Ah, you’re talking about making crispy bacon like a pro, and yes—there’s a pantry hack that changes everything. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will make your bacon crispy, flat, and perfectly golden every time.
Ingredients
- Bacon strips
- Baking powder (the secret ingredient!)
- Optional: black pepper, brown sugar, or smoked paprika for flavor
The Genius Hack
Sprinkling a tiny bit of baking powder on bacon before cooking changes the chemistry: it raises the pH, which helps the bacon crisp faster and stay flat instead of curling.
Instructions
Oven Method (Best for Even Crispiness)
- Prep the Pan:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top if you want extra air circulation (optional, bacon will still crisp without it). - Sprinkle the Magic:
Lightly dust bacon strips with baking powder. You don’t need much—about 1/4 teaspoon per pound of bacon is enough. Add optional spices if you like. - Arrange Bacon:
Lay strips flat on the pan, making sure they don’t overlap. Overlapping = uneven cooking. - Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 15–25 minutes, depending on thickness. Check around 12 minutes if your bacon is thin. It should be golden and crisp.
- Drain and Serve:
Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Serve immediately.
Tips for Next-Level Bacon
- Extra crispy: Use thick-cut bacon and give it 2–3 extra minutes in the oven.
- No curl bacon: Baking powder really helps prevent curling, but a wire rack makes it almost impossible to curl.
- Sweet-savory twist: Sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking—caramelized, crispy bacon magic.
If you want, I can also show a stovetop trick using the same baking powder hack that makes bacon super crispy without the oven. It’s kind of wild.
Do you want me to show that version too?