Would you like to know how to make the best oven-baked bacon? The kind that is always golden, crisp, and free of a mess? single. time?.
If so, you’re in the right spot, and I would advise you to keep reading.
Making bacon in a cast iron skillet is fun and all. hearing the sizzle. smelling the smells. but the clean up is maybe my least favorite thing ever. Not only the pan, but the stove!.
If you’re only making one or two slices, use the cast iron. But if you’re making more than that, oven-baked bacon is the only way to go.
You may have seen me post about these non-stick silicone baking mats more than once if you follow me on Instagram. Or three.
Because they can be used over and over, are healthy alternative to cooking oils and sprays, are dishwasher safe, easy to clean, and can be used for anything you would normally use parchment paper for (like cookies, bacon, vegetables, bacon, potatoes, etc.) I’m totally obsessed with them now. etc.
Note: If you do use these baking mats for bacon, make sure to wipe off any extra grease with a paper towel before washing them and putting them in the dishwasher.
If you love bacon but hate the mess of frying it in a skillet using silicone mats for oven-baked bacon is a great solution. These reusable non-stick mats are perfect for baking crispy bacon without all the splatter.
But can you really cook bacon directly on silicone? Is it safe and effective? I decided to test it out myself to find the answers. After lots of trials, here’s what I learned about baking bacon on silicone mats.
Why Bake Bacon on Silicone Mats?
First let’s discuss why silicone mats have become so popular for cooking bacon in the oven
No Mess Silicone mats prevent bacon grease from getting all over your pans or baking sheets. No need for foil or parchment.
Easy Clean-Up: Once cool, leftover bacon residue easily wipes off the silicone. The mats are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Reusable: Quality silicone mats hold up well over time. No need to keep buying parchment or foil.
Non-Stick: Food doesn’t stick to silicone like it does to metal pans. Bacon releases cleanly.
Promotes Even Cooking: Silicone mats distribute heat evenly for consistent cooking. No burnt or undercooked spots.
Safer than Foil: Some sources claim baking on foil can cause chemicals to leach into food. Silicone offers a safer non-stick alternative.
Multipurpose: Use silicone mats for roasting veggies, baking cookies, dehydrating fruits, and more.
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see the appeal of silicone mats for oven bacon. But some sources claim you shouldn’t actually bake bacon directly on silicone. Is this true? Let’s dig into some common concerns.
Is It Safe to Bake Bacon on Silicone Mats?
Some articles state that baking bacon directly on silicone can be dangerous due to the high heat and potential for the grease to get trapped under the bacon. However, my personal testing found no issues with safety when using quality silicone mats.
Here are a few factors to consider regarding safety:
-
Use Oven-Safe Silicone: Ensure your mats are made of food-grade, heat-resistant silicone rated to at least 425°F. Avoid cheap silicone products.
-
Pick a Thicker Mat: Choose a mat around 1.5-2mm thick so it resists warping and stands up to high heat. Thinner silicone may not perform as well.
-
Get the Right Size Mat: Mats should cover your whole baking sheet with little overhang. Too large and the sides may curl up. Too small and bacon grease may leak off.
-
Don’t Overload: Leave space between bacon slices for air flow and even cooking. Overcrowding causes issues.
-
Monitor Temperature: Bake at 400°F or under to avoid burning. Set oven rack in middle position.
As long as you follow those guidelines, baking bacon on silicone mats poses no safety risks and works perfectly. The bacon may take a minute or two longer to crisp up versus baking directly on a metal pan, but the trade-off for easy clean-up is worth it!
Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon on Silicone Mats
Ready to give silicone mat bacon a try? Here’s a simple step-by-step walkthrough:
1. Prep the Baking Sheet
Place your silicone mat on a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure the mat lies flat and covers the whole surface.
2. Arrange the Bacon
Lay bacon slices horizontally across the mat, leaving a bit of space between each slice. Make sure no strips overlap.
3. Bake Cold
Place baking sheet with uncooked bacon in a cold oven, then set temperature to 400°F and bake for 17-20 minutes.
4. Flip and Rotate
About halfway through baking, open the oven and use tongs to flip each slice. Rotate the pan 180 degrees for even cooking.
5. Check for Doneness
Bacon should be sizzling and browned with a bit of crispy texture. Cook longer if needed.
6. Transfer and Blot
Use tongs to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease.
And that’s it! With just a silicone mat and oven, you can enjoy restaurant-quality crispy bacon minus all the mess and hassle of frying.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Bacon on Silicone Mats
To master baking bacon on silicone like a pro, keep these handy tips in mind:
-
Chill the raw bacon slightly before baking for flatter results.
-
Use thick-cut or center-cut bacon so it holds up better. Regular sliced bacon tends to overcook.
-
Make sure your silicone mat fits your baking sheet properly. Any overhang may curl up.
-
Preheat the oven fully before placing bacon inside to prevent undercooking.
-
Arrange slices in a single layer without overlapping for even cooking.
-
Flip halfway and rotate the pan for optimal crispness on both sides.
-
Add a couple minutes to the cook time if using extra-thick bacon slices.
-
Let bacon cool slightly before stacking to avoid losing crispness.
-
Pre-heat your serving plates or drain on paper towels before transferring.
Follow those tips and you’ll have picture-perfect silicone mat bacon every time. The mats make the process so easy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Bacon on Silicone
Here are answers to some common questions about baking bacon on reusable silicone mats:
Is foil or parchment paper better than silicone mats?
Silicone is the clear winner for being reusable, safer, and promoting even cooking. Foil and parchment work but create waste.
Do you need to grease or oil the silicone mat first?
Nope, the mat’s non-stick surface prevents bacon from sticking without added oil or grease.
How long does it take to cook bacon on a silicone mat?
Around 17-22 minutes at 400°F for regular sliced bacon. Thicker cuts take 22-25 minutes. Adjust time as needed.
Can you reuse the bacon grease after cooking?
Absolutely! Pour it into a heat-safe container through a fine mesh strainer to remove any crispy bits.
What’s the best way to clean silicone mats after baking bacon?
Let the mat cool completely, then wipe away any bacon residue with paper towels. Run it through the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
How long do silicone mats last compared to parchment paper?
High-quality silicone mats last for years if cared for properly. Parchment and foil are single use only.
Can you also cook eggs, pancakes, etc on silicone mats?
Yes! Silicone mats are great multipurpose cooking tools for all kinds of recipes beyond just bacon. The possibilities are endless.
Take Your Bacon Game to the Next Level
If you want crispy, cleanly cooked bacon without all the hassle and mess of frying, silicone mats are a game-changer. Proper use of quality mats makes oven-baked bacon safe, easy, and delicious!
3 Reasons I prefer making Oven Baked Bacon vs on the Stove Top:
- Nothing needs to be done—baking the bacon in the oven doesn’t take much work at all. Put the bacon on a baking mat, and then just pop it in the oven. Don’t worry about standing over the stove for hours, flipping the bacon every few minutes, and making sure the temperature is just right. It’s all taken care of!
- There isn’t much to say about this other than the fact that it’s mess-free and easy to clean up. No more bacon grease popping all over your kitchen! If you bake the bacon in the oven, it will be very easy to clean up.
- Every time, the bacon is perfectly golden and crisp. This is because the bacon starts out in a cold oven and cooks slowly as the temperature rises. This results in perfectly and evenly cooked bacon every time.
THANK YOU AGAIN TO DEXAS FOR SPONSORING THIS POST!!