Cook Bacon on the Stove

Tools

• Skillet or frying pan
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Plate

Materials

• Bacon

Safety

• Use medium or medium-low heat to reduce burning and grease splatter.
• Keep hands and face back from the pan when adding or turning bacon.
• Use tongs instead of fingers or short utensils near hot grease.
• Have a lid or splatter screen nearby if grease starts popping heavily.
• Turn off the burner when finished cooking.
• Let bacon grease cool before disposing of it safely; do not pour large amounts down the drain.

Steps

1. Step 1: Prepare the pan and bacon

   • Place the skillet on the stove and lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the cold pan.
   • Make sure the strips are not heavily overlapping so they cook evenly.
   • Set the burner to medium or medium-low heat.

   Check: Bacon is in one layer with minimal overlap. · Heat is set no higher than medium.

2. Step 2: Start cooking

   • Let the bacon heat gradually as the pan warms up.
   • Cook until the fat begins to render and the edges start to curl.
   • Do not leave the pan unattended.

   Check: You can see fat melting into the pan. · The bacon is sizzling steadily, not smoking heavily.

3. Step 3: Turn the bacon

   • Use tongs to flip each strip once the underside is browning.
   • Continue cooking and turn again as needed for even browning.
   • Adjust the heat slightly lower if the bacon is browning too fast or splattering excessively.

   Check: Both sides are cooking evenly. · The pan is sizzling gently without excessive smoke.

4. Step 4: Finish to your preferred doneness

   • Cook until the bacon reaches your preferred texture, from lightly browned to crisp.
   • Remove each strip with tongs as it finishes; thinner pieces may finish sooner than thicker ones.

   Check: Bacon is browned to your preference. · There are no raw-looking pink, soft sections in the meaty parts.

5. Step 5: Drain and serve

   • Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
   • Turn off the burner.
   • Let the grease in the pan cool before disposing of it safely.

   Check: Cooked bacon is resting on paper towels. · Burner is off. · Hot grease is left to cool before cleanup.