Forget everything you thought you knew about cooking bacon. A classically trained chef has revealed a surprisingly simple method that promises to deliver the crispiest, most delicious rashers you've ever tasted, and it doesn't involve a frying pan.
The Superior Bacon Cooking Method
Classically trained chef Billy Parisi has shared his definitive technique for cooking bacon, insisting that baking it in the oven is the ultimate approach. Having tried pan-frying, grilling, and even deep-frying, Chef Parisi confidently states that this is the best way to prepare the breakfast staple. He claims that once you try it, you will never go back to your old methods.
The key advantage of this technique is the result: mouthwatering, perfectly crispy bacon that develops a lovely golden colour. An added benefit is that the rashers maintain their form and don't curl up, unlike when cooked in a pan. Furthermore, this method is significantly less messy than the traditional hob-cooking approach, saving you from greasy splatters all over the stove.
How to Bake Your Bacon to Perfection
According to the chef, there are two essential items required for this method: a baking tray and parchment paper. The parchment paper is not just for easy cleanup; it actively helps achieve that desired crispy texture and can even speed up the cooking process.
The method is straightforward. First, line your baking tray with parchment paper. Then, arrange the bacon rashers roughly half an inch apart to ensure they cook evenly. Chef Parisi identifies 190°C and 200°C as the two best temperatures for oven-baked bacon, with the tray placed on the middle shelf of the oven.
While it requires a bit more patience than frying, taking up to 25 minutes, the chef insists it's well worth the wait. For 190°C, cook the bacon for 22 to 25 minutes. If you opt for the slightly hotter 200°C, the cooking time reduces to 18 to 22 minutes. This method works perfectly for streaky bacon, though if you're using a thick-cut variety, you should simply add three to five minutes to the cooking time.
Pro Tips for Enhanced Flavour
To take your bacon to the next level, Chef Parisi suggests a couple of simple flavour enhancements. Before baking, you can add some cracked black pepper over the rashers or drizzle a touch of maple syrup for a sweet and salty combination.
One crucial step to remember after cooking is to not let the bacon sit in its own rendered fat. This will make it turn soggy and ruin the crispiness you've worked to achieve. Take the bacon off the tray immediately after removing it from the oven and place it on paper towels to drain.
