7 hours Ago By Claire Schofield
A bacon sarnie might not be the healthiest or most sophisticated of meals, but it’s definitely one of the tastiest. Ideal for breakfast or a lunchtime snack, bacon has the added bonus of being quick and easy to cook, so it’s a perfect go-to ingredient if you’re in a hurry. Much like steak , how you enjoy your bacon is a matter of preferences, with some preferring a lighter cook for a slightly chewier texture, while others favour a much crispier taste.
If you’re leaning towards the crisper side then there are several different ways you can go about achieving that delicious crisp texture - but one will get perfect results without any mess. Bacon can be cooked in a frying pan, under the grill, in an air fryer , or even in the microwave , but experts say if you want the perfect crispiness - without having to deal with loads of splatter as it cooks - then using the oven is your best option. But the trick to getting that desired crispy texture is by placing the bacon on some baking paper first and then baking it in the oven for around 25 minutes.
The baking paper prevents the grease from the meat from splattering everywhere and sticking to the baking tray, which makes life much easier when cleaning up. While oven cooking may take slightly longer than other methods, the use of the baking paper allows for even heat distribution which helps ensure the bacon cooks through thoroughly without burning - and it means you don’t have to flip the strips over, so it’s actually much less hassle. The Stay at Home Chef explains: "Everyone loves oven cooked bacon! It is just as crispy and delicious as in a frying pan, without the mess! Once you try it, you’ll be converted for life! “Cooking bacon in the oven is so stinkin’ easy! It’s going to take longer than you’re used to, but we promise you, it’s worth it.
Plus, it’s all hands-off cooking time. No more watching the stove and dangerous flipping of the bacon! “If you are using thin bacon or want soft, chewy bacon, then you should aim to bake for 15-20 minutes. If you are using a thick cut of bacon or want crispy bacon, then aim for 25-30 minutes.
” Experts at food website The Kitchn add: “You simply line one or two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, arrange the bacon on top, and bake at 400°F (200C) until it is crisped to your liking. When the bacon is done, you transfer it to a paper towel–lined plate or platter to drain. “Because the bacon sits in its own rendered fat as it bakes, it cooks more quickly than if you cooked it on a rack.
The fatty parts also get wonderfully crispy (if you like that), because they’re basically fried. If you prefer your bacon chewier, you can simply cook it a few minutes less to achieve that effect.".
