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If you’re anything like me, mornings can be a bit of a rush. Between getting my husband ready for the day and tackling my to-do list, I’m always looking for ways to make breakfast quick and easy—without sacrificing flavor. That’s why I recently spent a couple of hours frying bacon, storing it in a zip lock baggie, and freezing it. Now, I can take out one or two pieces at a time, heat them up, and have a delicious, crispy addition to breakfast in minutes.
Why This Method Works
One of the biggest perks of cooking bacon in advance is the convenience it offers. By cooking an entire batch at once, you’re not only saving time in the mornings, but you’re also reducing the mess and cleanup that comes with frying bacon every day. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you always have a tasty, protein-packed option ready to go.
The Oven-Baked Bacon Method
While frying bacon on the stove is the traditional method, it can be time-consuming, and let’s face it, standing over a hot stove flipping bacon isn’t exactly my idea of fun. That’s where my sister’s oven-baked bacon recipe comes in. It’s a total game-changer.
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Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare your pan: Line a high-lipped baking pan with a sheet of foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This makes cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange the bacon: Lay out the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared pan, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12-18 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
- Drain and cool: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, and let it cool.
- Store: Once cooled, you can place the bacon strips in a zip lock baggie and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just pop a few pieces in the microwave or reheat them in a skillet.
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Pro Tip: If you prefer your bacon less crispy, simply reduce the baking time. As Julia Child once said, “The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking, you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect bacon texture!
Time-Saving Benefits
By dedicating a couple of hours to cook your bacon in bulk, you’re setting yourself up for stress-free mornings. This method is also perfect for meal prep—imagine having a ready supply of bacon for BLTs, salads, or even breakfast casseroles. The possibilities are endless!
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Final Thoughts
Cooking bacon in advance has been a real time-saver for me, and I’m sure it will be for you too. Whether you’re prepping for busy weekday mornings or just want to have a stash of crispy bacon ready to go, this method is simple and effective. Plus, with the oven-baked method, you’ll avoid the hassle of standing over a hot stove.
Remember, as Anthony Bourdain once said, “Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.” So why not make your mornings a little simpler—and tastier—with this easy bacon prep method?
Loving these tips! Saving time in the morning can be a game-changer for setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. One thing that works for me is preparing everything I need the night before, from laying out my outfit to prepping my breakfast. It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes to have a few extra minutes of calm in the morning. What’s your favorite time-saving hack to start the day feeling refreshed and focused?
Thanks, Mary! I totally agree—preparing the night before can make such a big difference in how your morning flows. I’m all about prepping breakfast ahead of time too, especially with things like overnight oats or pre-cooked bacon (which I just wrote about). My favorite hack is setting out everything I need for the next day, including my to-do list. It helps me start the day feeling focused and ready to tackle whatever comes my way. What’s your go-to breakfast prep?