The least messy ways to cook bacon, period

The irresistible smell of bacon cooking can awaken even the sleepiest person and draw them to the breakfast table. Despite its popularity, cooking bacon can be a greasy and messy ordeal. However, there are methods that make cooking bacon less messy and more enjoyable.

1. Oven Baking

Oven baking is one of the simplest and least messy ways to cook bacon.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
3. Arrange the bacon strips on the wire rack.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness.

Why it’s hassle-free:

Cooking bacon in the oven eliminates the need for constant flipping and reduces grease splatter. The foil-lined baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Microwave

The microwave is a quick and mess-free way to cook bacon.

1. Place a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.
2. Lay the bacon strips on the paper towel.
3. Cover the bacon with another paper towel.
4. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes per slice.

Why it’s hassle-free:

Microwaving bacon absorbs the grease with paper towels, resulting in minimal mess. Additionally, there’s no need to preheat or use extra equipment.

3. Air Frying

Air frying offers a crispy bacon cooking method with little mess.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C).
2. Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why it’s hassle-free:

Air frying requires minimal oil, reducing grease splatter. The non-stick surface of the air fryer basket makes cleanup easy.

4. Sous Vide

Sous vide provides a unique and mess-free way to cook bacon.

1. Place the bacon strips in a vacuum-sealed bag or resealable plastic bag.
2. Set your sous vide machine to 147°F (64°C) for 1-2 hours.
3. Sear the bacon in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes to crisp it up.

Why it’s hassle-free:

Sous vide cooking eliminates grease splatter as the bacon is sealed in a bag. The searing step is quick and requires minimal cleanup.

Cooking bacon doesn’t have to be a messy endeavor. By utilizing these innovative methods—oven baking, microwave, air frying, and sous vide—you can enjoy delicious bacon with minimal cleanup, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal.