How to Achieve Flatter, Crispier Bacon for Sandwiches and Burgers

When it comes to making sandwiches and burgers, bacon is often a key ingredient that adds a delicious and savory flavor. However, achieving perfectly cooked bacon that is both flat and crispy can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques to help you achieve that desired result.

1. Choose the right bacon: The type of bacon you choose can greatly affect the outcome. Look for bacon that has a higher meat-to-fat ratio, as this will result in less shrinkage and a flatter appearance. Thick-cut bacon is also a good option as it tends to stay flatter during cooking.

2. Preheat the pan: Before cooking the bacon, make sure to preheat the pan over medium heat. This will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan.

3. Use a cold pan: Contrary to popular belief, starting with a cold pan can actually help to achieve flatter bacon. When the bacon is placed in a cold pan, it slowly heats up, allowing the fat to render out gradually. This prevents the bacon from curling up as it cooks.

4. Arrange the bacon properly: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the pan, making sure they are not overlapping. This will help to ensure even cooking and prevent the bacon from sticking together.

5. Flip the bacon: As the bacon cooks, flip it occasionally to ensure that both sides are evenly cooked. This will help to achieve a crispy texture throughout.

6. Remove excess fat: As the bacon cooks, you may notice excess fat accumulating in the pan. Carefully remove this excess fat using a spoon or tongs to prevent the bacon from becoming greasy.

7. Use a weight or press: To achieve flatter bacon, you can use a weight or press to keep the bacon flat as it cooks. This can be a bacon press, a heavy skillet, or even a heatproof plate. Place the weight on top of the bacon to prevent it from curling up.

8. Drain on paper towels: Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will help to absorb any excess grease, resulting in a less greasy and crispier bacon.

9. Blot the bacon: After draining the bacon on paper towels, gently blot the top of the bacon with another paper towel. This will help to remove any remaining grease and make the bacon even crispier.

10. Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the bacon immediately after cooking. This will ensure that it stays crispy and doesn’t become soggy.

In conclusion, achieving flatter and crispier bacon for sandwiches and burgers requires some attention to detail. By choosing the right bacon, preheating the pan, using a cold pan, arranging the bacon properly, flipping it, removing excess fat, using a weight or press, draining on paper towels, blotting, and serving immediately, you can achieve the perfect bacon for your sandwiches and burgers. So go ahead and enjoy that delicious, crispy bacon in your favorite recipes!