Bacon In The Oven?

What goes best with bacon? Everything! But, it can be a pain to make. So, ditch the frying pan. Now, get out your baking sheet. It’s time to learn a new way to cook bacon. Restaurants have been cooking bacon in the oven for years. So, why are we still using the stove? Save yourself the mess, and join us as we help you take your meals over the top with bacon in the oven.

Without a doubt, bacon is delicious. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Not to mention, it’s versatile. There are so many ways you can cook bacon in the oven. And we aren’t just talking about bacon and eggs. No, no! There is so much more than you can do with bacon. From appetizers to soups and salads, this blog is for the bacon lovers out there. Plus, we even have fresh pork bacon available at the Hilltop Acres Store!

Bacon and Eggs – The Story of How Bacon Became a Breakfast Food

You have been eating bacon and eggs your whole life. However, bacon wasn’t always for breakfast.

In the 1920s, advertising was starting to take off. So, what better way to boost sales on bacon than to reposition it as a breakfast food. Back then, people ate a light breakfast. It was usually a roll or a cup of oats. So PR consultant, Edward Bernays, set out to change the minds of Americans. But how did he do it?

You’ve heard the saying:

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!”

It wasn’t always that way. Bernays created that notion (with the help of the media). Surprisingly, it worked! Since then, bacon has taken the culinary world by storm. It even has it’s own social following. And, we have moved away from only eating bacon for breakfast. Let’s see how else we can use this decadent item.

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

As we mentioned, cooking bacon in a frying pan is not ideal. Yet, most people still use this method. Well, it’s time to get rid of it. Trust us, bacon cooked in the oven creates a better final product. You will never look back.

Follow these simple steps:

First, preheat your oven to 400 and get out your baking sheet. A hot oven and proper pan are essential. If you have parchment paper, line your pan. (This will help with the mess)

Next, it’s time for the bacon. Don’t overcrowd! Otherwise, the bacon will steam. In short, it won’t be crispy. Likewise, it won’t cook evenly. So, take the time to do this step. It will be worth it.

Once you are ready, pop the bacon in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Remember, the timing will depend on thickness. Keep checking until it’s as crispy as you like. In the same vein, it depends on what you are cooking it for. For bacon and eggs, cook for less. However, bacon bits will take longer. You be the judge. After all, it’s your food.

Lastly, remove the bacon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Now, enjoy it! Similarly, you can store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 5 days. Or, pop it in the freezer. Meal prep? No problem. You will be prepared!

Yet, you still might be left with the question: What should I do with the bacon grease? Save it! That’s our suggestion, anyways. It’s natural, and it adds flavour. Plus, it has a high smoke point. That means it’s more stable to cook with. For example, try it when searing meat. Or, add it to roasted vegetables. It’s an umami of flavour.

5 Recipes You’ll Want to Try for Coooking Bacon in the Oven

As promised, we will stay away from bacon and eggs. So, we have found some bacon recipes that are out of this world. Dessert? We’ve got it. Appetizers? We have that too. You’ll be rushing to the Hilltop Acres Store to grab your fresh pork bacon after this.

Maple Bacon Chewy Bars

We figured we should start off with a bang. You must try this Maple Bacon Chewy Bar Recipe.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Of course, we have to have a chicken recipe. And, what better idea than to wrap your chicken in tasty bacon? It’s a match made in heaven. With very little prep time, it’s the perfect family dinner. More importantly, you can spice it up as you choose. For some inspiration check out Bacon Wrapped Chicken from Dinner at the Zoo.

Bacon Salt

This bacon recipe will be your new favourite. It’s easy. It’s delicious. All your friends and family will be asking you for it. But hey, it makes a great gift too! Especially for the foodies in your life. Keep in mind, the trick for this bacon recipe is crispy bacon. So, follow the instructions we gave you at the beginning of this blog. It’s foolproof.

It’s really simple. Take your crispy bacon, and mix it with salt and pepper. You’re done. We found a good ratio is 3-1. To clarify, that’s 3/4 bacon and 1/4 salt. Then, just add in a dash of black pepper. Voila! You’re done. Now, take that bacon salt and put it on everything. Here are a few things to add your bacon salt to:

• Caesar Rimmer
• Steak (sprinkled on top)
• Popcorn
• Sunflower Seeds
• Baked Potatoes
• Cookies & Desserts
• Brussel Sprouts (You can also add a little maple syrup)

In short, you can put it on everything. Even those scrambled eggs in the morning.

Is Bacon Healthy?

Many people avoid bacon due to the stigma around its health benefits, or lack of. Yet, just like everything, moderation is key. More importantly, not all bacon is created equal.

For example, proper bacon starts with pork belly. Next, salt/spices are added along with curing salt. Sometimes bacon is then smoked as well. Although the price tag might be higher, the taste is not comparable.

Often less expensive options are filled with additives and preservatives. Have you checked the ingredient list lately? We suggest you do! You might be surprised what you are putting into your body.

That’s why at Hilltop Acres we go the extra mile. Our pork bacon is from local farmers and is all-natural. Isn’t it nice knowing where your food comes? We certainly think so.

To our customers, we are still offering curbside pickup. However, our store is now open again! We appreciate your business. Times have been tough, but we have enjoyed serving you through these uncertain times.

Stay safe and healthy. We look forward to seeing you at the store!