How Long to Bake Peameal Bacon Slices in the Oven for Perfect Results

Peameal bacon also known as Canadian bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional smoked bacon that offers a slightly sweet, maple-cured flavor. When baking peameal bacon in the oven, proper timing is key to achieving the ideal texture – crispy yet still juicy. So how long should you bake those peameal bacon slices?

In this article, we’ll provide tips on preparing peameal bacon for oven baking and share recommended bake times to help you turn out perfect peameal bacon every time. Let’s get cooking!

What is Peameal Bacon?

For those unfamiliar, peameal bacon comes from the lean boneless pork loin rather than pork belly like regular bacon. It undergoes a special curing process where the meat is rolled in cornmeal (traditionally peameal) to coat it before being cooled and sliced.

This imparts a signature sweetness and tameness to the meat while the cornmeal crust provides a delicate crunch when cooked. The result is a uniquely Canadian bacon that brings great flavor without all the fat.

Keys to Baking Peameal Bacon Slices

Baking peameal bacon in the oven allows you to cook up multiple slices easily and evenly But to get ideal results, keep these tips in mind

• Slice thickness – Cut peameal bacon into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices for even cooking.

• Prep pan – Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.

• Preheat oven – Preheat your oven fully before baking.

• Don’t overcrowd – Arrange slices in a single layer, no overlapping.

• Flip halfway – Flip bacon slices about halfway through bake time.

• Watch closely – Check often to avoid overbaking.

Following these simple guidelines will set you up for peameal bacon perfection!

How Long to Bake Peameal Bacon Slices

So what’s the ideal baking time for peameal bacon? Here are general guidelines:

At 400°F – Bake for 15 to 20 minutes

At 375°F – Bake for 20 to 25 minutes

At 350°F – Bake for 25 to 30 minutes

These time ranges based on various oven temperatures will produce crispy, golden brown peameal bacon slices. But always keep watch towards the end of the recommended baking time.

Checking for Doneness

You don’t want to over bake peameal bacon or it can dry out. Check for doneness a few minutes before the minimum cook time by looking for these signs:

• Golden brown color
• Crispy cornmeal coating
• Bacon slices start to curl at edges
• Meat springs back when pressed gently

The bacon should sizzle and smell delicious. If needed, return to oven for 2 to 5 more minutes until done to your liking.

An instant read thermometer inserted into bacon should register around 210°F when adequately cooked.

Adjusting Baking Time

You may need to adjust baking time slightly depending on:

• Oven accuracy – Older ovens may run hot or cool

• Thickness – Thicker slices need longer cook times

• Desired texture – Cook longer for extra crispness

• Added flavors – Glazes/seasonings increase time

• Altitude – High altitudes require extended baking

Get to know your oven’s true temperature and quirks. Start checking peameal bacon a few minutes prior to minimum bake time and then adjust to your taste.

Handy Peameal Bacon Baking Tips

• Brushing slices lightly with oil prevents sticking.

• Elevate bacon on a wire rack for even crisping top and bottom.

• Add flavors like maple syrup, brown sugar, or spices before baking.

• Allow cooked bacon to drain on paper towels before serving.

• Let bacon cool before storing airtight in the fridge up to 1 week.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Peameal Bacon

The sweet maple flavor and tender-crisp texture of properly baked peameal bacon make it an incredibly versatile ingredient. Here are some serving ideas:

• Breakfast side with eggs, pancakes, or waffles

• Leafy green salads with vinaigrette

• BLTs or club sandwiches

• Pizza topping

• Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Soups like split pea, bean, or corn chowder

• Macaroni and cheese

• Quiche or frittata

• Pasta carbonara

• Stir fry with vegetables

• Baked beans or cassoulet

Get creative with how you enjoy your baked peameal bacon! It adds tasty flavor to many dishes.

Common Baking Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about baking peameal bacon:

Can it be baked from frozen?

Yes, though you’ll need to extend cooking time. Thaw first for faster baking.

What if it starts to burn?

Turn oven temperature down 25 degrees and watch closely.

Do you flip all slices at once?

It’s easiest to flip bacon in batches to prevent crumbling.

Can you bake on a cooling rack?

Yes, elevating slices promotes even crisping.

Should you pre-cook before baking?

Pre-cooking isn’t necessary and may dry out the bacon.

Mastering the Method

With the right technique, you can achieve bakery-style peameal bacon right at home. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the Baking Pan

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly coat with oil or nonstick spray.

2. Arrange the Bacon

Place chilled sliced peameal bacon in a single layer on prepared pan. Make sure not to overcrowd.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

4. Bake the Bacon

Place pan on middle rack and bake for 15 minutes. Remove pan and gently flip bacon slices. Return to oven for 5 more minutes.

5. Check for Doneness

Bacon should be lightly browned and edges starting to crisp. Cook for 2-3 more minutes if needed.

6. Transfer and Drain

Use tongs to transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess grease.

7. Cool and Store

Allow bacon to cool before storing in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly baked peameal bacon every time. Adjust cook times as needed based on your oven and preferred level of crispness.

Enjoy the Sweet Maple Flavor

With its leaner nutritional profile and subtly sweet maple taste, peameal bacon makes an excellent alternative to regular smoked bacon. Proper oven baking results in peameal bacon with a tender, juicy interior and crave-worthy crisp exterior.

We recommend baking peameal bacon slices at 400°F for around 15-20 minutes based on thickness. But always verify doneness a few minutes early. Let your eyes, nose, and sense of touch guide you on when to remove the bacon from the oven for ideal texture.

Finally, take advantage of the versatility of baked peameal bacon by enjoying it in a variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and side dishes. So grab a package of premium peameal bacon, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic made with this special Canadian delicacy. Your tastebuds will thank you!