With several methods and tips available, figuring out the best way to cook perfect slices of bacon in your cast-iron skillet can feel overwhelming. This guide will equip you with everything you need to know to cook bacon in your cast-iron pan.
Cast Iron Skillet Bacon
While there are different ways to cook bacon, the cast iron skillet reigns supreme. Here’s why:
- Superior Heat Distribution: Cast iron boasts unmatched heat retention and even distribution. This ensures consistent cooking, eliminating hot spots that can burn your bacon.
- Natural Nonstick: Over time, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet develops a natural nonstick layer, allowing the bacon to cook in its own delicious fat without sticking.
- Durability: Cast iron is built to last a lifetime with proper care. It can handle high heat, making it perfect for achieving that coveted crispy texture.
Ingredients
This stove top method is a simple and effective way to cook bacon in your cast iron skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:
- HIGH QUALITY BACON: choose natural, uncured bacon. This type of bacon typically has minimal ingredients, avoiding added sugar that can burn and leave a sticky residue on your skillet.
Kitchen essentials you will need: cast iron skillet, tongs, splatter guard, and paper towels.
How to Cook Crispy Bacon in a Cast Iron Skillet
Get ready for delicious, crispy bacon cooked to perfection in your cast iron skillet! Here’s a simple guide to walk you through the process:
- PREP YOUR PAN AND BACON: Arrange the bacon in a single layer in a cold cast iron skillet.
- TURN ON THE HEAT: Turn your burner to medium heat. Let the pan and bacon heat up together, allowing the fat to render out as the bacon cooks slowly.
- COOK: Cook the bacon until the desired amount of crispness is achieved on the first side. Thin bacon cooks faster than thick-cut, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- FLIP: Once the first side is golden brown, use tongs to flip each piece of bacon gently. Cook for a few more minutes on the second side to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
- REMOVE FROM SKILLET: Transfer the strips of bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. This absorbs any excess grease, leaving you with a perfectly crisp bite.
After enjoying your perfectly crisped bacon, don’t discard the leftover bacon grease! It can be saved and used for delicious recipes that use this often-overlooked ingredient. Get recipe ideas, HERE!
Recipe Tips for Cooking Bacon in a Skillet
- Cold Pan is Key: Start with a cold, well-seasoned pan. You can read about how I season my cast iron pan HERE.
- Skip the Draining: The bacon cooks in its own fat, so don’t drain the bacon between cooking batches! This keeps it crispy and flavorful.
- Avoid Splatters: Use a splatter screen and long tongs to avoid hot grease splatters.
How to Store Cooked Bacon
- Fridge: Wrap cooled bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Bacon can be frozen for longer storage! Just ensure it’s fully cooled before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
FAQs
How To Keep Bacon From Sticking to the Pan? The key to non-stick bacon is starting with a cold cast iron skillet. This allows the bacon fat to render out slowly, creating a natural non-stick layer as the bacon cooks.
How To Clean Cast Iron After Cooking Bacon? For easier cleanup, use a spatula to remove any stuck bits while the pan is warm. Wipe out the remaining grease with a paper towel. Then, do a quick hot water rinse before drying and storing.
What to Serve with Crispy Bacon
For a delightful and satisfying morning meal, pair your bacon with:
Printable Recipe Cooking Bacon in a Cast Iron Skillet
Cooking Bacon in a Cast Iron Skillet
Craving perfectly crisped bacon? Ditch the greasy mess and uneven cooking! This guide unlocks the secrets of cast iron skillet bacon. Learn how to achieve restaurant-quality bacon with easy steps and expert tips. No more soggy strips or burnt patches!
Ingredients
- 8 strips of good quality bacon - Applegate Naturals (no sugar)
Instructions
Step 1: Place bacon strips close together in a cold cast-iron skillet. Strips of bacon can be slightly overlapped but don’t crowd them on top of each other.
Step 2: Turn the burner on medium heat and let the bacon fry. As the fat is rendered out, the bacon begins cooking in its own fat. Cook the bacon until the desired amount of crispness is achieved on the first side.
Step 3: Using the tongs, flip the bacon over. Cook several more minutes on the second side.
Step 4: Remove the bacon from the pan as soon as it has reached the desired level of crispness. Lay the bacon on a towel which will help gather extra drippings. Enjoy the perfectly pan-fried bacon while warm.
Step 5: Remove the cast-iron skillet from the burner.
Step 6: Enjoy the perfectly pan-fried bacon while warm.
Step 7: Once bacon grease has cooled, pour it into a jar and store for future use.
Notes
The Secret to Crispy Bacon – Tips and Tricks
- Check the ingredients: Did you know that some bacon has many added ingredients, including a lot of sugar? Sugar can easily burn on the cast iron skillet, resulting in a messy residue that can be hard to clean. So, look for bacon that is all-natural with few added ingredients.
- Start with cold skillet: No need to pre-heat the cast iron skillet. The skillet and bacon will heat up together. As the bacon slowly heats up, the fat begins to release, helping the bacon not stick to the skillet.
- Thinly sliced bacon: If you like crispy bacon, choose thinner sliced pieces to fry. Thicker-cut bacon usually takes longer to fry and has a more chewy texture.
About the Author
Sarah Blankenship | Rocky Hedge FarmSarah is the author behind Rocky Hedge Farm. She is passionate about simple, healthy recipes, cast iron cooking, gardening, and remodeling her manufactured home. She shares her experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Go here to read her story, “Living a Life of Contentment and Joy: Simple Living at Rocky Hedge Farm.” If you want to message Sarah, visit her contact page here.
LEarning how to cook with cast iron skillet, great tips.