How to Cook Canadian Bacon to Perfection in Your Oven

Canadian bacon sometimes called back bacon or peameal bacon is a delicious pork product that can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. While you may be familiar with Canadian bacon as a breakfast meat or pizza topping, you can also cook it in the oven for a tasty main dish or appetizer. When cooked properly, Canadian bacon turns out moist, tender and full of porky flavor.

Cooking Canadian bacon in the oven is easy but there are a few tips and tricks to get the best results. In this article I’ll share how to choose the right Canadian bacon, prep it for oven cooking, and bake it to juicy perfection. Let’s get sizzling!

Choosing the Right Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon is wet-cured from the lean eye of the pork loin It’s sold pre-cooked, either in round slices or in a cylindrical chunk of meat Here are some tips for selecting Canadian bacon for oven cooking

Choose slices around 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick. Thinner slices may dry out while thicker ones won’t cook through.
Opt for uncured Canadian bacon if you want to avoid nitrites. This has a more ham-like texture.
Go for a cylindrical roast for special occasions. It looks beautiful whole and slices nicely.
Check the label to confirm it’s fully cooked. If not, it will need more oven time.

Once you’ve selected your Canadian bacon, it’s time to prep it for the oven.

Preparing Canadian Bacon for the Oven

Prepping Canadian bacon for oven cooking is simple:

Unwrap the Canadian bacon and pat dry with paper towels. Drying removes excess moisture that can hinder browning.
Lay slices in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Overlap can prevent even cooking.
If cooking a roast, leave whole or slice into rounds. Place cut side down on the baking sheet.
Brush with oil or maple syrup for enhanced browning and flavor.

With your bacon prepped, it’s time to move to oven cooking.

How to Cook Canadian Bacon in the Oven

Cooking Canadian bacon in the oven results in evenly cooked slices with crispy edges and moist, tender centers. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This high heat helps the Canadian bacon develop a nice browned exterior.

Step 2: Bake Canadian Bacon

Place the baking sheet with Canadian bacon directly on the oven rack. Bake for 8-12 minutes if using slices, 15-20 minutes for a roast.

Step 3: Check for Doneness

Test for doneness by taking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Canadian bacon is done at 145°F.

Step 4: Let Rest

When done, remove pan from oven and let Canadian bacon rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to reabsorb for a moist, tender meal.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Use these general guidelines when oven baking Canadian bacon:

Slices: 400°F for 8-12 minutes
Roast: 400°F for 15-20 minutes
Internal temperature: 145°F
Rest: 5 minutes before serving

Adjust times as needed for thicker cuts and your oven’s nuances.

Oven-Baked Canadian Bacon Recipes

Now that you know how to oven cook Canadian bacon properly, here are some flavorful recipe ideas to try:

Maple Glazed Canadian Bacon

Brush slices with pure maple syrup before baking.
For extra flavor, add a dash of cinnamon.
The maple sugars will caramelize for a candied bacon effect.

Brown Sugar Mustard Canadian Bacon

Brush slices with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and maple syrup before baking.
The sweet and savory combo takes Canadian bacon to the next level.

Peppercorn Crusted Canadian Bacon

Roll roast in cracked peppercorns pressed into maple syrup before baking.
Slices beautifully for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Baked Canadian Bacon Wraps

Wrap slices around dried fruit, cheese, or sauteed veggies before baking.
The bacon seals the filling inside for a fun twist.

Get creative and come up with your own oven-baked Canadian bacon recipes!

Serving and Storing Leftover Baked Canadian Bacon

Fresh out of the oven, Canadian bacon is ideal for breakfast dishes, sandwiches, appetizer trays and more. Here are some tips for serving and storing any leftovers:

Let cool slightly before serving to prevent burning mouths. Cut roast into slices.
Pair with eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, biscuits for a hearty breakfast meal.
Use slices in your favorite sandwiches or burgers for a flavor boost.
Top salads, flatbreads, and bruschetta with baked Canadian bacon for an appetizer.
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container up to 4 days.
Reheat leftover baked Canadian bacon in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Now that you’re a pro at oven cooking Canadian bacon, it’s time to put your skills to use! Try out different prep methods, oven times and serving suggestions for deliciously crispy, tender and flavorful results. Just follow these tips and you’ll have perfect oven-baked Canadian bacon every time.

Canadian Bacon and Eggs Cooked in the Toaster Oven

FAQ

What is the best way to heat Canadian bacon?

Microwave the bacon on 50% power for 30-60 seconds. Canadian bacon already comes par-cooked, which means you’ll just need to put it in long enough to warm it up. For 1-3 slices, set the cook timer to 30-35 seconds. For 3-6 slices, bump it up to 45-60 seconds to make sure it gets heated evenly.

Do you cook Canadian bacon like regular bacon?

Canadian bacon is so named because it originated in Canada, but it is also known as back bacon or rashers. It’s often served in classic eggs benedict and used to top Hawaiian-style pizza. Because Canadian bacon is sold already cooked, it can be eaten as is or sauteed or fried.

How do I know when Canadian bacon is cooked?

Checking for Doneness You can check the doneness of the bacon by determining the desired level of crispness. If you prefer crispy bacon, cook it for a bit longer. For a softer texture, remove it from the pan once it reaches a golden brown color.

Is it better to cook bacon in the oven or on the stove?

You can cook a few slices in a skillet or the microwave, but when cooking a big batch, the oven is the surefire way to go. This method is almost entirely hands-off and results in perfectly crispy, chewy, evenly-cooked bacon.

How long do you cook Canadian bacon?

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the Canadian bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cook the bacon for about 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on it, as the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices.

How do you cook bacon in the oven?

I think the oven method works best with regular bacon, as it doesn’t render nearly as much grease onto the baking sheet. All that grease makes the pan difficult to move in and out of the oven safely. Preheat the oven to 400°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.

How do you cook Canadian bacon in a frying pan?

Flip the bacon and fry the other side for 30-60 seconds. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of butter or cooking oil in a nonstick skillet. Swirl the butter or oil to coat the entire surface of the skillet evenly. Once it begins to sizzle slightly, it will be hot enough to add the Canadian bacon.

How long do you cook bacon on a baking sheet?

Lay as many slices of bacon as you’d like to cook in a single layer on the baking sheet. You should be able to fit about 12 slices (try to keep them from overlapping). Bake 14 to 18 minutes for regular bacon and 18 to 20 minutes for thick-cut bacon, carefully rotating the baking sheet from front to back about halfway through cooking.