100 Best Food Hacks
100 Best Food Hacks is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Joshua Weissman on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $5.50 total, $1.38 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Bacon (thick‑cut, sliced)
- 2 tbsp Water (room temperature)
- 2 sheets Parchment Paper (cut to fit baking sheet)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 250°F (120°C) and let it preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 250°F
Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with one sheet of parchment paper, then place a second sheet on top.
Time: PT2M
Arrange Bacon
Lay the bacon slices in a single, non‑overlapping layer on the bottom parchment.
Time: PT3M
Add Water
Drizzle the 2 tbsp of water evenly over the bacon.
Time: PT1M
Weight the Bacon
Place a cast‑iron skillet (or another heavy baking sheet) on top of the second parchment to press the bacon flat.
Time: PT1M
Bake
Bake for 60 minutes, checking at the 45‑minute mark for desired crispness. The bacon should be golden and completely flat.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 250°F
Remove Weight & Cool
Using tongs, carefully lift the top parchment and skillet. Transfer the bacon to a cooling rack; it will crisp up further as it cools.
Time: PT5M
Serve or Store
Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container for later use.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 1 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if bacon is not cured with gluten), High‑Protein
Allergens: Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Pancetta
- Instead of Parchment Paper: Silicone baking mat
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Tongs (optional)
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to 250°F
- Arrange bacon in a single flat layer
- Add water to create steam
- Weight the bacon with a heavy skillet
- Bake low and slow for 60 minutes
Chef Tips from the Video
- Thick‑cut bacon yields the best flat, crunchy texture.
- If you don’t have a cast‑iron skillet, fill a small, oven‑safe pot with water and place it on top as a weight.
- Season the bacon with a pinch of black pepper before baking for extra flavor.
Troubleshooting
Bacon is soggy after baking.
Increase baking time by 5‑10 minutes or raise temperature to 275°F for the last 5 minutes.
Bacon curls despite the weight.
Make sure the bacon is fully flat before adding the weight and use a heavier skillet.
Bacon sticks to parchment.
Use a non‑stick parchment or lightly spray the top parchment with cooking spray before placing the weight.
Storage
Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 5 days
Freezer: Separate layers with parchment, up to 1 month
Room temperature: Not recommended; may become soggy
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake a full sheet of bacon, cool, and store for quick snack or salad topping.
- Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of flat crispy bacon in American cuisine?
Crispy bacon has been a staple of American breakfast since the early 20th century, symbolizing comfort and indulgence. The flat‑style version became popular in diners and fast‑food kitchens where uniform, crunchy strips are prized for burgers and salads.
What regional variations of bacon exist in the United States?
In the South, apple‑cured bacon adds a sweet note; in the Midwest, smoked hickory bacon is common; the West Coast often favors thick‑cut, low‑sodium varieties. Each style changes the flavor profile of the flat‑cooked version.
What occasions or celebrations is crispy flat bacon traditionally associated with in American culture?
Crispy bacon is a go‑to garnish for brunches, holiday breakfasts, and barbecues. It’s also used as a crunchy topping for salads, baked potatoes, and even desserts like chocolate‑bacon cupcakes.
How does crispy flat bacon fit into the broader American breakfast tradition?
Bacon provides a salty, fatty contrast to sweet pancakes or eggs, embodying the classic sweet‑savory balance that defines many American breakfast plates.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for crispy flat bacon versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients are pork belly strips cured with salt and sometimes sugar or smoke. Acceptable substitutes include turkey bacon for a leaner option or pancetta for an Italian twist, though texture will differ.
What other American dishes pair well with crispy flat bacon?
Crispy flat bacon pairs beautifully with eggs benedict, avocado toast, baked potatoes, salads with blue cheese, and even as a garnish for creamy soups like clam chowder.
What makes crispy flat bacon special or unique in American cuisine?
Its flat, uniformly crisp texture provides a consistent crunch that holds up in sandwiches and salads, unlike traditional fried bacon which can curl and create uneven bites.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy flat bacon at home?
Common errors include using too high a temperature (causing burning), not adding water (which leads to curling), and forgetting to weight the bacon flat. Follow the low‑heat, water‑steam method and keep the weight in place.
Why does this recipe use a low oven temperature and water instead of traditional pan‑frying?
The low temperature gently renders fat while the water creates steam that loosens the skin, keeping the strips flat. Pan‑frying cooks too quickly, causing the bacon to curl and burn before the fat fully renders.
Can I make crispy flat bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake a full sheet, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat briefly in a 300°F oven to restore crunch before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman specialize in?
The YouTube channel Joshua Weissman focuses on detailed, technique‑driven cooking tutorials that blend classic culinary fundamentals with modern kitchen hacks, often emphasizing precision, ingredient quality, and home‑cook accessibility.
How does the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Joshua Weissman combines restaurant‑level technique (e.g., precise temperature control, professional plating) with everyday ingredients, offering step‑by‑step explanations that empower home cooks to achieve chef‑quality results without specialized equipment.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
