Who doesn’t love bacon? It’s crispy, savory, and deliciously addictive. I recently discovered a fun twist on this breakfast favorite: woven bacon. Weave bacon is an easy, eye-catching recipe that you can bake right in your oven. It’s not just perfect for breakfast but also makes an amazing appetizer everyone will rave about.
To get started, you only need a few ingredients and some simple steps. Imagine weaving strips of bacon into a neat pattern, much like creating a cozy bacon blanket. Once you pop it into the oven, the result is a delightful, evenly cooked treat that looks as good as it tastes.
The best part about weave Bacon is its versatility. You can serve it alone, as a base for sandwiches, or even crumble it over salads for a crunchy topping. So, if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy bacon, give this woven bacon recipe a try. Your taste buds and guests will thank you!
Woven Bacon recipe
Ingredients
- 12 strips bacon, not thick-cut
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Start the Weave: Place 6 strips of bacon side by side vertically on a large cutting board.
- Weaving Process:
- Fold up strips 1, 3, and 5 over themselves.
- Lay a strip of bacon horizontally across strips 2, 4, and 6.
- Unfold strips 1, 3, and 5.
- Fold up strips 2, 4, and 6.
- Lay another strip of bacon horizontally across strips 1, 3, and 5.
- Unfold strips 2, 4, and 6.
- Complete the Weave: Repeat the folding and laying process:
- Fold up strips 1, 3, and 5.
- Lay a third strip of bacon horizontally across strips 2, 4, and 6.
- Unfold strips 1, 3, and 5.
- Fold down strips 2, 4, and 6 to complete the bottom half of the weave.
- Repeat the weaving process for the top half, alternating strips until the weave is complete.
- Bake: Transfer the woven bacon onto the foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy bacon weave!
Preparing your bacon weave
Creating a perfect bacon weave involves selecting the right type of bacon, mastering the weaving technique, and setting up your baking sheet properly. Let’s get started!
Choosing the right bacon
I always recommend using thick-cut bacon for weaving. It holds its shape better and crisps up nicely. Look for bacon that’s consistent in thickness to ensure even cooking. Avoid bacon that’s too fatty; a balanced mix of fat and meat works best. You can find thick-cut bacon at most grocery stores, often labeled specifically for recipes like this.
When shopping, try to find bacon packages that look even. Uneven slices can make the weaving process tricky and can lead to inconsistent cooking.
The weave technique
Start by laying out your bacon slices on a large cutting board. I usually prefer working with at least 6-8 slices for a decent-sized weave. Lay 3-4 slices side by side vertically.
Next, fold back every other strip (let’s say strips 1, 3, and 5). Place a strip horizontally across the unfolded strips. Now, unfold the folded strips back over the horizontal piece. Repeat this pattern, folding back the alternate strips and laying down additional horizontal slices.
The goal is to create an interlaced pattern. This can be a little fiddly, but with some practice, it becomes second nature!
Setting up your baking sheet
Preheat the oven to the desired temperature—375°F to 425°F works well.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier. Place an oven-safe rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispier bacon.
Carefully lift your woven bacon and place it on the rack. Make sure it lies flat to cook evenly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, checking frequently until it reaches your desired crispness. When done, let it cool slightly before removing to an airtight container if storing.
Reflecting on these steps, each part is simple but crucial. Now, you’re ready to weave and bake bacon like a pro!
Cooking and storing weave bacon
Making Weave Bacon is a fantastic way to add extra texture and flavor to dishes. Knowing how to cook it to perfect crispiness and how to store it can make all the difference.
Achieving perfect crispiness
To get that crispy bacon texture, start by preheating your oven to 425°F. For an even cook, I line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Then, I place a cooling rack on top to let the fat drip off while baking.
Lay the woven bacon on the rack. Bake it for 15-20 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning. If you like it extra crispy, you can let it cook for a few extra minutes. The trick is to keep an eye on it, as bacon can go from perfect to overcooked quickly.
Cooling and draining
Once the bacon is crispy, I remove it from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This step is crucial for draining the excess bacon grease. Using tongs helps in preventing burns and keeping the weave intact.
Allow the woven bacon to cool for 5-10 minutes. It becomes even crisper as it cools. The draining process helps get rid of any remaining fat, making it less greasy and more enjoyable to eat.
Storage tips
If you make more than you need, storing woven bacon is simple. Once cooled, place layers of bacon between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it later on burgers, sandwiches, or even in meatloaf.
Creative uses for weave bacon
Weave Bacon is not just a breakfast treat. I love adding it as a unique topping to burgers and sandwiches. It’s also excellent wrapped around meatloaf or used in grilling and roasts for extra flavor.
For a fun twist, you can make twisted bacon by weaving small strips and baking them until crispy. Another idea is to crumble it over salads or baked potatoes to add a delicious crunch. The possibilities are truly endless!