As a bacon lover, I’m always looking for new tricks to achieve perfectly cooked bacon with ease. Recently, I discovered that using a panini press is a quick, convenient method for cooking bacon to crispy perfection every time. No messy splattering, and fast cook times with quick cleanup – the panini press has become my new go-to for cooking small batches of bacon.
Keep reading for my step-by-step method on how to easily cook bacon on a panini press. I’ll also share tips for picking the right bacon, how to get the perfect texture, cleaning advice, and some tasty ways to enjoy panini press bacon
Benefits of Cooking Bacon on a Panini Press
Here are some of the biggest advantages to using a panini press instead of the oven or stovetop to cook bacon:
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No splattering The enclosed grill prevents grease from splashing all over
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Quick cook time: Bacon cooks in just 10-15 minutes start to finish.
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Even cooking: The dual heating plates cook both sides evenly. No need to flip!
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Easy cleanup: The nonstick plates allow grease to wipe right off after cooking.
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Portability Small presses can easily be brought to campsites or gatherings,
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Perfect results: You get evenly crisped, flat bacon every time.
For small batches of up to 6 slices, using a panini press is my top recommendation for easy bacon bliss.
Tips for Cooking Bacon on a Panini Press
Follow these tips and tricks for perfectly cooked panini press bacon:
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Use thin sliced bacon around 1/16 inch thick. Thicker cuts may not cook through.
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Trim slices to fit if needed to avoid overlapping on the grates.
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Preheat the press fully before adding bacon. Optimal temp is medium-high.
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Don’t press down on the bacon. Let the weight of the lid do the work.
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Cook for 10-15 minutes depending on bacon thickness. Check frequently at the end.
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Let cool briefly before wiping grates clean. The residual heat makes it easier.
With these simple pointers, you’ll get picture-perfect crispy bacon off your panini press every time.
Step-by-Step Method for Cooking Bacon on a Panini Press
Here is a simple walkthrough on how to cook bacon on a panini maker:
1. Preheat Your Panini Press
Turn on your panini press and allow it to fully preheat on medium-high heat for several minutes. Place any catch trays or drip pans in the bottom if your press has this feature.
2. Add Bacon Slices
Lay bacon slices directly on the preheated grates. Fit as many pieces as possible without overlapping. Trim edges if needed.
3. Close the Lid
Gently lower the lid to enclose the bacon inside. Do not press down hard or lock the lid in place. The weight of the lid is enough.
4. Cook for 10-15 Minutes
Cook for 10-15 minutes, checking frequently toward the end. Cooking time varies based on bacon thickness.
5. Remove and Enjoy!
When the bacon is golden brown and crispy, use tongs to transfer it to a paper towel lined plate. Enjoy right away!
It really couldn’t be simpler. With just your panini press, you can enjoy perfect bacon in minutes with no mess or hassle.
Choosing the Right Bacon for Panini Press Cooking
To get ideal results, opt for a good quality thinly sliced bacon. Here are my top tips for picking the perfect pack of bacon for your panini press:
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See-through packaging allows you to inspect thickness and quality.
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Around 1/16 inch thick cooks up crispy without the need to trim.
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Center cut bacon contains the most meat.
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Good marbling provides better flavor and texture.
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Wood smoked varieties add extra depth and taste. I like applewood.
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Avoid thick, irregular slices which won’t cook evenly and may need trimming.
With quality thin-cut bacon, you’ll get picture-perfect results off the panini press every time.
Cleaning Your Panini Press After Cooking Bacon
While using a panini press minimizes mess, you’ll still need to wipe it down after cooking bacon. Here are some cleaning tips:
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Let cool briefly so grease solidifies before wiping.
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Use paper towels to absorb excess grease from the grates.
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Wash with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
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Avoid abrasives that can damage the nonstick coating.
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Periodic degreasing helps keep the grill in top shape.
With proper care after each use, your panini press will continue cooking bacon perfectly for years to come.
Delicious Ways to Use Panini Press Bacon
Crispy panini press bacon is a wonderful ingredient for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Here are just a few tasty ways to enjoy it:
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Crumble over salads or baked potatoes.
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Make BLT sandwiches with mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.
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Top burgers or pizza for a savory, salty crunch.
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Toss into pasta dishes, omelets, or quiches.
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Layer into grilled cheese sandwiches for a twist.
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Crumble into cornbread, muffin, or pancake batters.
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Fold into waffle batter before cooking for bacon waffles.
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Use in place of bacon bits as a salad topping.
The options are endless for ways to use your freshly cooked panini bacon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What setting should I use to cook bacon on my panini press?
I recommend using the medium-high heat setting. You want it hot enough to crisp the bacon without burning it. Avoid extremely high searing temperatures.
How much bacon can I cook at once in a panini maker?
Most standard 8-inch panini grill plates can hold about 4-6 slices of average sliced bacon without overlapping. Smaller or larger presses will vary.
Do I need to flip the bacon while cooking in a panini maker?
Nope