Cooking bacon in a cast-iron skillet can be a delicious and satisfying experience. To help prevent sticking or burning, here's a recommended method:
Preheat the skillet: Place the cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Place bacon in a cold skillet: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer in the cold skillet. Starting with a cold skillet helps render the fat slowly and prevents the bacon from sticking to the pan.
Cook on medium heat: Turn the heat to medium and let the bacon cook. As the bacon heats up, the fat will start to render and the slices will begin to brown.
Monitor and flip: Keep a close eye on the bacon as it cooks. Use tongs to flip the bacon slices occasionally to ensure even browning on both sides. This helps prevent sticking and burning.
Adjust heat as needed: If you notice the bacon cooking too quickly or the fat starts to smoke excessively, reduce the heat slightly. Adjusting the heat allows for better control and prevents burning.
Drain excess fat: As the bacon cooks, you'll accumulate fat in the skillet. If there's an excessive amount of fat, carefully drain some into a heatproof container, leaving just enough to cook the bacon. Be cautious as the skillet and fat can be hot.
Remove cooked bacon and drain: Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness, use tongs to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess fat, resulting in a crispier and less greasy bacon.
By following these steps, you can achieve crispy and flavorful bacon without it sticking or burning in your cast-iron skillet. Remember to be mindful of the heat and adjust it as needed to maintain the desired cooking pace.