Crisp, but not too crisp; meaty, yet also snappy—perfect bacon strikes a savory balance between texture and taste. This mouthwatering breakfast staple can be cooked every which way to suite your time and tastes. Read on for step-by-step instructions for each method:

See what brand of bacon is best, according to Taste Recipes staffers.

How to Cook Bacon on the Stovetop

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When to use this method: Frying bacon in a cast-iron skillet is best for small batches and tender texture.

  1. Place a single layer of bacon strips in a cold skillet, preferably cast-iron. Look out for the mistakes everybody makes when cooking bacon.
  2. Cook on medium-low heat—you want to render a lot of the fat out of the bacon and this takes time. Don’t rush it.
  3. Turn bacon occasionally with tongs so bacon cooks evenly. Since most pans don’t heat evenly, you should move the bacon to a different part of the pan when flipping it.
  4. When cooked to desired doneness, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towel, clean newspaper or a cut-up paper bag to absorb the excess grease.
  5. Pour grease from skillet into heatproof dish until cool. Discard or save for another use.
  6. To clean pan, fill with ½-inch of water and bring to a boil. Lightly scrape with a spatula to help remove any stuck-on residue.

Also, check out these yummy bacon wrapped shrimp recipe that will impress your guests.

How to Bake Bacon in the Oven

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When to use this method: You’ll want to preheat the oven if cooking for a crowd, prepping thick bacon or looking to minimize clean-up.

  1. Place a wire rack in a 15×10-inch baking pan. Lightly spritz with cooking spray.
  2. Place bacon strips in a single layer on rack.
  3. Bake at 350° to desired degree of crispiness, 20-30 minutes. How long to put bacon in the oven depends on your desired texture: briefer for softer, longer for crisper. When it’s done to your liking, remove from oven.
  4. Use tongs to remove bacon strips from wire rack.
  5. Pour off grease into a heat-safe container.
  6. Place rack and pan in dishwasher.

This method is great for when you’re preparing a large brunch or grilling this bacon cheeseburger recipe.

How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave

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When to use this method: The microwave’s best for—you guessed it—quickly cooking a few strips at a time.

  1. Place 2-3 sheets of paper towel in a microwave-safe dish. (You can also use a bacon tray!)
  2. Top with up to 4 slices of bacon.
  3. Place 1-2 sheets of paper towel on top.
  4. Microwave approximately 1 minute for every piece of bacon. Thick bacon will need a little more time and thin bacon will need less.
  5. Remove and place on serving plate when it’s just a little underdone (bacon will carry-over cook a little). Get to know if you can eat raw bacon.
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