Bacon is a breakfast staple in many households. Whether you like yours crispy or chewy cutting bacon properly is key to getting the texture you want. Cutting bacon crosswise (perpendicular to the length of the strip) helps it cook evenly and enhances flavor.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cutting bacon crosswise. You’ll learn why it matters, tips for slicing bacon, how to choose the right knife, and tricks for perfectly cooked bacon every time. Let’s dive in!
Why Cut Bacon Crosswise?
Bacon contains long muscle fibers that run the length of the strip When you cut crosswise, you are cutting through these fibers, creating shorter pieces This allows the bacon to cook more evenly since heat can penetrate from all sides.
Bacon cut lengthwise often curls as it cooks. The fatty edges become crispy while the inside remains underdone and chewy. Crosswise slices lay flat in the pan, promoting even cooking.
Crosswise cutting also enhances bacon flavor. More of the meat is exposed to high heat, caramelizing sugars and intensifying umami flavors. The result is bacon with a more balanced, meaty taste.
How to Slice Bacon Crosswise
Cutting bacon properly takes a little finesse Here are step-by-step instructions
-
Place bacon on a cutting board with the long side facing you.
-
Hold your knife perpendicular to the bacon strip.
-
Apply gentle, even pressure as you slice across the bacon.
-
Make slices as thick or thin as desired. Thinner slices cook faster.
-
Separate slices so they aren’t sticking together.
-
Continue until all the bacon is sliced.
When cutting bacon, resist the urge to saw back and forth. Clean cuts prevent ragged edges that can lead to burned spots.
Choosing the Right Knife
You’ll get the best results using a knife designed for slicing. Here are two great options:
-
Serrated knife: The scalloped blade cuts neatly through bacon fat. It won’t tear or mash slices.
-
Utility knife: This compact knife has a sturdy, medium-length blade ideal for controlled slicing.
Look for a knife with a comfortable, non-slip grip. Proper control reduces the risk of accidents. Keep blades sharp for easy, accurate cuts.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Bacon
However you cook your bacon, these tips will help ensure even cooking and ideal texture:
-
Use a baking sheet to cook bacon evenly in the oven. Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
-
Wrap bacon around foods to create a flavorful seal before cooking. Chill wrapped food before baking.
-
Fry on medium heat to prevent burning. Turn frequently for consistent cooking on all sides.
-
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Bacon needs room to cook properly. Work in batches if needed.
-
Blot grease during frying for crisper results. Drain bacon on paper towels before serving.
-
Watch closely and remove bacon before it overcooks. Bacon continues cooking once removed from heat.
Bacon Cooking Times & Temperatures
Bacon thickness impacts cooking time. Here are general guidelines for perfectly done bacon:
-
Thin bacon: Fry 2-4 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes
-
Regular bacon: Fry 4-6 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes
-
Thick bacon: Fry 6-8 minutes per side or bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Stop cooking at 145°F for chewy bacon or 160°F for crispy.
Storing and Freezing Bacon
Store uncooked bacon properly for the best flavor and texture:
-
Refrigerate in original packaging up to 7 days.
-
For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze up to 2 months.
-
Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Cooked bacon keeps up to 4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat before eating for the best flavor.
Cooking Crosswise Bacon to Perfection
Now that you know why and how to cut bacon crosswise, it’s time to put your skills into practice!
-
Start with high-quality thick cut bacon for the best results. Look for minimal processing.
-
Use a serrated or utility knife to neatly slice bacon crosswise.
-
Fry or bake until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
-
Blot grease during cooking for enhanced crispness.
-
Remove from heat before bacon overcooks. It will continue cooking off the heat.
-
Let cool briefly before digging in and enjoying your evenly cooked, crispy bacon!
With the right technique, you can achieve bacon perfection every time. Cutting crosswise optimizes texture, flavor, and cook time. Share your love of great bacon with friends and family.
How To Chop Bacon – Best Way To Cut Bacon For Cooking
FAQ
How to cut something crosswise?
What is the crosswise direction?
How do you cut bacon?
Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make slicing the bacon easier and produce cleaner, more uniform slices. Place the bacon on a cutting board: Place the bacon on a cutting board with the fatty side facing up. Determine the desired thickness: Decide how thick or thin you would like your bacon slices to be.
Is there a correct way to slice Bacon?
A: Yes, there is a correct way to slice bacon. Start by cutting the bacon into strips and then hold the strips in place with a food holder before slicing against the grain. Use a sharp knife or meat slicer and try to maintain consistent thickness for all your slices.
Should Bacon be sliced across the grain?
By default, you should always slice your bacon across the grain and not with it. This is because the tenderness of your bacon will depend on the direction in which you slice your bacon. Slicing across the grain ensures every slice has a little bit of the fat and the meat. It is also easier to chew bacon that’s been cut across the grain.
How do you cut bacon in a chopping board?
Place your left hand on top of the slab bacon and hold it down. Use your right hand to firmly slice the bacon with the knife. Ensure the first slice is straight as it will help shape the next slices. Realign your bacon so that its edge is parallel to the chopping board again.