How to cook up bacon for a crowd: BACON, BACON, BACON. Oh, how farmer Fred loves bacon. Bacon in the morning with my Fresh Blueberry Scones, bacon for lunch in a BLT, bacon in the evening on his meatloaf, bacon anytime. I like bacon, and sometimes I even love bacon. Especially in recipes like stuffed potato skins, but in general, if I don’t have it, I don’t miss it. Not Fred, I’m waiting for him to ask me what is the RDA of bacon, as I believe he thinks bacon as an appetizer, a main dish, and a condiment!!!
How do you like your bacon cooked? That would be bacon the food!!! Are you a Crunchy, chewy, some of both, or make it into bacon bits person? Fred likes to chew on things like good ideas and bacon.
Key Takeaways:
- Cooking Bacon for a Crowd: The simplest way to cook bacon for a large group is in the oven. Use a 16-ounce package and lay the slices flat on a cookie sheet with edges to prevent grease spills.
- Oven Method Advantages: Cooking bacon in the oven keeps it flat and evenly cooked, avoiding the “curly fry” effect from pan-frying. Perfect for recipes like BLTs.
- Temperature and Timing: Bake at 400°F for 20–30 minutes, checking for desired crispness starting at 15 minutes.
- Handling Leftover Bacon: Store leftover bacon in the fridge. To reheat or crisp it up, use the microwave with paper towels for about 1 minute per slice.
- Microwave Bacon for Small Batches: For 2–3 slices, cook between paper towels in the microwave on high for 1 minute per slice.
- Watch for Packaging Tricks: Be cautious when shopping for bacon. Some stores sell 12-ounce packages at prices similar to 16-ounce ones, so always check the label.
I subscribe to the notion that if I am going to cook up bacon for a crowd, I will cook up the whole pound. By the way, what is up with stores that try to sell you bacon with only 12 ounces of bacon in a package? They put the 12 oz. bacon packages in the refrigerator case with the 1lb. packages of bacon. Ever notice how they make sure the price tag is in a big bold font? I bought one of the 12-ounce packages, thinking I was getting a fantastic deal. At home, I realized it was only 12 ounces, and I had overpaid instead of getting a great price. Lesson learned – read the labels!!!
I am always thankful for leftover bacon. I cook it the way Fred likes it – a little chewy. Leftovers go in the fridge and can be warmed or crisped up more between two paper towels in the microwave. Here is a bonus suggestion: If you only want 2 or 3 pieces of bacon, put them between paper towels and cook in the microwave on high for about 1 minute per piece.
My SIS(simple is smart) method for How to Cook up Bacon for a Crowd.
I cook the full 16-ounce package of bacon in the oven on a cookie sheet. I’ve tried cooking it on a rack over the cookie sheet, but it sticks to the racks. I lay it out on a couple of large cookie sheets that have a lip or edge all the way around. The bacon heats up slowly enough to render out the fat. Then the bacon fry’s in the rendered fat. The best part is it doesn’t curl up into those “curly fry” shapes of pan fried bacon. I like a nice flat piece of bacon in my BLT not a bunch of “curly fries” !!!
Cook the bacon in the center of the oven at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Start checking for doneness after about 15 minutes. When it is the perfect crispness, remove the pan from the oven. Remove the bacon immediately from the pan onto some paper towels to drain off the excess fat. Now that is how to cook up bacon for a crowd!!! Anyone hungry for a BLT?
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FAQ:
Q: What’s the best way to cook bacon for a large group?
A: Use the oven method! Lay a 16-ounce package of bacon flat on a cookie sheet with edges, bake at 400°F for 20–30 minutes, and transfer to paper towels to drain.
Q: Why does bacon curl up when pan-fried, and how can I avoid it?
A: Bacon curls up in a pan because it cooks unevenly. Baking it in the oven renders the fat more evenly, keeping the slices flat.
Q: How do I reheat leftover bacon?
A: Place the bacon between two paper towels and microwave on high for about 1 minute per slice.
Q: Can I cook bacon on a rack in the oven?
A: You can, but bacon tends to stick to the rack. Laying it directly on a cookie sheet is simpler and easier to clean up.
Q: How can I tell when the bacon is done?
A: Start checking at 15 minutes. The bacon is ready when it reaches your preferred level of crispness.
Q: Why are some bacon packages only 12 ounces instead of 16 ounces?
A: Some stores sell 12-ounce packages alongside 16-ounce ones with similar packaging to confuse buyers. Always read the label to ensure you’re getting the amount you want.
