Cooking bacon can be a messy endeavor The splattering grease, constant flipping, and stuck-on bits make traditional frying pans less than ideal. But with the right tools, you can achieve crispy, evenly cooked bacon every time Enter the copper bacon pan – the innovative kitchen tool that takes the hassle out of making everyone’s favorite breakfast meat.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about cooking with a copper bacon pan. From prepping and seasoning to cooking tips and cleanup, we’ve got you covered on how to use this handy pan for perfectly crispy bacon every morning. So grease up those pans and let’s get cooking!
What is a Copper Bacon Pan?
A copper bacon pan is a specially designed pan made specifically for cooking bacon. It is crafted from pure copper which allows for excellent heat conductivity and distribution. This means the bacon cooks evenly across the entire pan surface.
The pan is designed with ridges or a waffle pattern that lifts the bacon up off the grease allowing the fat to drain away for crispier results. The non-stick coating also prevents sticking. These pans can hold up to 12 slices of bacon at a time making batch cooking easy.
Copper bacon pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Typically 8-10 inches in diameter, they are ideal for cooking 4-6 portions of bacon. Larger pans, often rectangular, are available for big batch cooking.
Benefits of Using a Copper Bacon Pan
There are many advantages to using a copper bacon pan:
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Even cooking – the conductive copper allows heat to spread evenly across the pan surface. No more undercooked spots!
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Crispier bacon – the ridges lift bacon up away from the grease allowing it to cook crispier.
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Less splattering – contained in the pan, there is less messy splatter.
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Easy cleanup – food and grease wipe away easily from the non-stick coating.
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Faster cooking – multiple slices cook at once, no need to stand at the stove flipping!
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Versatile – use for more than just bacon like eggs, hashbrowns, meat etc.
For perfect bacon with less mess and hassle, a copper bacon pan is the way to go. Let’s look at how to use it.
Seasoning Your Copper Bacon Pan
Before its first use, you’ll need to season your copper pan. This prepares the non-stick coating for cooking and improves its performance over time.
Here’s how to season a new copper bacon pan:
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Remove all packaging and wash the pan in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
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Coat the inside of the pan lightly with cooking oil. Use a paper towel or brush to distribute evenly.
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Place pan in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes to allow oil to absorb into the surface.
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Remove pan and wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.
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Your pan is now seasoned and ready for bacon!
It’s important to re-season your pan every few months to maintain the non-stick surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which can damage the coating.
Now for the fun part – let’s get cooking!
Cooking Bacon in Your Copper Pan
Cooking bacon in a copper pan is simple. Just follow these easy steps:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Place pan on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch drips.
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Arrange raw bacon slices in a single layer on the pan. Leave a little space between slices.
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Cook for 18-24 minutes. Thicker cuts take longer.
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For crispy bacon, flip slices halfway through cooking.
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Remove pan from oven when bacon reaches desired crispness.
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Transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
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Let pan cool before cleaning.
Some tips for success:
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Start with cold bacon straight from the fridge
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Don’t overlap slices
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Cook times vary – watch closely to avoid burning
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Flip for evenly crispy bacon
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Blot grease after cooking
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Let pan cool completely before cleaning
Now you can enjoy a whole batch of perfectly crisped, evenly cooked bacon thanks to your copper pan.
Copper Bacon Pan Cooking Times
Bacon cook times can vary based on the thickness of the slices. Here are some general guidelines for copper pan cooking times:
- Thin sliced bacon – 18-20 minutes
- Regular sliced bacon – 20-24 minutes
- Thick sliced bacon – 24-28 minutes
- Extra thick sliced bacon – 26-32 minutes
As a rule of thumb, check your bacon at 15 minutes then watch closely until desired doneness is reached. Flipping the bacon halfway through will help it cook evenly. Adjust times as needed based on your preference.
If cooking a large batch, rotate the pan and check doneness on all areas since overcrowding can cause uneven cooking. Get to know your pan to dial in the perfect time for crispy bacon every time.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Copper Bacon Pan
Caring properly for your copper bacon pan ensures it will last for years of continued crispy bacon bliss. Here are some tips:
- Allow pan to fully cool after cooking before cleaning
- Remove bacon grease by wiping with paper towel
- Wash pan with hot water and mild detergent using a soft sponge or cloth
- Avoid abrasive pads or cleaners which can damage the coating
- Dry thoroughly after washing
- Apply small amount of oil to surface before storing
- Hang or store pan carefully to prevent scratches
- Re-season every few months to maintain non-stick surface
Proper cleaning and storage will keep your copper bacon pan looking like new. With our tips, you can expect many years of continued crispy bacon cooking.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Bacon Every Time
Looking for bacon perfection? Follow these tips for crispy, mouthwatering bacon from your copper pan every time.
- Choose high-quality, thick cut bacon for best results
- Start with a cold pan – don’t preheat
- Arrange slices in a single layer without overlapping
- Cook low and slow, especially with thick cuts
- Flip halfway through for even cooking
- Blot grease with paper towels when done
- Don’t crowd the pan – cook batches for even crisping
- Adjust heat and times based on bacon thickness
- Watch closely near the end to prevent burning
With practice, you’ll learn the ideal heat, arrangement, and cook times for your preferred bacon in your copper pan. The results are worth it – crispy, indulgent bacon made easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to arrange bacon in the pan?
Lay slices in a single layer without overlapping. Leave a little space between each piece to allow heat flow and fat drainage.
Should I use oil or grease the pan first?
No, the specially coated surface doesn’t require pre-oiling. Oil can cause sticking.
Do I need to preheat the pan or oven?
Preheating is not necessary. For best results, start with a cold pan and cold oven.
How often do I need to flip the bacon?
For evenly cooked bacon, flip the slices once about halfway through cooking.
Can I cook more than just bacon in my copper pan?
Absolutely! The versatile pan is great for eggs, hashbrowns, sausages, pancakes, and more.
What’s the best way to clean stuck-on bits?
Allow pan to fully cool after cooking. Soak in hot water then use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to gently remove residue. Avoid scouring pads.
How can I tell when the bacon is done?
Look for an evenly golden-brown color and desired crispness. Thicker cuts take longer. Cooking times vary so watch closely.
How do I get rid of bacon smell from the pan?
Wash with hot soapy water after each use. Occasionally deodorize by wiping with baking soda and lemon juice then rinsing clean.
Get Sizzling with Your Copper Bacon Pan
Equipped with your new copper bacon pan and cooking know-how, it’s time to get sizzling! Ditch your old frying pans and say goodbye to splattering grease and uneven cooking. With a little practice, you’ll be turning out picture-perfect, crispy bacon every time.
Fire up those copper pans for artery-clogging, mouth-watering bacon bliss. From eggs Benedict to BLTs, bacon makes everything better. Now you can cook it to crispy perfection with ease using your handy new bacon pan. Here’s to many happy weekend mornings full of perfectly cooked, grease-dripping bacon. Happy cooking!