Are you looking for a new way to cook bacon? Have you ever tried jowl bacon?
This savory meat is a delicious alternative to traditional bacon and can be cooked in a variety of ways. In this article, we will focus on how to cook jowl bacon in the oven.
Whether you’re looking for a crispy, chewy texture or a tender, juicy result, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this mouth-watering meat in your own kitchen.
How To Cook Jowl Bacon In Oven?
Jowl bacon is a flavorful and versatile meat that can be cooked in many ways. One of the easiest and most convenient methods is to cook it in the oven. Here’s how:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a large pan (12 inches by 18 inches by 3 inches) with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
3. Lay the jowl bacon slices on the foil, making sure they are not overlapping.
4. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the jowl bacon slices.
6. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the jowl bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat.
If you prefer your jowl bacon extra crispy, you can increase the oven temperature by 10 or 20 degrees and bake for a few more minutes.
What Is Jowl Bacon?
Jowl bacon is a type of bacon that is made from the cheeks of a pig, also known as pork jowl. It is a fatty and flavorful cut of meat that is similar in composition to regular bacon, with tender meat layered between white strips of fat that cook up crispy on a skillet. However, jowl bacon is not as uniform as regular bacon, as it has larger and fewer layers of fat and meat. It may also occasionally contain an artery pathway or sections of skin pigmentation, which makes it “less pure” than regular bacon. Jowl bacon is typically cured and smoked, and is a staple of soul food in the Southern United States. It can be used in many dishes in place of regular bacon, and is especially good for cooking beans, greens, or anything in the cabbage family.
Why Cook Jowl Bacon In The Oven?
There are several reasons why cooking jowl bacon in the oven is a great option:
1. Less supervision: Cooking jowl bacon in the oven requires less supervision compared to cooking it on the stove. Once you place the bacon in the oven, you can focus on other tasks while it cooks.
2. Even cooking: The oven ensures that the jowl bacon is cooked evenly, which can be difficult to achieve on a stovetop.
3. Reduced risk of splattering: Cooking bacon on a stovetop can be messy and dangerous due to the hot grease splattering. Baking jowl bacon in the oven reduces this risk.
4. Convenience: Baking jowl bacon in the oven is a convenient option when cooking for a large group of people or when you need to cook multiple batches of bacon at once.
5. Healthier option: Baking jowl bacon in the oven allows the excess fat to drip off, resulting in a healthier option compared to frying or pan-frying.
Preparing Jowl Bacon For Oven Cooking
Before cooking jowl bacon in the oven, it’s important to prepare it properly. If your jowl bacon is not already sliced, slice it to your desired thickness for bacon.
To cook the jowl bacon in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Lay the jowl bacon slices on the foil, making sure they are not overlapping.
If you prefer your jowl bacon to be extra crispy, you can also use a wire cooling rack in a metal oven pan instead of laying the slices directly on the foil. This allows for better air circulation and faster cooking.
When the oven is preheated, place the pan with the jowl bacon slices on the center rack in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and flip the jowl bacon slices. Place them back in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the jowl bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat.
Step-by-Step Guide To Cooking Jowl Bacon In The Oven
If you want to cook jowl bacon in the oven, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This will ensure that your oven is hot enough to cook the jowl bacon evenly.
2. Line a large pan (12 inches by 18 inches by 3 inches) with heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will make cleaning up easier and prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan.
3. Lay the jowl bacon slices on the foil, making sure they are not overlapping. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and prevent it from sticking together.
4. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This is the first half of the cooking time and will allow the bacon to cook on one side.
5. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the jowl bacon slices. This will ensure that both sides of the bacon are cooked evenly and crispy.
6. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. This is the second half of the cooking time and will allow the bacon to finish cooking.
7. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the jowl bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat. This will help make your jowl bacon crispy and delicious.
If you prefer your jowl bacon extra crispy, you can increase the oven temperature by 10 or 20 degrees and bake for a few more minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Jowl Bacon
While cooking jowl bacon in the oven is a simple process, there are a few tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time:
1. Use a large pan: Make sure to use a large pan that can accommodate all the jowl bacon slices without overlapping. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
2. Flip the bacon: Flipping the bacon halfway through cooking ensures that both sides cook evenly and become crispy.
3. Watch the cooking time: Keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking to make sure it doesn’t burn. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the jowl bacon slices, so check on them periodically.
4. Use paper towels: After removing the jowl bacon from the oven, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat. This will help keep the bacon crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.
5. Experiment with seasoning: While jowl bacon is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavor. Try adding black pepper, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes before baking for a spicy kick.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your jowl bacon turns out perfectly crispy and delicious every time you cook it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions For Jowl Bacon
Jowl bacon is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your next meal:
1. Classic Southern-style breakfast – Pair your jowl bacon with some scrambled eggs, grits, and biscuits for a classic Southern-style breakfast that will start your day off right.
2. BLT sandwich – Use jowl bacon instead of regular bacon in a classic BLT sandwich for a unique and flavorful twist on this classic dish.
3. Charcuterie board – Add some sliced jowl bacon to your next charcuterie board for a savory and indulgent addition to your cheese and deli meat selection.
4. Carbonara pasta – Jowl bacon is the perfect addition to a classic carbonara pasta dish, adding a rich and smoky flavor to the creamy sauce.
5. Grilled skewers – Cut your jowl bacon into small pieces and grill them on skewers with vegetables for a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer or main course.
No matter how you choose to serve it, jowl bacon is sure to add a delicious and unique flavor to any meal.
