Are you a fan of Irish bacon but tired of the mess and hassle of cooking it on the stove?
Look no further than your trusty oven! Cooking Irish bacon in the oven is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic breakfast meat without the fuss.
Plus, with the right technique, you can achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful bacon every time.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks for cooking Irish bacon in the oven, as well as some tasty recipe ideas to try out.
So preheat your oven and get ready to elevate your breakfast game!
How To Cook Irish Bacon In The Oven?
Cooking Irish bacon in the oven is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Slice your Irish bacon into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
4. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12 minutes, no more. Overcooking the bacon will cause it to dry out and become tough.
6. Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
That’s it! With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious Irish bacon ready to enjoy.
Why Cook Irish Bacon In The Oven?
Cooking Irish bacon in the oven has several advantages over other cooking methods. First, it is a convenient way to cook a large amount of bacon at once. Instead of standing over a hot stove, flipping bacon strips one by one, you can simply arrange the bacon on a baking sheet and let the oven do the work.
Second, baking Irish bacon in the oven allows for even cooking and crispiness. The heat from the oven circulates around the bacon, ensuring that each piece is cooked to perfection. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the bacon curling up or sticking together like it might in a skillet.
Third, cooking Irish bacon in the oven is a healthier option than frying it in a pan. Baking allows the excess fat to drip off the bacon and onto the baking sheet, resulting in a leaner and less greasy product.
Finally, baking Irish bacon in the oven is a hands-off method that frees up your time to focus on other tasks. You can pop the bacon in the oven and go about your morning routine without having to constantly monitor it.
Preparing Your Irish Bacon For The Oven
Before you can cook your Irish bacon in the oven, you need to prepare it properly. Here’s how:
1. Start by determining how much curing mixture you will need. For 5 pounds of Irish bacon, you will need an equal amount of brine mixture.
2. Prepare the curing mixture by either making your own at home or using a store-bought curing mix. Common ingredients in the curing mix include garlic, maple syrup, bay leaves, thyme, nutmeg, and juniper berries. You may also use brown sugar and honey instead of maple syrup.
3. Add the meat into the curing mix and rub it properly to coat the bacon evenly. Use a plastic bag or an airtight container to do this.
4. Place the container with the curing bacon into the refrigerator for 7 days at a temperature between 34-40°F.
5. Halfway through, take out the meat and rub it again to even out the spice mixture and any moisture that may have gathered in the container.
6. After 1-2 weeks, take the cured meat out of the fridge and rinse it properly.
7. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Slice your Irish bacon into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
9. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
10. Bake for 12 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, no more. Overcooking will cause it to dry out and become tough.
11. Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Irish bacon is properly cured and prepared for cooking in the oven, resulting in tender and flavorful bacon that is sure to please your taste buds.
Tips For Cooking Irish Bacon In The Oven
Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results when cooking Irish bacon in the oven:
1. Use a baking sheet with a rim to contain any bacon drippings. This will prevent the drippings from spilling over and making a mess in your oven.
2. For even cooking, make sure to arrange the bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overlapping the bacon slices can cause uneven cooking and may result in some pieces being undercooked while others are overcooked.
3. Keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and how long it takes for your oven to come to temperature. Start checking your bacon around 10 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
4. Let the bacon cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to firm up slightly and make it easier to handle.
5. Don’t discard the bacon grease! Bacon grease is a delicious ingredient that can be used for cooking or added to dishes for extra flavor. Just be sure to strain it before using it.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to cook perfect Irish bacon in the oven every time.
Recipe Ideas For Oven-Cooked Irish Bacon
If you’re looking to take your oven-cooked Irish bacon to the next level, here are some recipe ideas to try:
1. Bacon and Cabbage: This classic Irish dish is a must-try. Soak the bacon in cold water for 12 hours, then boil it in fresh cold water for 1 1/2 hours until cooked through. Cut the cabbage into quarters and boil for 5 minutes in the same water used to cook the bacon. Serve the bacon sliced on a bed of cabbage with boiled potatoes.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap thin strips of oven-cooked Irish bacon around asparagus spears and bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
3. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich: Layer oven-cooked Irish bacon, a fried egg, and cheese on a toasted English muffin or bagel for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff pitted dates with goat cheese or blue cheese, then wrap them in thin strips of oven-cooked Irish bacon and bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
5. Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crumbled oven-cooked Irish bacon to your favorite mac and cheese recipe for a savory twist on a classic comfort food.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your oven-cooked Irish bacon, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Serving Suggestions And Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to cook Irish bacon in the oven, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Irish breakfast: Pair your baked Irish bacon with eggs, black pudding, white pudding, beans, and toast for a hearty breakfast.
– BLT sandwich: Use your baked Irish bacon to make a classic BLT sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
– Salad topping: Crumble your baked Irish bacon over a salad for added flavor and texture.
– Bacon-wrapped appetizers: Use your baked Irish bacon to wrap around small bites like dates, figs, or cheese for a tasty appetizer.
As for final thoughts, baking Irish bacon in the oven is a convenient and mess-free way to cook this delicious meat. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid the splattering grease and the hassle of cleaning up after frying. Plus, baking allows you to cook a large batch of bacon at once, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. So give it a try and enjoy the crispy and flavorful results!