Benton’s bacon is revered by bacon lovers for its intensely smoky flavor and artisanal curing process. But cooking this specialty bacon can be tricky. Follow this guide to learn how to cook Benton’s bacon in the oven for crispy, flavorful results every time.
What Makes Benton’s Bacon Special?
Benton’s bacon is crafted by Allan Benton in Madisonville, Tennessee using traditional charcoal smoking methods passed down through generations. Here’s what sets it apart
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Dry cured for 10+ days using just salt and brown sugar
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Hickory smoked for up to 3 days using small batch wood-burning pits
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Made from heritage hog breeds like Berkshire, Tamworth, and Duroc
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Hand cut into thick, steakhouse-style slices
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Robust smoky flavor with slight sweetness
This old-fashioned process results in exceptionally flavored bacon with a distinctive perfume-like aroma. The thick cut requires special oven cooking techniques to achieve crispy bacon perfection.
Tips for Cooking Benton’s Bacon in the Oven
Follow these tips when cooking Benton’s bacon to get the best results:
Preheat Oven to 400°F
The optimum oven temperature for cooking Benton’s bacon is 400°F. This allows the fat to render slowly while crisping up the meat. Higher heat risks burning.
Place Bacon in a Cold Oven
Put the bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in a cold oven. Turn oven on to 400°F once loaded. This renders fat evenly.
Don’t Overlap Bacon
Arrange slices in a single layer without overlapping on the baking sheet. Overlapping causes uneven cooking.
Cook 10 Minutes Then Check Often
After 10 minutes, check the bacon every few minutes. It may take 15-20 minutes total depending on thickness.
Drain on Paper Towels
When done to your desired crispness, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease.
Store Properly
Store fully cooled bacon in an airtight container up to 1 week. To reheat, bake at 400°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crispy.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Benton’s bacon from your oven:
1. Select Cut and Portion Bacon
Benton’s offers several cut options from regular to extra thick slices. Portion out desired amount.
2. Preheat Oven to 400°F
Preheating is essential so oven is hot when bacon goes in. This prevents undercooked bacon.
3. Line Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. No need to grease the pan.
4. Arrange Bacon on Sheet in Single Layer
Place slices side by side without overlapping on lined pan. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
5. Put Bacon in Cold Oven, Then Turn Oven On
With bacon arranged on sheet, put in cold oven first. Turn oven on to 400°F.
6. Cook 10 Minutes
After 10 minutes, check bacon. It should start browning and crisping around edges.
7. Cook Until Desired Crispness is Reached
Continue cooking 6-8 minutes more, checking frequently, until bacon reaches desired crispness.
8. Transfer to Paper Towels
Use tongs to transfer cooked bacon to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
9. Enjoy Immediately or Store Properly
Devour your smoky, crispy Benton’s bacon right away or store cooled bacon in an airtight container up to 1 week.
With these tips and step-by-step instructions, you can achieve bacon nirvana from your own oven. Adjust cook times as needed based on your preferred level of crispness. Enjoy the incredibly flavored bacon on its own or on burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to arrange the bacon on the pan?
Place slices side-by-side in a single layer without overlapping on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Overlapping can impede even cooking.
Should I flip the bacon while cooking?
Flipping isn’t necessary when cooking bacon in the oven. The indirect heat crisps it evenly without flipping.
Can I cook it directly on the pan instead of parchment?
It’s best to use parchment paper to prevent sticking. The bacon may adhere directly to the pan.
What if my bacon isn’t crispy enough?
If it’s not quite crispy enough after initial cooking, put it back in for 2-3 minutes more until desired crispness is reached.
How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked Benton’s bacon will last 5-7 days refrigerated.
Benton’s signature bacon deserves special treatment when cooking. By following this oven bacon tutorial, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of smoky flavor and crispy texture that this specialty bacon is renowned for.
