Hunter/Cooker Series: The 5 Best Ways to Cook Bacon + Top Bacon Recipes
Bacon is one of those foods that makes everything better—breakfast, burgers, salads, even desserts. Whether you like it crispy, chewy, thick-cut, or candied, these are the five best ways to cook bacon along with some easy, crowd-favorite bacon recipes anyone can make.
1. Oven-Baked Bacon (Best All Around)
Baking bacon on a sheet pan is the most consistent, hands-off method. It cooks evenly, stays straight, and produces restaurant-quality slices.
How to do it:
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400°F
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Line pan with foil
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Bake 15–20 minutes
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Drain on paper towels
Why it’s great: No splatter, no flipping, perfect crispiness.
2. Cast Iron Skillet Bacon (Most Flavor)
Cooking bacon in a cast-iron skillet gives the strips a deep, smoky flavor and perfect texture.
How to do it:
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Start with a cold skillet
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Cook on medium heat
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Flip occasionally
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Adjust heat to avoid burning
Why it’s great: You get control and amazing browning.
3. Air Fryer Bacon (Fastest + Crispiest)
Air fryers are perfect for people who want quick, ultra-crispy bacon.
How to do it:
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350°F
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8–10 minutes
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Drain on paper towels
Why it’s great: Very fast, no mess, and foolproof.
4. Grilled Bacon (Best for Burgers)
Bacon on the grill gets a smoky, char-kissed taste. Works especially well for thick-cut slices.
How to do it:
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Use indirect heat
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8–12 minutes
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Flip halfway
Why it’s great: Adds BBQ flavor that’s perfect for burgers and sandwiches.
5. Microwave Bacon (Quickest for Breakfast)
Not the fanciest method, but reliable for fast weekday breakfasts.
How to do it:
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Layer bacon between paper towels
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Microwave 4–6 minutes
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Add 30-second intervals until crispy
Why it’s great: Fast + minimal cleanup.
Top 5 Easy Bacon Recipes
1. Candied Brown Sugar Bacon
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Bacon strips
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Brown sugar
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Black pepper
Bake at 375°F for 18 minutes. Sweet, salty, and addictive.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
Chicken cubes
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Bacon
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Honey + chili powder
Air fry 12 minutes for a perfect appetizer.
3. Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Casserole
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Eggs
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Hash browns
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Cheese
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Bacon
Bake 45 minutes at 350°F.
4. Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
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Jalapeños
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Cream cheese
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Bacon
Bake 20–25 minutes at 400°F.
5. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Halved Brussels
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Bacon pieces
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Maple syrup
Roast 25 minutes until caramelized.