Streaky bacon is the one you want when you’re after proper crispy bacon.

It has more fat running through it than back bacon, which means it renders down beautifully as it cooks. That fat is what gives streaky bacon its flavour, crisp edges and that salty crunch that works so well in breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pancakes and pretty much anything else worth eating.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook streaky bacon in a pan, in the oven and under the grill, along with timings, crispy bacon tips and the best ways to serve it.

What Is Streaky Bacon?

Streaky bacon is cut from pork belly, which is why it has visible streaks of fat running through the meat.

That extra fat makes it richer than back bacon and helps it crisp up when cooked properly. It is great for bacon sandwiches, burgers, cooked breakfasts, pancakes, loaded fries, salads, and wrapping around other meats.

If you’re choosing bacon specifically for crispiness, streaky bacon is usually the best option. You can see our full bacon range here.

What Is the Best Way to Cook Streaky Bacon?

The best way to cook streaky bacon depends on what you want from it.

For maximum control, cook streaky bacon in a frying pan. This is the best method if you want to watch it closely and take it out at exactly the right point.

For a bigger batch or less mess, cook streaky bacon in the oven. This works especially well if you use a wire rack, because the heat can move around the bacon and the fat can drip away underneath.

For a quick breakfast method, you can also cook streaky bacon under the grill.

For the full overview of all bacon methods, read our main guide on how to cook bacon.

How to Cook Streaky Bacon in a Pan

Pan frying is a great way to cook streaky bacon because you can control the heat and watch it crisp up properly.

Ingredients

• Streaky bacon rashers

Method

1. Separate the rashers - Remove the streaky bacon from the packaging and separate the rashers.
2. Heat the pan - Place a frying pan over a medium heat. You usually do not need to add oil because streaky bacon has plenty of fat.
3. Add the bacon - Lay the rashers in the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
4. Cook slowly at first - Let the fat begin to render, turning the rashers occasionally.
5. Crisp it up - Once the fat has rendered and the bacon has coloured, cook for a little longer until crisp to your liking.
6. Drain and serve - Remove from the pan and place on kitchen paper for a minute before serving.

For a more detailed frying method, see our guide on how to cook bacon in a pan.

How Long Does Streaky Bacon Take in a Pan?

Streaky bacon usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes in a pan.

If you like it softer, it may be ready a little sooner. If you like it properly crisp, cook it for a little longer over a controlled medium heat.

Do not blast it too hard from the start. Streaky bacon is best when the fat has time to render before the bacon crisps.

How to Cook Streaky Bacon in the Oven

Oven cooking is brilliant for streaky bacon, especially if you are cooking a few rashers at once.

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C / 170°C fan / Gas Mark 5.
2. Place a wire rack inside a baking tray or roasting dish.
3. Lay the streaky bacon rashers on the rack in a single layer.
4. Cook for around 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
5. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Using a wire rack helps the fat drip away and lets the heat move around the bacon, which gives a more even finish.

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

How to Grill Streaky Bacon

You can also cook streaky bacon under the grill.

1. Preheat the grill to a medium heat.
2. Lay the streaky bacon rashers on the rack in a grill pan.
3. Grill for around 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Cook a little longer if you want it extra crispy.
5. Serve hot.

Keep an eye on it near the end, because streaky bacon can go from crisp to burnt quite quickly under the grill.

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

How Do You Make Streaky Bacon Crispy?

The key to crispy streaky bacon is giving the fat time to render.

If the heat is too high too soon, the outside can catch before the fat has properly cooked out. Use a medium heat in a pan, a wire rack in the oven, or a medium grill if you are grilling.

Once the fat has rendered and the bacon is golden, let it sit on kitchen paper for a minute. It will often crisp up a little more as it rests.

Do You Need Oil for Streaky Bacon?

No, you usually do not need oil for streaky bacon.

Because streaky bacon has plenty of fat, it releases its own fat as it cooks. In a pan, start over a medium heat and let that fat render out naturally.

If your pan is very dry or the bacon is sticking, you can add the tiniest amount of oil, but most of the time you will not need it.

Should You Cook Streaky Bacon Fast or Slow?

Start streaky bacon fairly gently, then let it crisp once the fat has rendered.

Cooking it too fast can burn the edges before the middle has had chance to crisp properly. A controlled medium heat is usually best.

What to Serve with Streaky Bacon

Streaky bacon is one of those things that makes almost anything better.

Good serving ideas include:

• Bacon sandwiches
• Full English breakfasts
• Burgers
• Pancakes with maple syrup
• Eggs on toast
• Loaded fries
• Caesar salads
• Jacket potatoes
• Breakfast muffins
• Pigs in blankets

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

Tips for Cooking Streaky Bacon

• Use a medium heat so the fat has time to render.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, tray or grill rack.
• You usually do not need added oil.
• Use a wire rack in the oven for crispier bacon.
• Drain on kitchen paper if you want it extra crisp.
• Watch closely near the end of cooking.

Final Thoughts

Streaky bacon is the best bacon for crispiness. The extra fat means more flavour, better crunch and a proper golden finish when cooked well.

Cook it in a pan for control, in the oven for bigger batches, or under the grill for a quick breakfast method. Whichever method you choose, give the fat time to render and take it off when it is cooked just how you like it.

FAQs

How do you cook streaky bacon?

Cook streaky bacon in a pan over a medium heat for around 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp.

How long does streaky bacon take to cook?

Streaky bacon takes around 5 to 7 minutes in a pan, 18 to 22 minutes in the oven, or 7 to 10 minutes under the grill.

Do you need oil to cook streaky bacon?

No, you usually do not need oil because streaky bacon releases its own fat as it cooks.

How do you make streaky bacon crispy?

Use a medium heat and let the fat render properly before cooking it until crisp. Drain on kitchen paper for a minute before serving.

Can you cook streaky bacon in the oven?

Yes, streaky 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 18 to 22 minutes.

Can you grill streaky bacon?

Yes, streaky bacon can be cooked under a medium grill for around 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Is streaky bacon better than back bacon?

It depends what you want. Streaky bacon is fattier and better for crispy bacon, while back bacon is leaner and often used for bacon sandwiches and cooked breakfasts.