Bacon is a popular breakfast food that is beloved for its savory, smoky, salty flavor. While most people cook bacon by frying it in a pan until it is crispy, some recipes call for par cooking bacon before finishing it off later. So what exactly is par cooked bacon and how does it work?
What is Par Cooked Bacon?
Par cooking bacon refers to partially cooking the bacon before stopping the cooking process. This means cooking the bacon for a shorter amount of time at a lower temperature rather than cooking it completely through at once. Par cooked bacon is not fully crisp or browned. Instead, it is pliable, warm, and lightly cooked.
The main benefit of par cooking bacon is that it helps render out some of the fat and water before the final cooking stage. By par cooking the bacon, you can remove excess grease and moisture, which allows the bacon to get crisper and cook more evenly when you finish cooking it later.
Benefits of Par Cooking Bacon
Here are some of the top benefits of par cooking bacon:
- Allows bacon to cook more evenly – Par cooking partially renders bacon fat so the strips cook more uniformly later.
- Reduces splattering – Par cooking reduces popping and splattering when the bacon is pan-fried.
- Makes bacon crisp up better – Removing some moisture allows bacon to get crisper in the final cooking.
- Cuts down on grease – Par cooking can drain off over 50% of the bacon grease before final cooking.
- Can be stored for later – Par cooked bacon can be cooled, stored, and finished another day.
- Frees up oven space – You can par cook bacon on the stovetop then finish in the oven later.
- Allows prep ahead of time – Par cook bacon in advance for meals, then quickly finish cooking later.
As you can see, par cooking bacon provides versatility in cooking and allows you to crisp up bacon more evenly. The lowered fat content also makes par cooked bacon healthier than cooking it straight through.
How to Par Cook Bacon
The basic process for par cooking bacon involves partially frying the bacon before allowing it to cool and finish cooking later. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your skillet or pan over medium heat. Use a pan that is oven-safe if you will be finishing the bacon in the oven.
- Lay the strips of bacon in the preheated pan in a single layer. Make sure not to overlap the bacon.
- Cook the bacon for 2-5 minutes per side, or until it looks lightly browned but is still pliable and juicy. Adjust the timing as needed based on how thick your bacon is.
- Transfer the par cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain and cool.
- Let the bacon cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to finish cooking.
- When ready to serve, cook the bacon in a 400??F oven for 5-15 minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. You can also pan fry it again over medium heat until crisp.
The par cooking time will vary based on if you want floppy, pliable, or lightly browned bacon before chilling and finishing. Thicker sliced bacon may take a few minutes longer in the initial cooking stage as well.
Tips for Par Cooking Bacon
Follow these tips for the best results when par cooking bacon:
- Use thick-sliced bacon, which holds up better to par cooking than thin slices.
- Choose an oven-safe pan like cast iron or stainless steel for easy stove to oven cooking.
- Cut bacon strips in half or thirds to help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Blot par cooked bacon with paper towels to absorb extra grease.
- Chill par cooked bacon as soon as it cools for food safety.
- Cook low and slow when finishing par cooked bacon to crisp it up without burning.
- Bake par cooked bacon in the oven on a wire rack lined sheet pan so the bacon doesn’t sit in grease.
How Long Does Par Cooked Bacon Last?
Properly stored, par cooked bacon will last:
- Refrigerator: 5 to 7 days
- Freezer: 4 to 6 months
Make sure to chill par cooked bacon within 1 to 2 hours after initial cooking. Store it in an airtight container or sealed bag. For longer freezer storage, wrap bacon well in plastic wrap and place inside freezer bags.
Bacon that smells off or looks slimy should be discarded. Frozen par cooked bacon maintains its best quality for about 4 to 6 months before losing flavor and texture quality.
Ideas for Using Par Cooked Bacon
Par cooked bacon is very versatile. Here are some ideas for how to use it:
- Crisp it up in the mornings for breakfast sandwiches, eggs, or pancakes.
- Crumble it on top of salads, baked potatoes, or soups.
- Wrap par cooked bacon around chicken, shrimp, or other foods before baking.
- Dice it small and mix into bean salads, pasta dishes, or brussels sprouts.
- Cook it into fried rice, frittatas, quiche, or omelets.
- Top baked potatoes or loaded nachos and finish under the broiler.
- Use in sandwiches, burgers, pizza, flatbreads, and more.
- Bake into the crusts of quiches or pot pies.
The options are endless! Having par cooked bacon in the refrigerator makes it easy to quickly add bacon flavor to all kinds of dishes.
