Benton’s bacon has achieved cult status among bacon aficionados for its unparalleled smoky flavor and artisanal production methods. But cooking this specialty bacon properly can be a bit tricky. Follow this complete guide to learn all the tips, tricks and techniques for cooking Benton’s bacon in the oven to crispy, smoky perfection.
What Makes Benton’s Bacon So Special
Benton’s bacon is handcrafted by Allan Benton in Madisonville, Tennessee using traditional charcoal smoking techniques passed down through generations. Here’s what sets it apart from typical grocery store bacon
- Dry cured for over 10 days using just salt and brown sugar
- Hickory smoked for up to 3 days using small batch wood-burning pits
- Made from heritage hog breeds like Berkshire, Tamworth, and Duroc
- Hand cut into thick, steakhouse-style slices
- Robust smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness
This old-fashioned process results in exceptionally flavored bacon with a distinctive smoky aroma. The thick cut requires special oven cooking methods to achieve the perfect crispy yet chewy texture.
Tips for Cooking Benton’s Bacon in the Oven
Follow these tips when cooking Benton’s bacon in the oven to get the best possible results:
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Preheat Oven to 400°F – This is the ideal temperature for slowly rendering fat while crisping up the meat Higher heat risks burning
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Place Bacon in a Cold Oven – Put the bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the cold oven first Turn oven on to 400°F once loaded, This allows even fat rendering
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Don’t Overlap Bacon – Arrange slices in a single layer without overlapping on the baking sheet. Overlapping causes uneven cooking.
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Cook 10 Minutes Then Check Often – After 10 minutes, check the bacon every few minutes. It may take 15-20 minutes total depending on thickness.
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Drain on Paper Towels – When done to your desired crispness, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease.
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Store Properly – Fully cooled bacon keeps in an airtight container up to 1 week. To reheat, bake at 400°F for 2-3 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Step-by-Step Oven Cooking Instructions
Here is a simple step-by-step process for cooking perfect Benton’s bacon in the oven every time:
1. Select Cut and Portion Bacon
Benton’s offers several cut thicknesses from regular to extra thick slices. Portion out the desired amount for cooking.
2. Preheat Oven to 400°F
Preheating is essential so the oven is hot and ready when the bacon goes in. This prevents undercooked, limp bacon.
3. Line Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. No need to grease the pan.
4. Arrange Bacon on Sheet in Single Layer
Place slices side-by-side without overlapping on the lined baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
5. Put Bacon in Cold Oven, Then Turn Oven On
With the bacon arranged, put the baking sheet in the cold oven first. Then turn the oven on to 400°F.
6. Cook 10 Minutes
After 10 minutes, check the bacon. It should start browning and crisping up around the edges.
7. Cook Until Desired Crispness
Continue cooking another 6-8 minutes, checking frequently, until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness.
8. Transfer to Paper Towels
Use tongs to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
9. Enjoy Immediately or Store Properly
Devour your crispy, smoky Benton’s bacon right away, or let cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 week.
By following these tips and step-by-step oven cooking instructions, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of smoky flavor and crispy bacony texture that Benton’s bacon is so renowned for. Adjust cook times as needed based on your preferred level of crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to arrange the bacon on the pan?
Place slices side-by-side in a single layer without overlapping on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Overlapping can prevent even cooking.
Should I flip the bacon while cooking?
Flipping isn’t necessary when cooking bacon in the oven. The indirect heat crisps the bacon evenly without having to flip it.
Can I cook it directly on the pan instead of parchment?
It’s best to use parchment paper to prevent sticking. The bacon may adhere directly to the pan otherwise.
What if my bacon isn’t crispy enough?
If it’s not quite crispy enough after initial cooking, put it back in the oven for 2-3 minutes more until it reaches the desired crispness.
How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked Benton’s bacon will last 5-7 days refrigerated.
Enjoy Heavenly Benton’s Bacon from Your Oven
Benton’s signature bacon deserves special oven cooking techniques to achieve the perfect balance of intense smoky flavor and crispy bacony texture it’s so famous for. By following this complete oven cooking guide, you’ll be able to enjoy bacon nirvana straight from your own oven anytime. Adjust cook times as needed to suit your personal crispness preferences. Once you experience homemade crispy Benton’s bacon, you may never buy regular bacon again!
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Share All sharing options for: Watch: How Benton’s Makes Its Perfectly Smoky Bacon
Chefs are a picky bunch; they tend to have differing opinions on a lot of topics. Still, one name will always and forever pop up on the subject of bacon: Benton’s. Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams only needs one name, even though we call it “the smokey stuff” in our café.
On this episode of How to Make It, I go to Madisonville, Tennessee’s Benton’s ham shop with master curer Cory Webb, who shows me how to do each step. It starts with a cure made of salt and brown sugar. For ten days, each piece of belly is covered in the mixture and left to sit. Each belly is washed and then taken to the smoker after another ten days. And everything is done by hand here, differing wildly from commercially made bacon that goes through machines. I can’t think of a better place to see how bacon is made.