Bacon is a breakfast staple that has been enjoyed for generations. But not all bacon is created equal.
If you’re looking for the best of the best, look no further than Benton’s bacon. This craft bacon is made with quality pork and follows a technique that has been perfected since 1947.
But how do you cook it to perfection? In this article, we’ll show you how to cook Benton’s bacon in the oven for a delicious and crispy result every time.
Say goodbye to chewy or overcooked bacon and hello to the perfect breakfast treat. So, preheat your oven and let’s get started!
How To Cook Benton’s Bacon In The Oven?
Cooking Benton’s bacon in the oven is a simple and easy process that will result in perfectly crispy and delicious bacon. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Lay the bacon slices out in a single layer on the parchment paper.
4. Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Check the bacon at the 10-minute mark and continue cooking for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
6. Remove the bacon from the oven and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess grease.
That’s it! You now have perfectly cooked Benton’s bacon that is crispy, flavorful, and ready to enjoy.
Why Choose Benton’s Bacon?
Benton’s bacon is not your average grocery store bacon. Unlike quick-cured bacon that uses a chemical process, Benton’s bacon is cured using a mixture of salt and brown sugar, aged for at least 10 days, and smoked with intense hickory from small wood-burning stoves for three days. This process results in an intensely smoky bacon with a unique perfume that will make your house smell like an Appalachian campfire after cooking.
Furthermore, Benton’s bacon is made using old-style pig breeds like Berkshire, Tamworth, and Duroc, which gives it a distinct and rich flavor. The bacon is also cut into thick, Peter Luger-style cross-sections that need to be cooked low and slow for the best effect. The concentrated flavor means it works just as well starring in a BLT as it does being used as a seasoning to keep in your flavor arsenal alongside salt and pepper.
Benton’s bacon has gained popularity among star chefs and foodies alike, and can be found in dishes at restaurants across the country. It has even been called the “bacon god” and “ham hero” by those who have tried it. But what sets Benton’s bacon apart is not just its flavor, but also the way it is made. Allan Benton follows the same cure recipe he learned from his grandparents growing up in rural Virginia, keeping alive the tradition of smoking and curing meat using salt, sugar, smoke, and time.
In short, if you want a bacon that is flavorful, smoky, and made using traditional methods with high-quality ingredients, Benton’s bacon is the way to go.
Preparing The Bacon For The Oven
Before you can cook Benton’s bacon in the oven, you need to prepare it properly. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Choose your bacon: Benton’s bacon comes in different cuts and thicknesses. Consider what type of bacon you want to cook and how thick the slices are.
2. Arrange the bacon: Place the bacon slices on a cutting board or a clean surface. Make sure they are not overlapping each other.
3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Line a baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan and make cleaning up easier.
5. Place the bacon on the baking sheet: Lay the bacon slices on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping each other.
6. Start cooking: Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the bacon into the oven and cook for about 10 minutes.
7. Check on the bacon: After 10 minutes, check on the bacon and see if it has reached your desired level of crispiness. If not, continue cooking for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
8. Remove from oven: Once your bacon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and use tongs to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare Benton’s bacon for cooking in the oven and achieve perfectly crispy and delicious results every time.
Setting The Oven Temperature
Setting the oven temperature is an important step in cooking Benton’s bacon in the oven. While some recipes may suggest a higher temperature, it’s best to set the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for this particular bacon. This temperature allows for the bacon to cook evenly and crisp up nicely without burning.
It’s important to note that every oven is different, and cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, checking it at the 10-minute mark and then every few minutes after that until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Remember that the bacon will continue to crisp up as it cools, so don’t worry if it’s not completely crispy when you take it out of the oven.
By following these simple steps and setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll be able to cook Benton’s bacon to perfection every time.
Placing The Bacon In The Oven
When it comes to placing the bacon in the oven, there are a few different methods that can be used. One popular technique is to place the bacon into a cold oven and then preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the bacon to cook slowly and render out its fat, resulting in a super crispy texture that is far superior to bacon cooked in a hot oven.
To use this method, start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the bacon slices out in a single layer on the parchment paper, making sure that they do not overlap too much. Once the bacon is in place, place the baking sheet into the cold oven and then turn on the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Allow the bacon to cook for about 10 minutes before checking on it. At this point, you should see some browning and crisping starting to occur. Continue cooking for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Once the bacon is done cooking, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. This will help to absorb any excess grease and ensure that your bacon is perfectly crispy and delicious.
Checking For Doneness
Checking for doneness is an important step when cooking Benton’s bacon in the oven. The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. To check for doneness, take a pair of tongs and lift up a slice of bacon from the baking sheet. If the bacon is still floppy and not crispy, it needs more time in the oven. If the bacon is starting to brown and has some crispiness, it’s close to being done. If the bacon is crispy and browned to your liking, it’s ready to be removed from the oven. It’s important to keep a close eye on the bacon towards the end of its cooking time to prevent it from burning or becoming too crispy. By checking for doneness, you can ensure that your Benton’s bacon is cooked perfectly every time.
Serving And Enjoying Your Perfectly Cooked Benton’s Bacon
Now that you have perfectly cooked Benton’s bacon, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
1. Serve it hot: Benton’s bacon is best enjoyed hot, so serve it immediately after cooking.
2. Pair it with eggs: Fried or scrambled eggs make a great accompaniment to Benton’s bacon. The combination of the crispy bacon and creamy eggs is a match made in heaven.
3. Make a breakfast sandwich: Use the cooked bacon to make a delicious breakfast sandwich. Add some cheese, avocado, and tomato for a flavorful and filling meal.
4. Use it as a topping: Crumble the cooked bacon over a salad or baked potato for added flavor and texture.
5. Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your perfectly cooked Benton’s bacon in a variety of ways. Experiment with different pairings and toppings to find your favorite combination.
