The Baconator’s Guide to Perfect Bacon

Bacon.
Bacon is an institution.
Bacon is a meal by itself. It’s a snack. The secret ingredient. The x-factor.
The mere mention of the word conjures images of crispy, salty goodness that can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether it’s a flavor enhancer for humble beans or the star of a decadent breakfast feast, bacon holds a special place in the culinary hall of fame.
Achieving bacon perfection can be elusive. From skillet sizzling to oven baking, microwave zapping to air fryer wizardry, the methods are as diverse as the bacon itself.
In a quest for the ultimate bacon experience, this intrepid culinary explorer embarked on a sizzling journey, testing eight popular cooking methods to determine the champion of crunch.
The kitchen transformed into a bacon lover’s paradise, filled with the intoxicating aroma of smoky, salty goodness.
Each method was put to the test with both regular and thick-cut bacon, evaluating texture, cooking time, ease of preparation, cleanup, and overall appearance.
The Contenders:
- Water in Skillet: This method, championed by Cook’s Illustrated, promised tender, moist bacon by starting with a water bath. The reality? Sticky mess, inconsistent cooking, and a serious case of “meh.” (5/10)
- Microwave Magic: A quick and easy solution for those rushed mornings, right? Well, sort of. While cleanup was a breeze, the regular-cut bacon turned brittle and tasted a tad burnt. Thick-cut fared better, but timing was crucial. (6/10)
- Nonstick Simplicity: The classic stovetop approach. While convenient, the results were inconsistent, with some slices perfectly crisp and others bordering on charred. (6/10)
- Oven Rack with a Paper Towel Twist: Alton Brown himself suggested this intriguing method. Baking on a rack yielded meaty bacon with minimal shrinkage, and the paper towels simplified cleanup (though scrubbing the rack was a pain). (7/10)
- And more! (Stay tuned for the full results, including air fryer, cast iron skillet, and other contenders.)
The Quest Continues:
This is just a taste of the bacon adventure!
Head over to The Best Method for Making Bacon for the full lowdown on each method, complete with mouthwatering photos and detailed analysis.
Discover the secrets to achieving bacon nirvana, whether you crave crispy perfection or chewy, meaty goodness.