How to Soften Up Crispy Bacon: 7 Genius Hacks

Crispy bacon is the ultimate breakfast treat. The irresistible crunch and salty, smoky flavor are hard to beat. But sometimes, bacon can become overly crispy and hard to chew. If you’ve got a batch of bacon that’s too crispy for enjoyment, don’t toss it out! With a few simple tricks you can transform that crunchy bacon into tender chewable strips again.

In this article, we’ll share 7 genius hacks for softening up crispy bacon. From using steam to microwaving to cooking in water, these methods will breathe new life into any piece of overcooked bacon Keep reading to learn how to salvage crispy bacon and make it perfectly chewy again!

Why Bacon Gets Too Crispy

Before we dive into solutions, let’s look at why bacon becomes overly crispy in the first place. There are a few main culprits:

• High heat – Cooking bacon on very high heat causes the fat to render out quickly, leading to crispy bacon that burns easily

• Not enough fat – Skinny or low-fat bacon varieties crisp up faster with less natural fat to keep them tender.

• Cooking too long – It’s easy to overcook bacon if you walk away from the stove or aren’t watching the clock.

• Improper storage – Bacon left out on the counter or reheated incorrectly will dry out.

While crispy bacon tastes great in small doses, no one wants a whole batch that’s rock hard. Luckily, it’s not difficult to fix with the right techniques.

Method 1: Use Steam

One of the simplest ways to soften bacon is by using steam. The moist heat helps rehydrate the crispy bacon and make it tender again.

Start by placing your crispy bacon strips in a skillet or pan. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Then, put on a tight fitting lid and allow the bacon to steam for 2-3 minutes, until softened to your liking.

You can also wrap bacon in a moist paper towel and microwave for 10-20 seconds to create steam. Be careful when unwrapping, as the bacon will be hot.

Steaming is a great way to quickly salvage crispy bacon without compromising on texture or taste. The bacon will become pliable again while maintaining its flavor.

Method 2: Bake in the Oven

Baking crispy bacon in the oven with a touch of water can help soften it up. Simply place the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F. After 5 minutes, remove bacon from the oven and lightly brush both sides with water using a pastry brush or spoon.

Return to the oven for 1-2 more minutes until softened. The brief time in the oven helps drive moisture back into the bacon. Be careful not to add too much water or bake too long, or the bacon could become slimy.

Method 3: Fry in a Skillet

Re-crisping bacon in a hot skillet can also effectively soften it. Place your crispy bacon strips in a preheated non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until the bacon begins to sizzle again.

Remove from heat and let rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a couple minutes before serving. The quick sauté helps moisten the bacon while restoring its texture.

Method 4: Microwave

The microwave provides a fast, convenient way to soften crispy bacon. Simply place the bacon between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 30 second intervals until the bacon reaches your desired texture.

The paper towels help absorb excess grease while steaming the bacon. This method works best for smaller batches of bacon. For larger amounts, use the oven or skillet methods.

Method 5: Rehydrate in Water

Soaking crispy bacon strips in water can help force moisture back into them. Place the bacon in a bowl and add just enough cold water to cover. Let soak for 1-2 minutes, then drain well and pat dry.

This technique quickly rehydrates severely crispy bacon. While effective, it does dilute the signature smoky bacon flavor. Save this method for bacon crumbs or small batches.

Method 6: Fry in Water

Surprisingly, you can use water while cooking to keep bacon tender. Add just enough water to a skillet to cover the bottom. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Once boiling, add your bacon strips. Reduce heat to medium and cook until water evaporates and bacon browns as desired, flipping occasionally. The water prevents the high heat from crisping the bacon too quickly.

Method 7: Make Bacon Bits

If your bacon is too far gone, make yummy bacon bits! Simply chop or crumble the crispy bacon into small pieces. Use them as a topping for salads, baked potatoes, popcorn and more.

While you can’t undo the crispiness, you can still enjoy the bacon flavor in crunchy sprinkle form with this clever hack.

Storing Bacon to Prevent Crisping

Proper storage is key to keeping cooked bacon from drying out. Here are some tips:

• Let bacon cool completely before storing.
• Use airtight containers or resealable bags.
• Store for 3-4 days max in the fridge.
• Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for 1 month.
• Microwave to reheat; don’t fry again.

Following these guidelines will help prevent your bacon from getting overly crispy after initial cooking. With that said, even the best-stored bacon may still crisp up. Luckily, the 7 genius hacks in this article will rescue any piece of bacon from the crispiness abyss!

Enjoy Perfectly Chewy Bacon Every Time

From steaming to microwaving to soaking in water, these brilliant methods can revive any batch of overly crispy bacon. Crispiness is easily reversible when you know how to add moisture back into the bacon.

Next time you’re faced with a pack of rock-hard bacon, try one of these techniques before tossing it out. With a little TLC, you can have tender, chewable bacon again in minutes. No more wasting food or missing out on delicious bacon flavor.

So be bold and experiment with different hacks until you find your favorite. Soon, you’ll be a master at transforming any crispy bacon into perfectly chewy bacon every time. Now, who’s ready for breakfast?