How to Cook Bacon Ahead of Time and Reheat It Perfectly

Bacon is a breakfast staple in many households. The savory, salty flavor of crispy bacon just can’t be beat! However, cooking bacon can be time consuming, especially if you’re preparing a large breakfast for family or guests. Wouldn’t it be great if you could cook up a batch of bacon ahead of time and simply reheat it when needed? Well, you’re in luck – you absolutely can pre-cook bacon in advance and reheat it later for perfect results every time.

Why Pre-Cook Bacon?

There are several advantages to cooking your bacon ahead of time rather than right before serving:

• Saves time – Preparing a full package of bacon can take 15-20 minutes from start to finish. Pre-cooking allows you to cut down on morning prep time.

• More consistent results – Baking a tray of bacon in the oven leads to evenly cooked bacon No more burnt and undercooked pieces!

• Avoid last minute hassle – Trying to feed a crowd? Pre-cooked bacon reduces stress and scrambling when serving breakfast to family or guests

• Meal prep made easy – Cooked bacon keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so you can prep several batches at once for easy weekday breakfasts.

How to Cook Bacon Ahead of Time

Cooking bacon in advance is as simple as baking it in the oven. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Package of bacon (thick or thin cut)
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Preheat your oven for at least 10 minutes so it reaches the proper temperature.

2. Prepare baking sheet, Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil The raised edges will prevent grease spills

3. Arrange bacon slices. Lay bacon strips evenly on the sheet without overlapping. Overcrowding will cause sticking.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cook until bacon reaches your desired level of crispness. It will continue crisping as it cools.

5. Drain on paper towels. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess grease.

6. Let cool completely. Allow the bacon to come to room temperature before storing.

And that’s it! Well-cooked, crisp bacon ready for storage and quick reheating whenever you need it. Much easier than messy stovetop frying.

How to Store and Reheat Pre-Cooked Bacon

Pre-cooked bacon stays fresh in the fridge or freezer for quick breakfasts, BLTs, burgers, and more. Here are some storage tips:

• Fridge: Place cooled bacon in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Use within 5-7 days for best quality.

• Freezer: Separate slices with parchment paper before freezing in an airtight bag or container. Keeps for 1-2 months.

When it’s time to eat, you have options for quick and easy reheating:

• Microwave: 30-60 seconds on a plate until warm and sizzling.

• Oven: 5-10 minutes at 350°F on a baking sheet. Watch closely to avoid burning.

• Skillet: 2-3 minutes in a hot skillet or until bacon reaches desired crispness.

Voila! Delicious pre-cooked bacon ready in minutes with no mess or hassle.

Cooking Techniques for Pre-Cooked Bacon

While the oven is the easiest route, you can also prep bacon in advance using the stove or microwave:

Stovetop

• Cook over medium heat in a skillet until lightly browned but still flexible.
• Drain on paper towels before storing.
• Reheat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes until crispy.

Microwave

• Place bacon between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cook at 60% power in 30 second intervals until just cooked through.
• Reheat for 15-30 seconds until hot and sizzling.

Make sure to slightly undercook the bacon initially when using these methods, so it doesn’t end up dry or overdone when you reheat it.

Handy Uses for Pre-Cooked Bacon

Once you’ve got cooked bacon ready to go in your fridge or freezer, you can incorporate it into all sorts of dishes:

• Breakfast sandwiches or burritos
• Salads with crisp bacon crumbles
• Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches
• Burgers or hot dogs
• Bacon and Brussels sprouts
• Bacon mac and cheese
• Bacon-wrapped chicken, shrimp, or scallops
• Hearty soups and stews
• Bacon jam or bacon fat for cooking

And more! Pre-cooked bacon is a great way to add smoky, savory bacon flavor to meals without spending time cooking it when you need it.

Tips for Reheating Bacon

To enjoy pre-cooked bacon at its crispy, flavorful best, follow these quick tips:

• Use within 5-7 days for maximum freshness if refrigerating.

• Wrap frozen slices individually in parchment paper before freezing.

• Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat at a lower temp (300-350°F) to avoid burning or drying out.

• Cook in a skillet for 1-2 minutes to recrisp if microwaved bacon is limp.

• Blot grease with paper towels before serving to cut down on excess oil.

• Add reheated bacon just before serving so it stays crisp.

With proper storage and quick reheating, you can enjoy convenience without sacrificing quality!

Common Questions about Pre-Cooked Bacon

If you’re new to prepping bacon in advance, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?

Cooked bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for 5-7 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Make sure to use within that window for the best results.

Can you freeze cooked bacon?

Absolutely! Frozen pre-cooked bacon keeps well for 1-2 months. Make sure to wrap individual slices in parchment paper before freezing to prevent sticking.

Is it safe to reheat bacon multiple times?

It’s best to reheat pre-cooked bacon just once for food safety. Don’t re-freeze bacon after it has been thawed and reheated.

Should I cover bacon when reheating it?

For crispy results, reheating bacon uncovered in the oven or skillet is best. If microwaving, cover it lightly with a paper towel. Trapping steam makes it limp.

How can I make pre-cooked bacon extra crispy?

Cook it a little less initially, then reheat it in a hot skillet, oven, or toaster oven until the desired crispness is reached. Watch it closely to avoid burning.

The Benefits of Pre-Cooked Bacon

From weekday breakfasts to party apps, pre-cooked bacon makes cooking easier and more convenient. Here’s a quick recap of the perks:

• Saves precious time during busy mornings

• Allows meal prepping so breakfast is ready to grab and go

• Reduces mess and splatter compared to stovetop

• Can be frozen for longer storage

• Leads to consistent texture and doneness

• Easily incorporated into recipes with no extra cooking

With minimal effort, you can have perfect, crispy bacon ready anytime. Pre-cook a batch soon and see the time-saving benefits for yourself!