Bacon is a breakfast staple that many of us can’t live without. But let’s face it, cooking bacon can be a messy and time-consuming task.
That’s why cooking bacon ahead of time and reheating it later is a great option for those who want to save time and effort in the morning. Plus, it’s also a great idea if you’re hosting a brunch or breakfast party.
In this article, we’ll show you some easy and foolproof ways to cook bacon ahead of time and reheat it perfectly every time.
So, grab your favorite package of bacon and let’s get started!
How To Cook Bacon Ahead Of Time And Reheat?
There are several ways to cook bacon ahead of time and reheat it later. Here are some of the best methods:
1. Oven Method:
The oven method is a great way to cook bacon in large batches. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place the bacon in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until crispy and browned, rotating the pans halfway through the baking process. Remove from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately or freeze for later use.
2. Slow Cooker Method:
The slow cooker method is perfect for keeping bacon warm for a crowd. Simply place the cooked bacon in a slow cooker on low heat and cover it with a lid. This method will keep your bacon warm and crispy for hours.
3. Skillet Method:
If you prefer to reheat your bacon in a skillet, cook it ahead of time until it starts to get crispy. Then, reheat it in a skillet on low heat until it’s just crisp.
4. Microwave Method:
The microwave method is the quickest and easiest way to reheat bacon. Simply place the cooked bacon on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it for 10-15 seconds until it’s heated through.
Why Cook Bacon Ahead Of Time?
Cooking bacon ahead of time has several advantages. Firstly, it saves time during meal prep. By cooking bacon ahead of time, you can easily reheat it later and have a delicious breakfast or snack in minutes. Secondly, it reduces the mess that comes with cooking bacon on the stove top. Baking bacon in the oven is a hands-off method that ensures crispy and evenly cooked bacon strips without the splatters and grease that come with pan searing. Thirdly, cooking bacon ahead of time allows you to store it for later use. You can freeze cooked bacon for up to six months, making it a convenient option for meal planning and batch cooking. Finally, cooking bacon ahead of time is a great way to serve large crowds. You can cook big batches of bacon in the oven or slow cooker and keep them warm until ready to serve. Overall, cooking bacon ahead of time is a smart and practical way to enjoy this tasty treat without the hassle of cooking it from scratch every time.
Preparing Bacon For Cooking Ahead Of Time
Preparing bacon ahead of time can save you time and hassle in the kitchen. Here are some tips for preparing bacon for cooking ahead of time:
1. Choose your bacon: When selecting bacon for cooking ahead of time, choose bacon that is thick-cut and has a good amount of fat. This will help ensure that your bacon stays juicy and flavorful after reheating.
2. Line your pan: To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove after cooking.
3. Arrange your bacon: Lay your bacon strips in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. This will help ensure that each strip cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
4. Bake your bacon: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake your bacon for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Remove from the oven and let cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Store your bacon: Once cooled, wrap your bacon in paper towels and store it in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to four days.
By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare bacon ahead of time and have it ready to reheat whenever you need it.
Cooking Bacon Ahead Of Time: Methods And Tips
Cooking bacon ahead of time is a great way to save time in the morning or when hosting a breakfast or brunch. Here are some methods and tips for cooking bacon ahead of time:
1. Freezing Raw Bacon:
Bacon can be frozen raw, and it thaws quickly and easily in the microwave. Simply place the bacon in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it until needed. Thaw it in the microwave before cooking or place it in the fridge overnight.
2. Baking Bacon:
Baking bacon is a great way to cook it ahead of time, and it ensures crispy and evenly cooked strips. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lay the bacon strips in a single layer. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Remove from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. Slow Cooker Bacon:
The slow cooker method is perfect for keeping bacon warm for a crowd. Cook the bacon ahead of time using your preferred method, then place it in a slow cooker on low heat and cover with a lid. This method will keep your bacon warm and crispy for hours.
4. Skillet Bacon:
To cook big batches of bacon, you can use several skillets or cook it in the oven. If you prefer to reheat your bacon in a skillet, cook it ahead of time until it starts to get crispy. Then, reheat it in a skillet on low heat until it’s just crisp.
5. Under Bake Bacon:
If you plan to store leftover bacon in the fridge or freezer, under bake it by a couple of minutes so that it’s perfect when you reheat it later.
Storing Cooked Bacon
Storing cooked bacon properly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. One of the best ways to store cooked bacon is to place it on a paper towel-lined plate and cover it with foil or plastic wrap. The paper towel will absorb any excess grease and moisture, helping to keep the bacon crispy. You can then store the plate in the refrigerator for up to five days.
If you have a large batch of cooked bacon that you want to store for later use, you can freeze it. To do this, allow the bacon to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
When it comes time to reheat your stored bacon, there are several methods you can use. If you’ve frozen your bacon, it’s important to defrost it first. You can do this by moving the bag of bacon to the refrigerator and allowing it to defrost for at least eight hours. Alternatively, you can defrost it in the microwave.
Once your bacon is defrosted, you can choose from a variety of reheating methods. The oven method is ideal for a savory crunch. Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, lay your bacon out in a single layer on a baking sheet, and pop it into the oven for about five minutes. If you prefer a stovetop method, turn a burner on to medium-high heat and allow a frying pan to heat up. Once the pan is hot, place a single layer of bacon on it and cook until crispy.
Reheating Cooked Bacon: Methods And Tips
When it comes to reheating cooked bacon, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it stays crispy and delicious. Here are some tips:
1. Use The Oven Method:
If you have a large amount of bacon to reheat, the oven method is the best option. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the edges of the parchment completely cover the baking sheet to prevent grease from getting on it. After removing the bacon, let the grease dry on the paper and then throw it away. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
2. Use The Skillet Method:
If you only have a few slices of bacon to reheat, using a skillet is a good option. Heat a skillet over low heat and add the bacon slices. Cook until heated through and just crisp.
3. Use The Microwave Method:
The microwave method is quick and easy, but it can make the bacon chewy if not done properly. Place the cooked bacon on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 10-15 seconds until heated through. If you prefer your bacon crispy, place it in a skillet for a minute or two to crisp it up.
4. Store Properly:
When storing cooked bacon, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. To thaw frozen cooked bacon, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge on the night before you want to eat it.
5. Don’t Overcook:
When cooking bacon ahead of time, make sure not to overcook it. Cook it just until it starts to get crispy so that when you reheat it, you can bring it to your desired level of crispiness without making it too chewy.
By following these tips and methods, you can cook bacon ahead of time and reheat it perfectly every time.
Serving Cooked Bacon: Ideas And Recipes
Cooked bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas and recipes to try:
1. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers:
Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Fill each half with cream cheese and wrap with a piece of cooked bacon. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
2. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich:
Toast an English muffin and top with a cooked egg, a slice of cheddar cheese, and a few pieces of cooked bacon. Top with the other half of the English muffin and enjoy!
3. BLT Salad:
Chop up some lettuce, tomato, and avocado and toss with crumbled cooked bacon. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and serve.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus:
Wrap a few spears of asparagus with a slice of cooked bacon and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
5. Bacon Mac and Cheese:
Cook your favorite mac and cheese recipe and stir in some crumbled cooked bacon before serving.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Cooked bacon can be added to almost any dish for an extra burst of flavor. Experiment with different recipes to find your favorites!
