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

You can control the heat, you can see exactly what is going on, and you can cook the bacon just how you like it. That is especially useful if, like me, you like your bacon crispy. After all, there is a fine line between crispy and burnt to a crisp, and no one wants to be stood there wafting a tea towel at the smoke alarm when they could be getting their lips around a delicious bacon butty.

The other great thing about pan-fried bacon is the bacon fat. As the bacon cooks, the fat renders into the pan, which means you can dip your bread in it, fry your bread in it, or use it for eggs, mushrooms or tomatoes. Health food? Maybe not. Delicious? Absolutely.

Can You Cook Bacon in a Pan?

Yes, cooking bacon in a pan is one of the best and easiest ways to cook bacon.

A frying pan gives you plenty of control over the heat and lets you cook the bacon to your preferred finish, whether you like it just cooked, golden, or properly crispy.

It works for back bacon, streaky bacon and dry cured bacon. If you want to compare all the main methods, you can also read our full guide on how to cook bacon.

What Pan Is Best for Cooking Bacon?

A good non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking bacon.

You can also use a cast iron pan or stainless steel pan, but bacon can stick more easily if the pan is not hot enough or the surface is dry. A non-stick pan makes the whole thing easier, especially if you are cooking breakfast and already juggling eggs, toast and a cup of tea.

Do You Need Oil to Cook Bacon in a Pan?

You only need a small amount of oil, and sometimes none at all.

Bacon contains its own fat, especially streaky bacon, so it will release fat into the pan as it cooks. A little oil at the start can help stop the bacon sticking before that fat renders out.

If you are cooking very fatty streaky bacon, you can use little to no oil. For leaner back bacon, a small splash of oil helps.

How to Cook Bacon in a Pan

This method works for back bacon, streaky bacon and dry cured bacon.

Ingredients

• Bacon rashers
• 1 tablespoon oil, optional

Method

1. Remove the bacon - Take the bacon out of the packaging and separate the rashers.
2. Heat the pan - Add a small amount of oil to a frying pan and place over a medium to high heat.
3. Add the bacon - Once the pan is hot, add the bacon rashers in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Start hot - Cook the bacon for around 1 minute on each side to get it going.
5. Reduce the heat - Turn the heat down to medium and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Cook to your liking - If you like crispy bacon, cook it for a little longer, keeping a close eye on it.
7. Serve - Remove from the pan and serve hot.

How Long Does Bacon Take in a Pan?

Bacon usually takes around 4 to 6 minutes in a frying pan.

The exact time depends on the thickness of the bacon, the heat of the pan, and whether you are cooking back bacon or streaky bacon.

• Back bacon: around 4 to 5 minutes
• Streaky bacon: around 5 to 7 minutes
• Crispy bacon: cook a little longer, turning often

If the bacon is browning too quickly, turn the heat down. Bacon is better cooked with a bit of control than blasted until the edges burn.

Should You Start Bacon in a Cold Pan or Hot Pan?

You can do either, but I prefer starting with a warm to hot pan.

A hot pan gives bacon good colour and gets things moving quickly. Starting bacon in a cold pan can help render the fat more slowly, especially with streaky bacon, but it takes a bit longer.

For everyday bacon sandwiches and breakfasts, a medium-hot pan works well. Just reduce the heat once the bacon starts to colour so it does not burn.

How to Make Crispy Bacon in a Pan

For crispy pan-fried bacon, use streaky bacon and cook it a little longer over a controlled heat.

Streaky bacon has more fat than back bacon, which helps it crisp as the fat renders. Keep turning it so it cooks evenly, and do not have the pan so hot that the bacon catches before the fat has had time to render.

Once cooked, you can place the bacon on kitchen paper for a minute to drain and crisp slightly.

Back Bacon or Streaky Bacon in a Pan?

Both back bacon and streaky bacon cook well in a pan.

Back bacon is leaner and works brilliantly in bacon sandwiches, rolls and full English breakfasts. Streaky bacon is fattier, crisps up more easily, and is great for burgers, pancakes, salads and crispy toppings.

You can see both in our bacon range.

What to Do with Bacon Fat

One of the best bits of cooking bacon in a pan is the fat left behind.

You can use it to fry bread, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes or even potatoes. If you are making a proper breakfast, do not waste it.

Or just dip a bit of bread in it while nobody is watching. That works too.

Other Ways to Cook Bacon

Pan frying is my favourite, but it is not the only way to cook bacon.

If you are cooking a bigger batch or want less hob mess, read our guide on how to cook bacon in the oven.

If you prefer cooking bacon under the grill, see our guide on how to grill bacon.

What to Serve with Pan-Fried Bacon

Pan-fried bacon works with pretty much everything worth eating for breakfast.

Good serving ideas include:

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

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

Tips for Cooking Bacon in a Pan

• Use a good non-stick frying pan.
• Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Use a little oil for leaner bacon.
• Turn the bacon occasionally so it cooks evenly.
• Lower the heat once the bacon starts to colour.
• Cook streaky bacon a little longer if you want it crispy.
• Save the bacon fat for eggs, mushrooms, fried bread or potatoes.

Final Thoughts

Cooking bacon in a pan is simple, quick and, in my opinion, still the best way to cook bacon.

Use a good frying pan, control the heat, turn the rashers as they cook, and take them out when they are done how you like them.

Whether you want a full English, a bacon sandwich, crispy streaky bacon or a bit of fried bread in the bacon fat, pan-fried bacon is hard to beat.

Please ensure bacon is cooked through and piping hot before serving. Enjoy.

FAQs

How do you cook bacon in a pan?

Add bacon to a frying pan over a medium to high heat, cook for around 1 minute each side, then reduce the heat and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally.

How long does bacon take in a pan?

Bacon usually takes around 4 to 6 minutes in a pan, depending on thickness and how crispy you like it.

Do you need oil to cook bacon in a pan?

You only need a little oil, especially for leaner back bacon. Streaky bacon often releases enough fat of its own.

Should you cook bacon on high or low heat?

Start on a medium to high heat to get colour, then reduce the heat to medium so the bacon cooks through without burning.

How do you make crispy bacon in a pan?

Use streaky bacon, cook over a controlled medium heat, turn often, and cook a little longer until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp.

Can you cook bacon in a non-stick pan?

Yes, a non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking bacon because it gives you control and helps stop the rashers sticking.

Is pan-fried bacon better than oven bacon?

Pan-fried bacon gives you more control and great flavour. Oven bacon is useful for bigger batches and less mess.