How to Cook Bacon So It's Crispy, Tender, and the Most Perfect Ever
How to Cook Bacon So It's Crispy, Tender, and the Most Perfect Ever is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 480 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min
Cost: $5.00 total, $1.25 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 strips Bacon (thick‑cut, room temperature)
- 1 cup Water (enough to cover the bacon in the skillet (adjust as needed))
Instructions
Arrange bacon and add water
Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet in a single layer. Add enough water to just cover the strips.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high
Bring to a boil and reduce heat
Turn the burner to high and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Cook until water evaporates and bacon crisps
Continue cooking on medium‑low heat. As the water simmers away, the bacon fat renders. When the water has fully evaporated, keep cooking until the bacon is golden‑brown and crisp, about 8‑10 minutes total.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑low
Drain and serve
Using tongs, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 480
- Protein
- 36 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 36 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Gluten‑free, Low‑carb
Allergens: pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Pancetta
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Plate
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cover the bacon with enough water before heating.
- Allow the water to come to a full boil before reducing heat.
- Do not let the bacon brown before the water has evaporated; this prevents burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use thick‑cut bacon for the best balance of chew and crispness.
- If you prefer extra‑crisp bacon, finish the strips under a broiler for 1‑2 minutes after the skillet step.
Troubleshooting
Bacon burns before the water evaporates.
Reduce the heat to medium‑low as soon as the water reaches a boil; keep the water level high enough to cover the strips.
Bacon ends up soggy, not crisp.
After the water has evaporated, increase the heat slightly and continue cooking, turning frequently, until the fat fully renders and the strips turn golden.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked bacon in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave cooked bacon at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the bacon fully, then cool and store in the fridge; reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Crispness can be restored by briefly returning the strips to a hot dry skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bacon in American breakfast cuisine?
Bacon has been a staple of the American breakfast since the early 20th century, symbolizing hearty, protein‑rich mornings. It grew in popularity with the rise of diners and home‑cooked breakfasts, becoming an iconic side dish alongside eggs and toast.
What regional variations of bacon exist within United States cuisine?
In the South, bacon is often smoked with hickory or oak, giving a deep flavor, while in the Midwest it may be cured with a sweeter maple glaze. New England sometimes uses back‑cut pork belly for a leaner strip, and the West Coast favors thick‑cut, artisanal bacon with unique spice rubs.
How is crispy tender bacon traditionally served in classic American breakfasts?
Traditionally, crispy tender bacon is served in a stack alongside scrambled or fried eggs, hash browns, and toast or biscuits. It may also be crumbled over salads, baked potatoes, or incorporated into breakfast sandwiches.
What occasions or celebrations feature bacon as a central dish in American culture?
Bacon appears at weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts like Thanksgiving morning, and backyard barbecues. It is also a popular ingredient in game‑day snacks and featured in many modern “bacon‑themed” festivals.
What makes this water‑method bacon special compared to traditional pan‑frying?
The water method gently renders the fat before the bacon crisps, preventing the strips from drying out or burning. This results in a plump, tender interior with a crisp exterior, unlike the dry, brittle texture that can occur when bacon is cooked directly over high heat.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy tender bacon using the water method?
Common mistakes include using too little water (causing the bacon to burn), cooking on too high a heat after the water evaporates, and overcrowding the skillet which traps steam and prevents crisping. Follow the step‑by‑step heat adjustments to avoid these issues.
Why does this recipe use water to start the cooking process instead of rendering the fat dry?
Adding water lowers the initial cooking temperature, allowing the fat to melt slowly and the meat to stay moist. Once the water boils away, the rendered fat then fries the bacon, giving a crisp surface without the risk of scorching.
Can I make this crispy tender bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, cook the bacon fully, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a hot dry skillet or microwave to restore crispness before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the bacon is done using this method?
The bacon should be golden‑brown, with the fat fully rendered and the strips looking plump yet firm. When you press a strip gently, it should give slightly but not feel rubbery, and the edges should be crisp, not burnt.
What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specializes in rigorously tested, science‑based cooking techniques and reliable recipes that aim to produce consistent, restaurant‑quality results for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to American breakfast dishes differ from other cooking channels?
America's Test Kitchen focuses on methodical testing, precise measurements, and explaining the why behind each step, whereas many other channels rely on intuition or shortcuts. This results in dependable, repeatable outcomes for classic dishes like bacon.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
