Bacon is a breakfast staple that can be cooked in many ways, but there’s something special about frying it in a cast iron skillet.
Not only does it produce crispy and delicious bacon, but it also helps to season your skillet.
However, frying bacon in a cast iron skillet can be tricky, especially if you’re worried about it sticking to the pan.
But fear not! In this article, we’ll show you how to fry bacon in a cast iron skillet using both the hot pan and cold pan methods.
So grab your skillet and let’s get started!
How To Fry Bacon In A Cast Iron Skillet?
Method 1: Hot Pan
The hot pan method involves preheating your skillet over low-medium heat for up to five minutes. This will ensure that your skillet is evenly heated and ready for the bacon.
Once your skillet is hot, add about 1/2 tablespoon of bacon fat, butter, or lard to the pan. This will help prevent the bacon from sticking to the skillet.
Next, add your bacon to the skillet and cook until it starts to brown on one side. Use tongs to flip the bacon and continue cooking, flipping occasionally to prevent burning, until it’s cooked to your liking.
Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
Method 2: Cold Pan
The cold pan method involves laying your bacon in a cold cast iron skillet so that the strips aren’t touching. It’s okay if they overlap slightly, as they will shrink when they cook.
Place the skillet over medium heat and let the bacon slowly heat and cook as the pan heats for about 10 minutes. The edges should start to show a little color and there should be a layer of rendered grease on the bottom of the pan before turning it over.
Turn the bacon over and increase the heat to medium-high. Let it cook until crisp on that side, about 4 minutes. Turn it one more time to finish crisping on the first side, about 2 minutes.
Remove the bacon from the pan as soon as it’s as crispy as you like it. Let it drain on paper towels before eating hot.
Why Fry Bacon In A Cast Iron Skillet?
Frying bacon in a cast iron skillet has been a classic method for many years. It’s a popular choice because cast iron conducts heat evenly, which means that your bacon will cook evenly too. This helps to avoid burnt spots and ensures that the bacon is cooked to perfection. Additionally, using a cast iron skillet helps to season the skillet over time, which enhances the flavor of your bacon.
Another benefit of using a cast iron skillet is that it allows you to use less oil or fat when cooking your bacon. The high fat content in bacon means that it doesn’t require additional oil or fat to cook properly. However, adding a small amount of bacon fat, butter, or lard to the skillet before cooking can help prevent the bacon from sticking.
Cast iron skillets are also durable and long-lasting, making them a great investment for any kitchen. They can withstand high temperatures and can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, and even over an open flame.
Preparing Your Cast Iron Skillet For Bacon
If you’re using a cast iron skillet for frying bacon, it’s important to prepare the skillet properly to ensure that the bacon doesn’t stick to the pan. The first step is to choose the method that you want to use: hot pan or cold pan.
For the hot pan method, start by preheating your cast iron skillet over low-medium heat for up to five minutes. This will ensure that your skillet is evenly heated and ready for the bacon. Once your skillet is hot, add about 1/2 tablespoon of bacon fat, butter, or lard to the pan. This will help prevent the bacon from sticking to the skillet.
If you’re using the cold pan method, simply lay your bacon in a cold cast iron skillet so that the strips aren’t touching. It’s okay if they overlap slightly, as they will shrink when they cook.
Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to use tongs or a long fork to turn the bacon over and prevent it from burning. If you’re using the hot pan method, make sure to add the oil before adding in your bacon. If you’re using the cold pan method, no extra oil is necessary.
It’s also important to monitor your heat and adjust it as needed. If your pan is too hot, remove it from the heat and turn down your burner just a touch. This will prevent your bacon from burning and ensure that it cooks evenly.
Once your bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to fry delicious bacon in your cast iron skillet without any sticking or burning issues.
The Hot Pan Method For Frying Bacon
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to fry bacon in a cast iron skillet, the hot pan method might be just what you need. This method involves preheating your skillet over low-medium heat for up to five minutes. This will ensure that your skillet is evenly heated and ready for the bacon.
Once your skillet is hot, add about 1/2 tablespoon of bacon fat, butter, or lard to the pan. This will help prevent the bacon from sticking to the skillet. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer.
Next, add your bacon to the skillet and cook until it starts to brown on one side. Use tongs to flip the bacon and continue cooking, flipping occasionally to prevent burning, until it’s cooked to your liking. The hot pan method is great for those who want their bacon cooked quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. You can serve your perfectly cooked bacon alone or with other breakfast favorites such as eggs and toast.
The Cold Pan Method For Frying Bacon
The cold pan method is a great way to fry bacon in a cast iron skillet. It involves starting with a cold skillet and laying your bacon strips in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. This allows the bacon to cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the skillet.
Once your bacon is in the skillet, turn the heat to medium and let it slowly cook for about 10 minutes. This will allow the fat to render out of the bacon and help it to crisp up. You’ll notice that there will be a layer of rendered grease on the bottom of the pan before turning it over.
After 10 minutes, turn the bacon over and increase the heat to medium-high. Let it cook until it’s crispy on that side, which should take about 4 minutes. Then, turn it one more time to finish crisping on the first side, which should take about 2 minutes.
Once your bacon is as crispy as you like it, remove it from the pan and let it drain on paper towels before serving hot. The cold pan method ensures that your bacon cooks evenly and results in crispy, delicious bacon every time. So next time you’re frying bacon in a cast iron skillet, give the cold pan method a try for perfect results.
Tips For Perfectly Fried Bacon Every Time
1. Start with cold bacon: It’s important to start with cold bacon, as this will help prevent the bacon from sticking to the skillet and will result in a more even cook.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: It’s important to give each strip of bacon enough room to cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan can result in uneven cooking and can cause the bacon to steam rather than fry.
3. Use low-medium heat: Cooking bacon on low-medium heat allows it to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in crispy and delicious bacon.
4. Flip the bacon often: Flipping the bacon often will ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides and will prevent it from burning.
5. Drain excess fat: As the bacon cooks, it will release excess fat. It’s important to drain this excess fat periodically to prevent the bacon from becoming greasy and to ensure that it cooks evenly.
6. Use a splatter screen: Using a splatter screen can help prevent grease from splattering all over your stovetop and can make cleanup easier.
7. Save the bacon fat: Bacon fat is a delicious addition to many recipes, so don’t throw it away! Store it in a jar in your fridge and use it for cooking or baking.
Cleaning And Maintaining Your Cast Iron Skillet
Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious bacon, it’s time to clean and maintain your cast iron skillet. Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your skillet lasts for many years to come.
First, let the skillet cool down completely before cleaning. Once it’s cool, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub the skillet with mild dish soap and hot water. Avoid using steel wool or scouring pads as they can remove the seasoning of the skillet.
If there are stubborn bits of food stuck to the skillet, you can use kosher salt as a natural buffer or a cast iron cleaner specifically designed for cleaning cast iron pans. Do not soak the skillet in water overnight as it can cause rust.
After cleaning, rinse the skillet thoroughly with hot water and dry it completely with a dish towel. You can also heat the skillet on low heat on the stovetop or in the oven at 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure all moisture is evaporated.
To maintain your skillet’s seasoning, apply a very thin layer of neutral oil like canola or grapeseed to the inside and outside of the skillet using a paper towel or clean rag. It’s important to add oil while the skillet is still hot to allow it to become a polymer that protects the surface. Store your skillet in a dry place.
Remember, the more you cook with your cast iron skillet, the better it will perform and the easier it will be to maintain. With proper care, your cast iron skillet will become a beloved kitchen tool that lasts for generations.
