Cooking bacon in a slow cooker is a game-changer for anyone who loves the sweet, smoky flavor of perfectly cooked bacon. Not only is it incredibly easy, but it’s also a great way to cook bacon in bulk, making it perfect for meal prep, breakfast gatherings, or even as a topping for your favorite salads. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of slow-cooked bacon and explore the best methods, tips, and tricks for achieving crispy, delicious bacon every time.
The Benefits of Cooking Bacon in a Slow Cooker
Cooking bacon in a slow cooker offers several benefits over traditional pan-frying methods. Here are just a few reasons why you should give it a try:
- Hands-off cooking: Simply place the bacon in the slow cooker and let it cook while you’re busy with other tasks.
- Less mess: No more splattering grease or messy cleanup.
- Even cooking: The slow cooker ensures that the bacon is cooked evenly, eliminating the risk of burnt or undercooked strips.
- Bulk cooking: Cook large quantities of bacon at once, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Choosing the Right Bacon
When it comes to cooking bacon in a slow cooker, the type of bacon you choose can make a big difference. Here are a few options to consider:
- Thick-cut bacon: This is the best option for slow-cooked bacon, as it holds its shape and becomes crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
- Thin-cut bacon: While it’s still possible to cook thin-cut bacon in a slow cooker, it may become too crispy or even burnt.
- Smoked bacon: This adds a rich, smoky flavor to your bacon that’s perfect for adding depth to dishes like salads or soups.
- Maple bacon: For a sweeter take on traditional bacon, try using maple bacon in your slow cooker.
Preparing the Bacon
Before cooking the bacon, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Cut the bacon: Cut the bacon into strips or slices, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
- Pat dry the bacon: Use paper towels to pat the bacon dry, removing excess moisture that can prevent crispiness.
- Season the bacon: Sprinkle the bacon with your desired seasonings, such as brown sugar, black pepper, or smoked paprika.
Cooking the Bacon
Now that you’ve prepared the bacon, it’s time to cook it. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
- Place the bacon in the slow cooker: Line the slow cooker with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, then add the bacon strips.
- Cook on low: Cook the bacon on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Check the bacon: After 6 hours, check the bacon for crispiness. If it’s not crispy enough, continue cooking in 30-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Tips for Achieving Crispy Bacon
Achieving crispy bacon in a slow cooker can be a challenge, but here are a few tips to help you get it right:
- Use a rack: Place a rack in the slow cooker to elevate the bacon, allowing air to circulate and promoting crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook the bacon in batches if necessary, to ensure that each strip has enough room to cook evenly.
- Broil the bacon: After cooking the bacon in the slow cooker, place it under the broiler for a few minutes to add an extra crispy texture.
Using Slow-Cooked Bacon in Recipes
Slow-cooked bacon is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Breakfast burritos: Wrap scrambled eggs, slow-cooked bacon, and shredded cheese in a tortilla for a delicious breakfast on-the-go.
- Salads: Top a spinach salad with slow-cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.
- Soups: Add slow-cooked bacon to soups like potato soup or creamy broccoli soup for added smokiness and flavor.
Storing Slow-Cooked Bacon
If you’ve cooked too much bacon (is that even possible?), don’t worry. Here are a few ways to store slow-cooked bacon for later use:
- Refrigerate: Store the bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon in a slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to achieve perfectly cooked bacon every time. With its hands-off cooking, even cooking, and bulk cooking capabilities, it’s no wonder that slow-cooked bacon is a favorite among bacon lovers. Whether you’re using it in breakfast burritos, salads, or soups, slow-cooked bacon is sure to add a rich, smoky flavor to any dish.
What are the benefits of cooking bacon in a slow cooker?
Cooking bacon in a slow cooker offers several benefits. For one, it allows for even cooking and prevents burning, which can be a problem when cooking bacon in a pan. Additionally, cooking bacon in a slow cooker is a hands-off process, meaning you can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other tasks.
Another benefit of cooking bacon in a slow cooker is that it allows for a crispy texture without the need for constant monitoring. The low heat and moisture in the slow cooker help to render out the fat, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior. This makes it perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, or using as a topping for soups and baked potatoes.
How do I cook bacon in a slow cooker?
To cook bacon in a slow cooker, simply line the bottom of the slow cooker with foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy cleanup. Then, lay the bacon slices on top of the foil or parchment paper in a single layer. You can cook as much or as little bacon as you like, depending on your needs.
Once the bacon is in the slow cooker, set the temperature to low and cook for 6-8 hours or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. You can check on the bacon after 6 hours and continue to cook it in 30-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Can I cook other ingredients with the bacon in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook other ingredients with the bacon in the slow cooker. In fact, cooking bacon with other ingredients is a great way to add flavor to your dishes. Some popular ingredients to cook with bacon include onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
When cooking other ingredients with bacon, simply add them to the slow cooker with the bacon and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You can also add seasonings and spices to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor of the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the ingredients you add.
How do I store cooked bacon?
Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best to store the bacon in a single layer, separated by paper towels or parchment paper, to prevent it from sticking together.
You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to 2 months. Simply place the cooked bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bacon is perfect for adding to soups, stews, and casseroles.
Can I use different types of bacon in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can use different types of bacon in the slow cooker. In fact, the slow cooker is a great way to cook thicker, more robust bacon cuts, such as slab bacon or Canadian bacon. You can also use different flavors of bacon, such as smoked or peppered bacon, to add unique flavors to your dishes.
When using different types of bacon, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Thicker bacon cuts may require longer cooking times, while thinner cuts may cook more quickly. Just be sure to check on the bacon regularly to ensure it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Is cooking bacon in a slow cooker healthy?
Cooking bacon in a slow cooker can be a healthier option than pan-frying, as it allows for the fat to render out of the bacon. However, bacon is still a high-fat, high-sodium food, and it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
To make cooking bacon in a slow cooker even healthier, consider using leaner bacon cuts, such as turkey bacon or Canadian bacon. You can also pair the bacon with healthier ingredients, such as vegetables and whole grains, to create a more balanced dish.
Can I cook bacon in a slow cooker for a crowd?
Yes, you can cook bacon in a slow cooker for a crowd. In fact, the slow cooker is a great way to cook large quantities of bacon, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, and special events. Simply line the slow cooker with foil or parchment paper, add the bacon, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
When cooking bacon for a crowd, consider using multiple slow cookers to ensure that everyone gets a hot, crispy piece of bacon. You can also keep the cooked bacon warm in the slow cooker by setting it to the “warm” or “low” setting, making it easy to serve to a crowd.