Yes, cooking bacon in a cast iron skillet is a popular and effective method. Cast iron skillets are well-suited for cooking bacon due to their excellent heat retention and even heat distribution. Here's a simple guide to cooking bacon in a cast iron skillet:
Preheat the skillet: Place the cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat and let it preheat for a few minutes. This allows the skillet to evenly distribute heat across its surface.
Add the bacon: Once the skillet is hot, lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the skillet. You can arrange them side by side without overlapping.
Cook the bacon: Let the bacon cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottom side starts to brown and become crispy. Then, using tongs or a fork, flip the bacon strips to cook the other side. Continue cooking until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. Remember to monitor the cooking process closely, as bacon can quickly go from crispy to burnt.
Drain excess grease: As the bacon cooks, it will release fat or grease. Cast iron skillets typically have high sides, allowing you to tilt the skillet and carefully pour off the excess grease. You can either discard it or save it for future use if desired.
Remove the cooked bacon: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, use tongs or a spatula to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will help absorb any remaining grease.
Remember that cast iron retains heat well, so even after removing the skillet from the heat, it will continue to cook the bacon. It's a good idea to slightly undercook the bacon in the skillet, as it will continue to crisp up as it cools on the paper towels.
Cooking bacon in a cast iron skillet can provide delicious results with crispy, evenly cooked strips. Just be cautious when handling the hot skillet and grease to avoid burns.