How to Soften and Rehydrate Overcooked, Crispy Bacon – 7 Clever Tricks

We’ve all been there – you walk away for a minute while cooking bacon, only to come back to a pan full of overdone, crispy bits. Burnt, brittle bacon can ruin breakfast or any meal.

Luckily there are tricks for softening and rehydrating overcooked bacon to restore chewiness and flavor. With a few simple techniques, you can rescue crispy bacon and stop waste in its tracks.

This guide covers

• What causes bacon to overcook
• Step-by-step methods to rehydrate and soften crispy bacon
• Tips for cooking bacon properly to prevent burning
• How to use hardened bacon pieces in recipes
• FAQs about reviving overcooked bacon

With the right approach, you can bring even the crispiest bacon back from the brink.

What Causes Bacon to Overcook and Burn?

It’s easy to accidentally overcook bacon to an overly crisp, dried out state. Here are some common causes:

• Cooking bacon on very high heat. The sugars in bacon caramelize and burn quickly on high heat.

• Becoming distracted and not watching the bacon closely as it cooks. Bacon goes from perfect to burnt fast.

• Cooked too long in the oven if the temperature is too high or the pan is overcrowded.

• Pre-cooked or extra thin bacon varieties overcook more easily.

• Older or frozen bacon is prone to crispiness and breaking apart.

Paying attention and using moderate heat prevents overcooked bacon. But if it happens, try these revival tips.

Method #1: Rehydrate in Hot Water

A quick hot water bath is an easy way to rehydrate and soften overcooked bacon strips. Here’s how:

• Place crispy bacon strips in a heat-safe bowl.

• Boil water and pour over the bacon until submerged.

• Let stand 1-2 minutes, testing texture. The hot water will moisten the bacon.

• Remove bacon from the water and pat dry.

• Further soften by wrapping in a damp paper towel and microwave 10-20 seconds.

The hot water draws out some salt while reviving the texture of crispy bacon. This rapid rehydration technique works great in a pinch.

Method #2: Steam Crispy Bacon in the Microwave

Steaming is another quick and easy way to inject moisture back into brittle bacon bits.

• Place crispy bacon pieces on a microwave-safe plate.

• Add a tablespoon of water. Cover the plate loosely with a paper towel.

• Microwave on high 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check texture and add more time if needed.

• Remove bacon from the microwave and pat dry.

The steam created by the water softens and plumps the bacon through gentle, indirect heating. Minimal hands-on time needed.

Method #3: Bake Crispy Bacon Low and Slow

For whole bacon strips that are crispy but not yet burnt, this oven technique can improve texture:

• Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.

• Arrange overcooked bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet.

• Bake 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly softened. Check frequently to prevent further overbrowning.

• Remove from oven and flip bacon strips over. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes more, until desired pliancy is reached.

The low gentle heat steadily softens bacon without risk of burning. Keep a close watch on doneness.

Method #4: Fry Crispy Bacon in Olive Oil

Re-frying bacon in olive oil offers an easy stovetop route to tenderization:

• Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 Tbsp olive oil.

• When oil is shimmering, add crispy bacon strips or pieces.

• Cook 2-3 minutes per side, turning frequently, until bacon looks opaque and softened.

The oil conducts gentle heat to gradually soften bacon without crisping it further.

Method #5: Wrap in a Wet Paper Towel and Microwave

For quick results with minimal cleanup, try this trick:

• Place crispy bacon strips between moist paper towels.

• Microwave on high 20-30 seconds. The moisture in the towels rehydrates the bacon.

• Flip over and repeat until the desired pliability is reached. Start with brief intervals to avoid oversoftening.

Paper towels hold in steam and allow bacon to absorb water quickly. Make multiple layered towels even more effective.

Method #6: Dip in Ice Water, Then Microwave

If bacon pieces are extremely crispy, use this two-step approach:

• Submerge brittle bacon bits in ice water for 1 minute to soften slightly. Drain well.

• Place rehydrated bits between damp paper towels and microwave 10-20 seconds until pliable again.

The initial ice water soak maximizes rehydration. Follow with microwaving to finalize the texture.

Method #7: Make Bacon Fat Mayo & Recrisp

For broken bacon bits, try incorporating them into bacon fat mayo:

• Combine 3 egg yolks, 2 tsp Dijon, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1⁄4 cup rendered bacon fat, and salt in a blender or food processor.

• With machine running, slowly drizzle in 3⁄4 cup mild olive oil and blend until thickened. Fold in crispy bacon bits.

• Transfer mayo to a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir frequently until mayo is warm and bacon bits are softened, about 5 minutes.

• Spread softened bacon-mayo mixture thinly on parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes to recrisp bacon.

The fat in the mayo tenderizes brittle bits, then baking makes them crispy again. Delicious on burgers or toast!

Tips for Preventing Bacon from Burning

It’s ideal to cook bacon properly in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Use thick-sliced artisanal bacon, which is less likely to overcook.

• Cook bacon on medium or medium-low heat. High heat increases burning.

• Bake bacon at 400°F or under to prevent burning in the oven.

• Fry or bake fewer bacon strips at a time in a single layer with space between.

• Rotate baking sheets halfway through oven cooking for even browning.

• Watch closely and flip or remove bacon as soon as edges brown.

What to Do With Overcooked Bacon Bits

Small crispy bacon bits still add flavor to recipes. Use them in:

• Salads, pasta, or potato dishes

• Fried rice or quiche

• Bacon fat for cooking greens or beans

• Bacon jam with onions and balsamic vinegar

• Crumble on top of mac and cheese or baked potatoes

• Bacon salt or bacon powder for seasoning

With some ingenuity, you can still put overdone bacon to good use. Waste not, want not.

FAQs About Softening and Rehydrating Crispy Bacon

Is it possible to reuse burnt bacon?

Yes, several methods like soaking in hot water, microwaving with moisture, or baking at low temperatures can soften and restore burnt bacon.

Can you soften crispy microwave bacon?

Microwaving is one of the easiest ways to soften pre-cooked microwave bacon. Wrap in damp paper towels and heat in short intervals to gradually rehydrate.

Why does baked bacon get so crispy in the oven?

Baked bacon often overcooks because the pan is overcrowded or the oven temperature is too high. Too many pieces causes steaming instead of frying.

Is it safe to eat very crispy bacon?

While quality suffers at a certain point, very crispy bacon is still safe to eat as long as it is not burnt to a char. Burned bacon should be discarded.

Should you bake bacon from frozen or thawed?

For best results, thaw frozen bacon in the fridge overnight before baking. Frozen bacon tends to overcook very fast.

It happens to all of us – but with the right techniques, you can bring even the crispiest overcooked bacon back to tender, tasty form. Rescue burnt bits to make the most of your precious bacon.