3 Ways to Cook Bacon

There are three ways to cook bacon, and the way you do it is a matter of choice. In a skillet
A mistake that many people make is putting cold bacon into a frying pan that has been heated to a hot temperature. Take the bacon out of the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes before you cook it, which allows it to soften a bit. Then place it in an unheated pan on medium heat. It will cook more evenly and is less likely to burn. This method also helps to avoid spattering, which is caused by moisture in the bacon coming into contact with a hot pan. To further reduce spattering, the slices may be wiped with a paper towel to get rid of moisture before cooking, especially if they have just been thawed.

When placing the strips in the pan, be sure they don't overlap so they all get completely cooked. If you like crispy bacon, fry thin slices and remove some of the fat as they cook. It isn't really necessary to keep turning the strips - if they are cooked at medium heat they will cook evenly with just one turn.

An alternative way of pan frying bacon is to put just enough water in the pan to cover the bottom and add the bacon slices. Place on medium high heat until the water evaporates, and then lower to medium and cook until the bacon is the way you like it. Cooking it this way keeps it from splattering.

In a microwave
Microwave bacon cookers work well, but you can also put a paper towel on a plate or platter that will hold the slices flat without overlapping (you may want to cut them in half). Cover the slices with another paper towel and cook for about four to five minutes on high. The time depends on your microwave and the thickness of the bacon. It's important to check every minute or so until they are cooked the way you like them.

In the oven
Baking bacon is the easiest and most convenient way of cooking it. You don't have to turn it or keep watching it all the time, and believe it or not, it doesn't splatter, so it doesn't mess up your oven.

Set your oven at 400 degrees. Place the strips in a pan with a little bit of space between them. Place on center rack in the oven and go do something else while they cook. The cooking time will depend on your oven, the thickness of the slices, and how you like your bacon cooked. Check after 10 minutes until it's the way you like it. Let it cook in the grease the same as if you were frying it, and then let it drain on paper towels.