Bacon: A Family Favorite

There is no such thing as leftover bacon in my home—it’s gone in a blink! Everyone in my family loves it. Eggs and bacon are a breakfast staple for us. I always prefer my bacon as crispy as possible because, frankly, crispy bacon is the best. Sometimes, though, it doesn’t turn out as crispy as I’d like. It’s still delicious, but for a bacon enthusiast like me, crispiness is key.

The Secret to Crunchy Bacon

I recently learned a secret for achieving the crunchiest bacon, and it’s a game-changer. This method involves using flour and some preparation time, but the result is well worth it. Here’s the life-changing tip I want to share.

The Flour Method for Perfect Bacon

To achieve perfect crispy bacon every time, season your bacon with a little flour and refrigerate it before cooking. Flour helps absorb excess fat, making the bacon crispier and preventing it from curling, resulting in straight, crispy strips.

Using Different Flours

While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can also use rice flour or cornstarch for superb results. The key is to use a flour that absorbs moisture well and creates a light, crispy coating.

How to Make the Crispiest Bacon: Step-by-Step

Ingredients:

• Bacon strips (2–3 per person)
• All-purpose flour (or your preferred type of flour)
• Parchment paper
• Beeswax wrap or additional parchment paper

Instructions:

The Night Before:

1. Place some flour in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Dip each bacon strip in the flour, ensuring it’s well-coated. Shake off excess flour.
3. Lay the flour-coated bacon strips on a parchment-lined sheet pan, ensuring they don’t touch. If layering, place parchment paper between each layer.
4. Cover the pan with beeswax wrap or another layer of parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate the pan for a few hours or, ideally, overnight.

The Morning Of:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Remove the bacon from the fridge and uncover it. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the parchment-lined sheet pan.
3. Bake the bacon for about 5 minutes.
4. Flip the bacon slices with tongs and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until crispy and evenly browned.
5. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil.
6. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy experience!

Why Shape Matters

This method helps the bacon keep its shape, resulting in strips instead of crumbled bits. This is crucial for dishes like bean-and-egg tacos or classic BLT sandwiches, providing that satisfying crunch in every bite.

A Family Tradition

In my house, this has become our go-to way to prepare bacon. It’s simple yet effective, and engaging the children in the preparation makes it even more fun. Whether you prefer your bacon traditionally crispy or enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures, this method won’t disappoint. So, don’t hesitate—start and indulge in creating the perfect bacon. Remember, crispy bacon is not just food; it’s an experience.