Bacon is one of those things that seems simple, but everyone has an opinion on the best way to cook it.

Some people like it soft, some like it crispy, some swear by the frying pan, and some prefer the oven or grill because it makes less mess. The good news is that there is no single right answer. The best way to cook bacon depends on what bacon you are using, how many rashers you are cooking, and how crispy you want it.

In this guide, we’ll cover the main ways to cook bacon, including in a pan, in the oven and under the grill. We’ll also look at back bacon, streaky bacon, timings, crispy bacon tips, and what to serve it with.

What Is the Best Way to Cook Bacon?

In my opinion, the best way to cook bacon is in a good non-stick frying pan.

A pan gives you the most control. You can see what is happening, adjust the heat, turn the rashers when needed, and cook the bacon exactly how you like it.

That said, the oven and grill both have their place. The oven is brilliant for bigger batches and less mess, while the grill is a good option if you want the fat to drain away while the bacon cooks.

So, as a rough guide:

• Pan: best for flavour, control and bacon sandwiches.
• Oven: best for bigger batches and easier cleanup.
• Grill: best for a full English or when you want the fat to drain away.
• Streaky bacon: best when you want crispy bacon.

How to Cook Bacon in a Pan

Cooking bacon in a pan is the classic method, and still my favourite.

Use a good non-stick frying pan and cook the bacon over a medium to high heat to start, then lower the heat slightly once it begins to colour. This gives you control and stops the bacon catching before it is cooked how you like it.

Back bacon usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes in a pan. Streaky bacon may take around 5 to 7 minutes, especially if you want it crispy.

For the full pan method, see our guide on how to cook bacon in a pan.

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

Cooking bacon in the oven is ideal when you are cooking more than a couple of rashers.

Place the bacon on a wire rack set inside a baking tray or roasting dish. This lets the heat move around the bacon and allows the fat to drip into the tray underneath.

Cook at 190°C / 170°C fan / Gas Mark 5 for around 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and cooked how you like it.

Oven cooking is especially useful for feeding a few people, making breakfast sandwiches, or cooking bacon with less hob splatter.

For the full oven method, see our guide on how to cook bacon in the oven.

How to Grill Bacon

When we say grill, we mean cooking bacon under the grill, not on a barbecue. If you’re in America, I think this is what you’d call broiling. We’re British though, so we’re calling it grilling and moving on.

To grill bacon, place the rashers on the rack in a grill pan and cook under a medium grill for around 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Grilling works well because the fat can drip into the grill pan underneath. It is a good method for a full English breakfast, bacon sandwiches and bacon rolls.

For the full grill method, see our guide on how to grill bacon.

How to Cook Streaky Bacon

Streaky bacon is the best choice if you want crispy bacon.

Because streaky bacon is cut from pork belly, it has more fat running through it. That fat renders as it cooks, giving streaky bacon its rich flavour and crisp texture.

You can cook streaky bacon in a pan, in the oven or under the grill. The key is to give the fat time to render before taking it too crisp. If the heat is too high too soon, the edges can burn before the middle has cooked properly.

For more detail, see our guide on how to cook streaky bacon.

Back Bacon vs Streaky Bacon

Back bacon and streaky bacon are both bacon, but they cook slightly differently.

Back bacon is leaner and is usually cut from the loin. It is the classic choice for bacon sandwiches, bacon rolls and full English breakfasts.

Streaky bacon is fattier and is cut from pork belly. It crisps up more easily and works brilliantly in burgers, pancakes, salads, loaded fries and as a topping.

If you want leaner bacon, choose back bacon. If you want crispy bacon, choose streaky bacon.

You can see both in our bacon range.

How Long Does Bacon Take to Cook?

Bacon cooking times depend on the method, thickness and how crispy you like it.

As a rough guide:

• Pan-fried bacon: 4 to 7 minutes
• Oven-cooked bacon: 15 to 20 minutes
• Grilled bacon: 5 to 10 minutes
• Streaky bacon: usually a little longer if you want it crispy

Use timings as a guide, but judge bacon by colour and texture. When it is golden, cooked through and done how you like it, it is ready.

Do You Need Oil to Cook Bacon?

You do not always need oil to cook bacon.

Bacon contains its own fat, especially streaky bacon. As it cooks, that fat renders into the pan, tray or grill pan.

If you are cooking lean back bacon in a frying pan, a small splash of oil can help stop it sticking at the start. If you are cooking streaky bacon, you can usually cook it without added oil.

How to Make Crispy Bacon

For crispy bacon, streaky bacon is usually the best choice.

The key is to let the fat render properly. Use a controlled heat rather than blasting it too hard straight away. In a pan, cook over a medium heat and turn occasionally. In the oven, use a wire rack. Under the grill, keep the heat medium and watch it near the end.

Once the bacon is cooked, you can place it on kitchen paper for a minute. It will often crisp a little more as it rests.

Should You Cook Bacon Fast or Slow?

Bacon is best cooked with a bit of control.

If the heat is too high, the edges can burn before the fat has rendered properly. If the heat is too low, the bacon can dry out without getting much colour.

For most methods, medium to medium-high heat is best. Get some colour, then control the heat until the bacon is cooked how you like it.

What to Serve with Bacon

Bacon is not exactly difficult to use up. It works for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

Good serving ideas include:

• Bacon sandwiches
• A full English breakfast
• Bacon and egg rolls
• Burgers
• Pancakes with maple syrup
• Loaded fries
• Jacket potatoes
• Salads
• Eggs on toast
• Mac and cheese

For a proper sweet and salty breakfast, try our pancakes with bacon.

Tips for Cooking Bacon

• Use a frying pan if you want the most control.
• Use the oven if you are cooking a bigger batch.
• Use the grill if you want the fat to drain away.
• Choose streaky bacon for crispy bacon.
• Choose back bacon for a classic bacon sandwich.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, tray or grill rack.
• Watch bacon closely near the end of cooking.
• Save the bacon fat for eggs, mushrooms, fried bread or potatoes.

Final Thoughts

There are a few good ways to cook bacon, and the best method depends on what you want.

For control and flavour, cook bacon in a pan. For bigger batches and less mess, cook bacon in the oven. For a classic breakfast method where the fat drains away, grill it. And if you want crispy bacon, streaky bacon is your friend.

Whichever method you choose, cook it until it is golden, piping hot and done how you like it. It’s bacon. It’s going to be good.

FAQs

What is the best way to cook bacon?

The best way to cook bacon depends on what you want. A frying pan gives the most control and flavour, the oven is best for bigger batches, and the grill is good for letting fat drain away.

How long does bacon take to cook?

Bacon takes around 4 to 7 minutes in a pan, 15 to 20 minutes in the oven, or 5 to 10 minutes under the grill.

Do you need oil to cook bacon?

You only need a small amount of oil for leaner bacon in a pan. Streaky bacon usually releases enough fat of its own.

How do you make bacon crispy?

Use streaky bacon and cook it over a controlled heat until the fat renders and the bacon turns golden and crisp.

Can you cook bacon in the oven?

Yes, bacon cooks well in the oven. Place it on a wire rack over a tray and cook at 190°C / 170°C fan / Gas Mark 5 for around 15 to 20 minutes.

Can you grill bacon?

Yes, bacon can be cooked under a medium grill for around 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

What is the difference between back bacon and streaky bacon?

Back bacon is leaner and usually used for bacon sandwiches and cooked breakfasts. Streaky bacon is fattier and crisps up more easily.