Are you a fan of bacon but tired of the same old frying pan routine?
Look no further than peameal bacon slices!
This Canadian delicacy is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon and can be easily cooked in the oven for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked peameal bacon slices that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
So, put away the frying pan and let’s dive into how to cook peameal bacon slices in the oven.
How To Cook Peameal Bacon Slices In The Oven?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you start cooking your peameal bacon slices, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bacon cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Peameal Bacon Slices
Unwrap your peameal bacon slices and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them on a cooling rack that is set on top of a large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Step 3: Score Your Peameal Bacon Slices
Using a sharp knife, score the top of your peameal bacon slices about 1/2 inch deep. Make the cuts diagonally, and then cut the same lines at a 90-degree angle. This will help the bacon cook evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 4: Brush With Maple Syrup
Brush the top of your peameal bacon slices with maple syrup. This will add a sweet and savory flavor to your bacon and help it caramelize in the oven.
Step 5: Bake Your Peameal Bacon Slices
Cover your baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for one hour, then remove the foil and continue cooking until the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This should take an additional 30-45 minutes.
Step 6: Let Your Peameal Bacon Slices Rest
Once your peameal bacon slices are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender slice of bacon.
What Is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon is a type of back bacon made from lean boneless pork loin that has been trimmed of fat and wet-cured. It is then rolled in cornmeal, which gives it a crispy edge and a slightly sweet flavor. Originally, it was rolled in ground up dried peas to help extend its shelf life, hence the name “peameal”. However, after the First World War, people started rolling it in cornmeal instead. Unlike other types of bacon, peameal bacon is unsmoked, giving it a milder flavor once it’s off the griddle. The lack of fat means that it stays juicy, rather than becoming crunchy and dry. It can be found across Canada and parts of England, but it is particularly beloved in Toronto, where it is often considered a signature dish. Peameal bacon sandwiches, consisting of cooked peameal bacon on a kaiser roll and sometimes topped with mustard or other toppings, are a popular way to enjoy this Canadian specialty.
Why Cook Peameal Bacon Slices In The Oven?
Cooking peameal bacon slices in the oven is a great way to achieve a perfectly cooked and evenly caramelized slice of bacon. By using this method, you can avoid the mess and hassle of frying bacon on the stovetop, and also ensure that your bacon cooks evenly without burning or sticking to the pan.
Baking your peameal bacon slices in the oven also allows you to infuse them with additional flavors, such as maple syrup or other seasonings. By brushing your bacon with maple syrup before baking, you can add a sweet and savory flavor that complements the natural smokiness of the meat.
Furthermore, cooking peameal bacon slices in the oven is a healthier option than frying, as it requires little to no added oil or fat. This makes it a great choice for those who are watching their fat intake or trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Preparing Peameal Bacon Slices For The Oven
Preparing peameal bacon slices for the oven is a simple process that can result in a delicious and flavorful meal. To start, make sure to have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready to go. You will need peameal bacon slices, maple syrup, a sharp knife, a baking dish, foil, a cooling rack, and a large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. Unwrap your peameal bacon slices and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them on a cooling rack that is set on top of a large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Using a sharp knife, score the top of your peameal bacon slices about 1/2 inch deep. Make the cuts diagonally, and then cut the same lines at a 90-degree angle. This will help the bacon cook evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Brush the top of your peameal bacon slices with maple syrup. This will add a sweet and savory flavor to your bacon and help it caramelize in the oven.
Cover your baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for one hour, then remove the foil and continue cooking until the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This should take an additional 30-45 minutes.
Once your peameal bacon slices are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender slice of bacon.
Cooking Peameal Bacon Slices In The Oven
Peameal bacon slices are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast staple that can be cooked in the oven for a quick and fuss-free meal. Here’s how to cook peameal bacon slices in the oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. Then, prepare your peameal bacon slices by unwrapping them and patting them dry with a paper towel. Place them on a cooling rack set on top of a large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil to prevent sticking.
Using a sharp knife, score the top of your peameal bacon slices about 1/2 inch deep, making diagonal cuts and then cutting the same lines at a 90-degree angle. This will help the bacon cook evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Brush the top of your peameal bacon slices with maple syrup for added sweetness and flavor. Cover your baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for one hour, then remove the foil and continue cooking until the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This should take an additional 30-45 minutes.
Once your peameal bacon slices are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender slice of bacon.
Serving And Enjoying Peameal Bacon Slices
Once your peameal bacon slices have rested, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! There are many ways to enjoy this Canadian delicacy, but here are some suggestions:
1. Serve on a bun: Place the peameal bacon slice on a freshly baked bun or roll. You can add some cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments like mustard or ketchup.
2. Serve with eggs: Peameal bacon slices make a great addition to any breakfast plate. Fry up some eggs and serve them alongside your bacon for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
3. Add to a salad: Slice your peameal bacon and add it to a salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner option.
4. Use as a pizza topping: Cut your peameal bacon slices into small pieces and use them as a topping on your homemade pizza. It adds a unique flavor that pairs well with other toppings like mushrooms and onions.
5. Enjoy as a snack: Peameal bacon slices can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. Simply slice them up and serve with some crackers or cheese for a tasty treat.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your peameal bacon slices, one thing is for sure – they are sure to be delicious! So go ahead and try out this Canadian classic in the comfort of your own home.