Frying bacon on the stovetop is the easiest way to cook it. Follow these simple steps to make nice, crisp bacon in a pan every time.

Unfortunately, cooking bacon in a pan or skillet can sometimes result in soggy and greasy pork, or bacon that’s overcooked and not at all pleasant. It’s not that hard to fry bacon on the stove, though, and in just a few minutes, you can prepare a nice, tasty addition to your breakfast or other meal.

How to Cook Bacon on the Stove

Put a large frying pan or cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the bacon slices, making sure not to overlap them.

Let your bacon cook for about 3 minutes without touching or moving it. Turn it with tongs or two wooden spatulas, and let the other side cook for 3 minutes.

Depending on the heat, your bacon should be ready by this time, or it might just need a little more cooking to get it perfectly done. I usually cook it for another minute on each side.

Once ready, take the slices out of the pan and put them on a plate or wire rack. Some people suggest using a paper towel to absorb excess fat, but if you cook your bacon properly, there won’t really be any excess fat. If you do use a paper towel, though, make sure to remove the bacon after a minute and put it on a clean plate so it won’t stick to the paper.

Keep the plate warm in a 120°F (50°C) oven until you serve the bacon.

Tips for Pan-Frying Bacon

Don’t put too many bacon slices in the pan. Use a larger skillet and make sure the slices don’t overlap each other.
Don’t add any additional fat or oil.
Cook your bacon over medium heat.
Use a nonstick pan or a cast iron skillet for better results.
Pour off the excess fat if you cook more than one batch.
Use only medium heat. Pan-frying bacon over high heat is the main reason you end up with a burnt and unpleasant result.
Perfect pan-fried bacon has a nice golden color. Don’t overcook your bacon.

How Long to Cook Bacon on the Stove

Using medium heat, you should cook bacon on the stove for 4 minutes on each side.

For better results, cook for 3 minutes on one side, turn, and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. Turn again, cook for 1 more minute on the first side, and then another minute after turning it once more.

Crispy Bacon On The Stovetop

Simple and easy steps to always make nice and crisp bacon in a pan.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 8

Servings people

Ingredients

12 slices bacon

Instructions

Put a large frying pan or cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the bacon slices, make sure not to overlap them.
Let your bacon slowly cook for about 3 minutes without touching or moving it. Turn it with tongs or two wooden spatulas, and let the other side cook for 3 minutes. Depending on the heat, your bacon should be ready by this time or it might just need a little more cooking to get it perfectly done. I usually cook it for another minute on each side, for 4 minutes per side total.
Take the bacon slices out of the pan and put them on a plate or wire rack. Keep them warm until serving.