Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon offers a convenient shortcut for busy cooks. Pre-cooked and ready to heat, it provides smoky, savory bacon flavor without the hassle of lengthy stovetop frying. Follow this simple guide to learn proper heating methods, serving ideas, storage tips and more for getting the most out of Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon.
Overview of Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon
Oscar Mayer offers several varieties of fully cooked bacon
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Original Fully Cooked Bacon – The classic thick-cut bacon with Oscar Mayer’s signature hardwood smoked flavor. Comes in regular and lower sodium options.
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Fully Cooked Thick Cut Bacon – Extra thick slices with robust smoky flavor
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Fully Cooked Thick Sliced Bacon – Thicker than regular but thinner than thick cut.
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Fully Cooked Center Cut Bacon – Leaner bacon from the center of the pork belly.
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Maple Fully Cooked Bacon – Sweet maple flavor.
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Bacon Bits – Ready to sprinkle crumbled bacon.
No matter the variety, Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon is wood smoked, pre-cooked, and ready to heat and eat. It’s available packaged in resealable pouches or plastic trays.
How to Cook Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon
Oscar Mayer provides recommended cooking instructions on all packages. There are two easy methods for heating fully cooked bacon:
Microwave Method
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Separate bacon slices and lay them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels.
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Microwave on HIGH in 30 second intervals until hot and sizzling. Approximate microwave times:
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3 slices = 15-20 seconds
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6 slices = 20-25 seconds
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For crisper bacon, cook a few seconds longer
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Blot away excess grease with more paper towels.
Skillet Method
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Place bacon slices in a single layer in a cold skillet.
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Cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes, flipping occasionally, until hot and browned to your desired crispness.
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Drain on paper towels.
That’s all there is to it! Bacon is ready to serve in under 5 minutes.
Serving and Uses for Fully Cooked Bacon
Fully cooked bacon offers endless menu possibilities. Here are some serving suggestions:
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Breakfast – Add to omelets, breakfast sandwiches or as a side with eggs and pancakes.
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Burgers and sandwiches – Top your burger or fold into sandwiches.
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Salads – Toss crunchy bacon bits into leafy green and pasta salads.
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Appetizers – Wrap around scallops, shrimp or melon.
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Pizza – Sprinkle over pizza or use in place of pepperoni.
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Pasta – Mix bacon pieces into mac and cheese or carbonara.
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Potatoes – Garnish loaded baked potatoes.
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Snacking – Enjoy bacon slices solo as a high-protein snack.
With its convenience, versatility and great taste, fully cooked Oscar Mayer bacon belongs in every kitchen.
Storage Tips
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Unopened packages can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated.
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Once opened, refrigerate leftover bacon in a sealed container.
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Use within 5-7 days for best quality and freshness. The high salt content allows it to last longer than raw bacon.
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For longer storage, freeze bacon up to 2-3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Troubleshooting Fully Cooked Bacon
Bacon is not crispy: Microwave in short bursts for extra crispness. Pan fry for added crunch.
Bacon is dry or chewy: Avoid overcooking. Heat just until hot and slightly sizzling.
Bacon warped in storage: This is normal but doesn’t affect taste. Flatten slices before cooking.
Microwave spatters grease: Use more paper towels to absorb extra grease. Cook at lower power.
Bacon sticks to pan: Ensure pan is clean and dry before cooking. Use medium heat and cook gently.
Nutrition Facts
Fully cooked bacon is pre-cooked so nutrition stats vary slightly from raw bacon. Here are the basics per 2-slice serving:
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60-80 calories
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4-6g fat
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7-10g protein
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330-380mg sodium
As a processed meat, it’s high in sodium. Center cut bacon offers a leaner option. Turkey bacon has less fat than pork bacon.
Buying Fully Cooked Oscar Mayer Bacon
Look for Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon at major grocery stores, warehouse clubs and online retailers. It’s typically sold in the refrigerated meat section, often near the packaged lunchmeats. Prices range from $3-7 for an 8-12 ounce pack.
Watch for sales and coupons to get the best deals. Stock up when bacon goes on sale, as it freezes well.
Is It Worth Buying Fully Cooked Bacon?
Pros:
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No messy cooking – just quickly heat and eat
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Always comes out evenly cooked and crisp
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More consistent flavor and thickness
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Shelf-stable before opening – stores easily
Cons:
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More expensive than raw bacon
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Can dry out if overcooked
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Less smoky flavor than skillet-fried
Overall, the convenience factor makes fully cooked bacon worth the slightly higher cost for most busy cooks. It delivers the delicious taste of bacon without the fuss.
For bacon lovers, keeping a pack of fully cooked Oscar Mayer bacon in the fridge ensures you’re never more than minutes away from hot, crispy bacon goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does precooked bacon last after opening?
Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon will last 5-7 days refrigerated after opening. Store in an airtight container and use within a week for best freshness.
Can you freeze Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon?
Yes, it can be frozen for 2-3 months in a sealed freezer bag or container. Thaw before reheating to preserve texture.
Is Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon already smoked?
Yes, it is smoked over natural hardwood to give it that signature Oscar Mayer smoky bacon flavor. No additional smoking is needed.
Is precooked bacon cooked enough to eat?
Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon is pre-cooked but still needs to be heated through before eating. Always heat until sizzling hot.
Can you eat Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon right out of the package?
It’s not recommended to eat it directly from the package without heating it first. Always heat fully cooked bacon thoroughly to 165°F for food safety.
Is Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon Keto friendly?
Yes, it can fit into a Keto diet in moderation, since it is low carb with about 1g net carbs per serving. Limit portion sizes as it is high in fat.
Is fully cooked bacon better than raw?
It offers more consistent results and is quicker than cooking raw bacon. However, some prefer the taste of cast iron skillet bacon. Choose based on your priorities!
