My hubby and I can’t agree on the best way to cook bacon. I think this is crispy but he thinks it’s burnt because of the black parts. Thoughts

August 10, 2025 by admin

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## Why Do Bacon Edges Get Black?

When bacon cooks, the sugars in the meat and the curing process caramelize under heat. This browning adds flavor but can quickly go too far if:

* The heat is too high
* The bacon is cooked for too long
* The pan or oven hotspots cause uneven cooking

Blackened edges can add a smoky, intense crunch, but they may also introduce a slightly bitter flavor some find unpleasant.

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## Finding the Perfect Balance: Crispy but Not Burnt Bacon

Here are some tips that might help settle your bacon disagreement:

1. **Low and slow:** Cook bacon on medium-low heat for longer to render fat and get crispiness without burning.
2. **Use the oven:** Baking bacon on a wire rack inside the oven lets fat drip away and cooks evenly.
3. **Flip regularly:** If pan-frying, flip frequently to avoid overcooking one side.
4. **Watch closely:** Bacon goes from perfect to burnt fast. Stay attentive!
5. **Trim edges:** If black bits appear, trim before serving (or embrace them, if you love that smoky crunch).

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## Our Favorite Crispy Bacon Recipe — Try It Together!

To help make peace at the breakfast table, here’s a crispy bacon recipe that aims for that perfect balance between golden and crunchy — no debate necessary.

### Ingredients:

* 12 slices of thick-cut bacon

### Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
3. Lay bacon slices evenly on the rack without overlapping.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness, flipping halfway if you like.
5. Watch carefully after 12 minutes — remove when crispy but before blackened.
6. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.

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## Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, bacon is personal. Some of us love it extra crispy, bordering on blackened edges for that smoky punch. Others prefer a lighter, golden crisp. There’s no wrong answer — just what tastes best to you.

Maybe the solution is simple: cook it your way, cook it their way, and enjoy twice the bacon at breakfast.

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If you want, I can share some variations or even a side-by-side guide for bacon lovers with different preferences! What do you think?