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October 27, 2024
Bacon is a popular breakfast food enjoyed around the world. While it is traditionally cooked on a stovetop, baking bacon in the oven is an alternative method that can yield deliciously crispy results. By adding a touch of flour to the bacon, you can further enhance its texture and flavor. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of cooking bacon in the oven with flour, giving you a simple and easy recipe to follow.
Why bake bacon in the oven? Baking bacon in the oven has several advantages over stovetop cooking. Firstly, it allows you to cook a larger quantity of bacon at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Additionally, baking it in the oven results in evenly cooked bacon that has a crispy texture throughout. It also helps to reduce the amount of splattering grease, making clean-up much easier.
The secret ingredient: flour Adding flour to bacon before baking may seem unconventional, but it helps to create a thin and crunchy coating that elevates the overall taste and texture. The flour absorbs some of the excess fat, resulting in bacon that is perfectly crispy and delicious. It also helps the bacon to cook more evenly, ensuring that every bite is just as enjoyable as the last.
Note: If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free or low-carb, you can substitute the flour with alternative ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Preparing the bacon
To prepare the bacon for cooking in the oven, start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
Next, carefully remove the slices of bacon from the package and place them in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. You can place the bacon slices close together, but make sure they are not overlapping.
If desired, you can sprinkle a small amount of flour over the bacon slices. This will help to create a crispy texture and brown the bacon more evenly. Use about 1 tablespoon of flour per pound of bacon.
Once the bacon is arranged on the baking sheet and any flour has been added, you can place the sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the bacon for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on the bacon during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning.
After the bacon is done cooking, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool slightly before serving.
Now that the bacon is prepared, it can be enjoyed on its own, crumbled over salads, or added to your favorite recipes. Enjoy!
Seasoning the bacon
Before cooking the bacon in the oven, you can season it to add extra flavor. Here are some delicious seasoning ideas:
Salt and Pepper
A simple and classic way to season bacon is with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This brings out the natural flavor of the bacon and enhances its savory taste.
Garlic Powder and Paprika
For a more robust and slightly spicy flavor, you can mix garlic powder and paprika to create a seasoning blend. The garlic powder adds a subtle hint of garlic while the paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet taste.
Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar
If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can brush the bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle brown sugar on top. This combination caramelizes during cooking, creating a sweet and slightly sticky glaze.
Cayenne Pepper and Brown Sugar
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can spice up your bacon by adding cayenne pepper and brown sugar. The cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick while the brown sugar balances the heat with a hint of sweetness.
After seasoning the bacon, it is ready to be cooked in the oven. The seasonings will infuse into the bacon during the cooking process, enhancing its flavor and making it even more delicious.
| Seasoning | Bacon Flavor |
|---|---|
| Salt and Pepper | Savory |
| Garlic Powder and Paprika | Robust and slightly spicy |
| Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar | Sweet and sticky |
| Cayenne Pepper and Brown Sugar | Spicy with a hint of sweetness |
Coating the bacon with flour
Coating your bacon with flour can add a delicious crispy texture to your oven-cooked bacon. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather your ingredients
To coat your bacon with flour, you will need:
- Bacon slices
- All-purpose flour
Step 2: Preparing the flour mixture
In a shallow bowl, put some all-purpose flour. You can add your choice of spices, such as salt, black pepper, or paprika, to enhance the flavor. Mix well.
Step 3: Coat the bacon
Take one strip of bacon and gently press it into the flour mixture, covering both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Arrange on a baking sheet
Place the coated bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 5: Bake in the oven
Preheat your oven to the desired temperature (usually around 400°F/200°C) and bake the bacon until crispy. The flour coating will help create a golden and crunchy texture.
Once the bacon is cooked to your desired crispiness, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy your delicious oven-cooked bacon with a crispy flour coating!
Preheating the oven
Before cooking bacon in the oven with flour, it’s important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and becomes crisp and delicious.
The recommended temperature for cooking bacon in the oven is 400°F (205°C). Preheating the oven to this temperature will allow the bacon to cook evenly and become crispy.
Steps to preheat the oven:
- Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 400°F (205°C).
- Allow the oven to preheat for about 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the oven reaches the desired temperature and is ready for cooking.
Once the oven is preheated to the correct temperature, you can proceed to the next step of cooking bacon in the oven with flour.
Baking the bacon
Once you have coated your bacon slices in flour, it’s time to bake them in the oven. Baking bacon in the oven is a mess-free and convenient way to achieve perfectly crispy and evenly cooked bacon.
To bake your bacon, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the flour-coated bacon slices on the baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each slice to ensure even cooking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bacon for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent it from burning.
Once the bacon is done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts or kitchen tongs. Transfer the baked bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain off any excess grease.
Finally, serve your delicious oven-baked bacon while it’s still warm and crispy. It’s perfect for adding to sandwiches, salads, or enjoying on its own as a tasty snack.
| Baking temperature | Baking time |
|---|---|
| 400°F (200°C) | 15-20 minutes |
Serving the bacon
Once the bacon is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few tips for serving your delicious bacon:
Classic breakfast:
For the classic American breakfast, serve the bacon alongside scrambled eggs, toast, and a cup of hot coffee. The combination of crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and buttery toast is unbeatable.
Bacon sandwich:
If you’re in the mood for a quick and tasty sandwich, place the cooked bacon between two slices of your favourite bread. Add fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of mayonnaise for a satisfying meal on the go.
Bacon crumble:
Add an extra crunch to your salads, soups, or pasta dishes by crumbling the cooked bacon on top. The salty and smoky flavour will elevate any dish and add a burst of deliciousness.
Note: Remember to let the bacon cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent any burns. Also, pat the excess grease off with a paper towel to reduce the greasiness.
Q&A
What is the advantage of cooking bacon in the oven with flour?
Cooking bacon in the oven with flour helps to create a crispy texture and evenly cooked bacon. The flour absorbs excess fat and adds a delicious flavor to the bacon.
Can I use any type of flour to cook bacon in the oven?
Yes, you can use any type of flour to cook bacon in the oven. All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or even gluten-free flour can be used. The type of flour you choose may slightly affect the taste and texture of the bacon.
How do I cook bacon in the oven with flour?
To cook bacon in the oven with flour, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and sprinkle flour evenly on the rack. Lay the bacon strips on top of the flour-coated rack and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Make sure to flip the bacon halfway through cooking for even browning.
Can I season the flour before cooking bacon in the oven?
Yes, you can season the flour before cooking bacon in the oven to add extra flavor. You can mix in spices such as black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or even herbs like rosemary or thyme. Experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique bacon flavor.