Now that you have a general understanding of how to cook bacon on the stove, it’s time to let you in on a few secrets that can make your bacon even better!

1. Choose the Right Bacon
The first step in making perfect bacon starts with choosing the right type of bacon. You can choose between thick cut, thin cut, applewood smoked, maple smoked, or even peppered bacon.

2. Choose the Right Pan
Using the right pan is crucial in cooking bacon on the stove. A heavy bottomed pan like a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel pan is ideal for even heat distribution.

3. Use a Low to Medium Heat Setting
Setting your stove to low to medium heat is the most effective way to cook bacon. This prevents the bacon from curling up and unevenly cooking.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Overcrowding the pan will lead to uneven cooking and greasy bacon. Make sure there is enough space between each slice to allow for even heat distribution.

5. Pat the Bacon Dry
Before placing your bacon in the pan, it’s essential to pat it dry using paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and ensures that your bacon will cook evenly.

6. Add Some Water
Adding a splash of water to the pan is a simple trick to make your bacon extra crispy. This will cause the bacon to sizzle, which reduces the amount of oil and grease.

7. Keep an Eye on the Bacon
Bacon can easily go from perfectly cooked to burnt in a matter of seconds. It’s essential to keep an eye on the bacon while cooking and don’t walk away from the stove.

8. Flip the Bacon
Flipping the bacon ensures that it’s cooked evenly on both sides. Use tongs to avoid getting burned and be gentle to avoid breaking the bacon.

9. Remove the Bacon from the Pan
As soon as the bacon is finished cooking, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

10. Don’t Throw Away the Bacon Grease
Bacon grease is versatile and can be used in cooking other dishes. Instead of throwing it away, store it in a container and use it to cook eggs, vegetables, or even popcorn.

By following these tips and tricks, you are guaranteed to impress your family and friends with your perfectly cooked bacon.

Steps to Make Bacon on the Stove

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to start cooking. Here are the steps on how to make bacon on the stove:

Step 1: Place the Bacon Slices on the Pan

Take out a non-stick skillet and place it onto the stove. Set the burner to medium heat and wait for it to heat up. Once the skillet is hot, place the bacon slices onto the pan. Make sure to place them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Let the bacon cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown in color. Flip the bacon slices over using a pair of tongs and let the other side cook for another 3-4 minutes. The cooking time may differ depending on the thickness of the bacon slice, so keep an eye on it.

Step 3: Drain the Excess Fat

Bacon is known for being high in fat, and the excess grease can be messy. To avoid this, use a paper towel or tongs to remove the excess fat from the skillet. Place the bacon slices onto a plate fitted with a paper towel to absorb any remaining grease.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once you have removed all excess fat, your bacon is ready to be served. You can serve it with eggs, pancakes, toast or anything you like. Enjoy your delicious and crispy bacon on the stove!

Step 5: Clean Up

Cleaning your skillet after cooking bacon is of utmost importance. After the skillet cools down, use a paper towel to remove any leftover grease. Wash the skillet with hot water, dish soap and a brush. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry. Proper cleaning ensures that your skillet will last longer.

In conclusion, cooking bacon on the stove is an easy and quick way to prepare breakfast. With these simple steps, you can make crispy bacon that is sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to use a non-stick skillet, keep the heat at medium and flip the bacon slices every few minutes to avoid burning. Don’t forget to clean up! With these tips, you will be cooking bacon like a pro in no time.

That’s How You Make Perfect Bacon on the Stove!

I hope you’ve enjoyed these easy and simple steps to make your very own bacon on the stove. You can make your bacon crispy or chewy by keeping your eye on it. Remember to drain and cool the bacon when you’re done for the perfect crispy bacon strips. Thanks for reading! Come back again for more yummy recipes and great cooking tips.