Do you long for that mouthwatering aroma of crispy bacon in the morning? Are you unsure about cooking bacon in a toaster oven? Well, you’re in luck! Cooking bacon in a toaster oven is not only simple and easy, but it also results in evenly cooked bacon that doesn’t take up much space.
When I was growing up, my mom used to cook bacon on the stovetop. While it worked well, it always seemed to take forever, and the cleanup was a greasy nightmare. But then I discovered how to cook bacon in a toaster oven, and now I’m hooked!
Bacon is a delicious type of cured and smoked pork, usually enjoyed when it’s nice and crispy. It can be cooked in various ways, including frying, baking, and grilling. However, there are several reasons why cooking bacon in a toaster oven is a game-changer.
Firstly, it’s a breeze to clean up compared to stovetop cooking. With no grease splatters since the bacon fat drips below the pan, you’ll have a much easier cleanup. Secondly, you can cook a large batch of bacon all at once, making it perfect for hosting guests or preparing a crowd-pleasing breakfast. Lastly, bacon cooked in a toaster oven is evenly cooked and avoids the risk of burning that sometimes occurs on the stovetop.
Most people think of frying bacon in a pan, but did you know that you can also make mouthwatering bacon in a toaster oven? It’s a convenient and healthier way to cook a small batch of bacon without heating up your kitchen.
How to Cook Bacon in a Toaster Oven?
This recipe is not only delicious but also a significant improvement over pre-packaged mixes. Cooking bacon in a toaster oven is incredibly straightforward. The resulting bacon turns out crispy and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast that will delight everyone.
Equipments and Ingredients:
- Toaster oven
- Bacon slices
- Aluminum foil
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of your toaster oven pan. This will catch any grease from the bacon.
- Lay a single layer of bacon slices on the aluminum foil.
- Cover the bacon with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking and burning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Remove from the toaster oven and let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate. Get ready to enjoy your delicious bacon!
Pro Tips for Perfect Bacon
1. Do NOT preheat the toaster oven
Instead, place the bacon on the middle rack and turn on the oven to 400 degrees when you are ready to start cooking. You can also try flipping the bacon over halfway through to ensure even cooking. Experiment with different types of bacon if you’re not satisfied with the results.
2. Use a baking rack
If you want to cook a large batch of bacon, consider using a baking rack. Place the bacon on the rack, and then place the rack on top of the aluminum foil-lined pan. This will ensure that all the slices of bacon cook evenly.
3. Drain the fat
After cooking the bacon, remove the aluminum foil from the pan and pour off any excess fat. You can either reuse the foil or dispose of it.
4. Season the Bacon
For added flavor, try seasoning your bacon with various spices before cooking. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper are excellent options to enhance the taste.
5. Don’t overcrowd the pan
Leave some space between each slice of bacon to ensure even cooking. If you overcrowd the pan, the bacon won’t cook properly and may stick together.
This is how you make delicious bacon in a toaster oven! By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked bacon every time. Enjoy!
How to Store Bacon made from a Toaster Oven?
It would be a shame to have a scrumptious batch of bacon without knowing how to store it properly. After cooking your bacon, it’s crucial to store it in the fridge to prevent spoilage. So, how do you store bacon made from a toaster oven?
Here are a few tips:
- Let the bacon cool on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
- Place the cooled bacon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If you have leftover bacon and want to extend its shelf life, wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or bags and freeze for up to two months.
- Before cooking, thaw frozen bacon overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid cooking frozen bacon directly, as it may become tough and chewy.
How to Reheat Bacon?
The best way to reheat bacon is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, place the bacon on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Alternatively, you can microwave the bacon. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until warm. Be cautious not to overcook the bacon, as it can become tough and chewy.
Bacon is a versatile and delightful food that can be cooked in various ways. By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfect bacon in your toaster oven every time!
Nutrition Facts of Bacon in a Toaster Oven
In this toaster oven recipe, bacon is packed with delicious goodness that adds a touch of indulgence. Here’s why it’s a significant improvement over pre-packaged mixes:
- Calories: 107 kcal
- Fat: 7.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
- Sodium: 443 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Protein: 8.5 g
Although bacon contains a relatively high calorie and fat content, it’s worth it for its satisfying and flavorful qualities. The cholesterol content is generally not a health concern for most people. If you’re looking for lower sodium options, you can opt for low-sodium bacon. Additionally, the minimal carbohydrate and sugar content make bacon suitable for low-carb diets.
Health Benefits of Bacon in a Toaster Oven
As a long-time bacon enthusiast, I was initially skeptical when I heard about cooking it in a toaster oven. After all, why bother when you can easily cook bacon in a frying pan on the stove? However, it turns out that cooking bacon in a toaster oven offers several advantages.
Firstly, it’s a healthier option compared to stove cooking. When bacon is cooked on the stove, the fat drips down into the pan and gets absorbed by the food. In contrast, cooking bacon in a toaster oven allows the bacon to cook in its fat without absorbing any additional unhealthy fat.
Secondly, cooking bacon in a toaster oven ensures even cooking. The heat is distributed more evenly in a toaster oven, preventing the edges from burning before the rest is cooked to perfection.
Lastly, cooking bacon in a toaster oven is faster than stovetop cooking. The concentrated heat in a toaster oven results in more efficient and quicker cooking.
So, if you’re seeking a healthier and faster way to cook your bacon, give cooking it in a toaster oven a try. Trust me, once you experience the benefits, you’ll never want to go back to cooking bacon on the stove again!
Remember, for more exciting recipes and cooking adventures, visit Ekilove.
Now go ahead and enjoy your delectable bacon cooked in a toaster oven!