Can You Freeze Par Cooked Bacon?
Yes, par cooked bacon freezes well for longer term storage. To freeze:
- Cool par cooked bacon completely at room temperature.
- Place strips in a single layer on a parchment paper lined pan or plate. Freeze until firm.
- Transfer frozen bacon to an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out excess air.
- Label with the date and return to the freezer.
Properly frozen, par cooked bacon will maintain its quality for about 4 to 6 months. Thaw bacon overnight in the refrigerator before finishing cooking as desired.
Is Par Cooked Bacon Safe to Eat?
Yes, par cooked bacon that is handled safely is fine to eat. Be sure to follow proper food safety practices:
- Cook bacon to at least 140??F internally before removing from heat.
- Cool par cooked bacon within 1 to 2 hours after cooking.
- Promptly refrigerate or freeze bacon to prevent bacterial growth.
- Store par cooked bacon for no more than 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
- Freeze bacon for longer storage of 4 to 6 months maximum.
- Cook refrigerated bacon fully to 165??F before serving.
Following these guidelines prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Par cooked bacon that smells, tastes, or looks off should not be consumed. As long as proper procedures are followed, par cooked bacon is a safe process.
Oven Baked Par Cooked Bacon
The oven provides an easy hands-free way to par cook bacon. Here is a simple oven baked par cooked bacon recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-sliced bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375??F.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure the strips don’t overlap.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until bacon releases some fat and is slightly pliable but still has a raw appearance.
- Remove pan from oven. Use tongs to transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- Let cool to room temperature about 20 minutes, then refrigerate until ready to finish cooking.
- When ready to serve, return bacon to 375?? oven and bake 3 to 5 minutes until crispy.
The initial oven baking removes excess grease from the bacon for a crispier final result. Feel free to adjust bake times as needed based on your preferred level of par cooking.
Stovetop Skillet Par Cooked Bacon
This stovetop skillet method makes it easy to par cook bacon for a crowd:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds thick-sliced bacon
Instructions
- Add bacon slices to a large skillet or pan in a single layer. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
- Cook over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side, turning occasionally. Cook until fat is rendered but bacon is still pliable.
- Transfer par cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining bacon.
- Let cool to room temperature then refrigerate. Bacon keeps 5 to 7 days refrigerated.
- When ready to serve, cook in a 400??F oven or skillet over medium heat until crispy and heated through.
Be sure to pour off any excess bacon grease from the pan before storing or freezing the par cooked bacon. Enjoy this easy stovetop par cooking method!
Cooking Par Boiled Bacon in the Air Fryer
An air fryer is a great way to finish cooking par boiled bacon to crispy perfection. The circulating hot air crisps up the bacon nicely:
Ingredients
- 8 oz par cooked thick sliced bacon
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380??F.
- Add bacon strips to air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overlap pieces.
- Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking basket occasionally, until bacon reaches desired crispness.
- Remove crispy bacon from air fryer and serve hot.
Adjust air fryer time based on how crispy you like your bacon. The air fryer lets you reheat par cooked bacon easily for a quick weeknight dinner side.
FAQs
Does par cooked bacon need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it is important to refrigerate par cooked bacon within 1 to 2 hours of initial cooking. The partially cooked bacon is still perishable and susceptible to bacteria. Refrigeration prevents spoilage and foodborne illness.
Can you eat par cooked bacon without cooking it again?
It is not recommended. Par cooked bacon never reaches safe minimum internal temperatures. It should be fully cooked to 165??F before eating to prevent health risks from undercooked pork.
Is par cooked bacon safe for pregnancy?
Par cooked bacon is safe during pregnancy as long as it is fully cooked to safe internal temperatures before consumption. Follow proper storage and cooking guidelines to prevent illness from bacteria.
Does par cooking bacon shrink it?
Yes, par cooking bacon will cause some shrinking just from the initial partial cooking. However, the bacon will shrink further when you finish cooking it later. Par cooking helps pre-shrink the bacon so it cooks more evenly.
Can you par boil bacon?
Yes, bacon can be par boiled as a method of par cooking. Bring water to a gentle simmer, add bacon strips, and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove and allow to cool before chilling and finishing.
The Conclusion
Par cooking bacon is an easy cooking technique that allows you to prep bacon in advance for busy weeknight meals. Partially frying or baking bacon removes some fat and moisture before finishing with a quick crisping session later. Proper chilling and food safety is key. When done right, par cooking bacon makes this breakfast staple more convenient and versatile to enjoy anytime!