How do you cook bacon at home?

Here's how to cook bacon at home, with tips for achieving crispy perfection:

Equipment:

* Skillet: Cast iron is ideal, but any sturdy skillet will do.

* Tongs: For flipping and maneuvering the bacon.

* Paper towels: For draining excess fat.

Methods:

1. Stovetop:

* Prep: Line a plate with paper towels.

* Cook: Place bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium. Do NOT crowd the pan, cook in batches if needed.

* Crisp: As fat renders, the bacon will curl and crisp. Cook until desired level of crispness (about 5-7 minutes).

* Drain: Use tongs to transfer cooked bacon to the paper towel-lined plate.

* Variations:

* For extra crispy: Increase heat to medium-high towards the end of cooking.

* For softer bacon: Cook over low heat for a longer time.

2. Oven:

* Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

* Cook: Arrange bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet.

* Crisp: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispness.

* Drain: Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Tips for Perfect Bacon:

* Quality matters: Choose thick-cut bacon for best results.

* Don't overcrowd: Cook in batches for even cooking and crisping.

* Watch the fat: Keep an eye on the fat rendering, adjust heat as needed.

* No need to flip: Bacon cooks evenly on one side.

* Drain thoroughly: Remove excess grease for optimal crispiness.

Enjoy! Pair your crispy bacon with your favorite breakfast, brunch, or even a salad.