The best part of brunch is the bacon. Crispy, salty, and fatty, it’s the perfect way to start your day. But what do you do if your bacon starts to cool off? You can’t microwave it very well! Here are a few ways to keep your bacon warm and crispy. Try one of these methods, and you’ll be able to enjoy your bacon until the very last bite.
How to keep bacon warm for brunch
1. Keep it in the oven:
The oven is your best bet if you’re cooking bacon for a large group. Preheat oven to 400° and cook bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil. Once it’s crispy, transfer the bacon to a slow cooker on low heat. It will stay warm and crisp this way for up to two hours.
2. Use a slow cooker:
If you want to make a big batch of bacon and keep it warm all day, use a crockpot! You can keep bacon warm in a slow cooker by setting it low and cooking it for 3-4 hours. This will ensure that the bacon is crispy and delicious when ready.
3. Use a chafing dish:
Chafing dishes are great for keeping food warm at buffet-style events. Place bacon in the dish and set it over a heat source (like a Sterno candle) to keep it warm.
4. Wrap it in foil:
For smaller batches of bacon, wrapping it in foil is a quick and easy way to keep it warm. Preheat your oven to 200° and wrap the bacon in foil before placing it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
5. Use a warming tray:
Warming trays are designed to keep food warm without overcooking it, making them perfect for maintaining bacon warm. Set the tray to low or medium heat and place the bacon on top. Check every 30 minutes to ensure the bacon isn’t getting too crispy.
6. Place it on top of your pancakes:
If you’re making pancakes or waffles for breakfast, keep your bacon warm by placing it on top of your pancakes as they cook. The pancake heat will help keep the bacon warm without overcooking it.
7. Make ahead and reheat:
Another option is to make your bacon and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. To do this, cook the bacon as usual and then place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, transfer the bacon to a zip-top bag and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days
The Reasons why bacon is an excellent choice for brunch.
There are many reasons why bacon is an excellent choice for brunch.
1. bacon is delicious
This is perhaps the most obvious reason, but it bears repeating – bacon is delicious. The salty, savory flavor of bacon is a perfect addition to any meal, and it can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you like it crispy or chewy, there’s bacon that’s perfect for you.
2. bacon is versatile
Bacon is also incredibly versatile. It can be used as a topping on salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. It can be wrapped around other foods to create delicious appetizers or main courses. And, of course, it can be enjoyed all on its own.
3. bacon is nutritious
Despite what some people may think, bacon can be quite nutritious. It’s a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc and iron. Bacon also contains high levels of oleic acid, which has been shown to have numerous health benefits.
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4. bacon is affordable
Bacon is also an affordable food option. A single pound of bacon can typically feed a family of four, making it a budget-friendly choice for brunch or any other meal.
5. bacon is easy to cook
Last but not least, bacon is incredibly easy to cook. There’s no need to worry about overcooking or undercooking it – put it in the oven or fry it up in a pan, and you’re good to go. Plus, cleanup is also easy, thanks to the fact that bacon doesn’t produce much grease.
Can cooked bacon sit out for a few hours?
No, cooked bacon should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, and cooked bacon is the perfect environment for these bacteria to thrive. For this reason, it’s essential to store cooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. If you leave cooked bacon out at room temperature, it should be discarded after two hours.
Does Keeping Bacon Warm Affect Its Taste and Texture?
Yes, keeping bacon warm can affect its taste and texture. When bacon is kept warm for too long, it can become overly crispy and can lose some of its flavors. Additionally, heat lamps or warming trays may give the bacon a slightly off taste. It is best to keep the bacon warm when possible by covering it with foil and placing it on a baking sheet in the oven at a low temperature.
How do you reheat bacon to make it crispy?
The best way to reheat bacon and make it crispy is to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the bacon strips on the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Alternatively, you can put a few strips of bacon on a plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until desired crispiness is reached. Be sure to keep an eye on the bacon while it cooks in the microwave to avoid burning.
Conclusion:
Bacon can be a great addition to any brunch. It is delicious, versatile, nutritious, and affordable. Cooking bacon is also easy, as long as it is appropriately stored and not left out at room temperature for too long. To ensure bacon is crispy when reheated, it should be placed in the oven or microwaved until it reaches the desired texture. With these tips and suggestions, you can enjoy crispy bacon every time!
