Let's be honest — there are few things in life better than a perfectly crispy strip of bacon. Golden, crunchy, and packed with smoky flavor. But if you've ever ended up with limp, greasy, or unevenly cooked bacon, you know it doesn't always go that way.
We're here to fix that. This is your definitive guide to making perfect crispy bacon every single time — plus the secret ingredient that takes it from great to absolutely unforgettable.
What You'll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. All you need is your favorite cut of bacon, a skillet or oven tray, and one secret weapon: Bacon Zest seasoning. We recommend Classic Barbecue for this recipe, but Honey Barbecue and Sweet Barbecue work just as beautifully.
Method 1 — Stovetop (Quick & Classic)
Lay your bacon strips flat in a cold skillet — yes, cold. Starting in a cold pan lets the fat render slowly so you get even, all-over crispiness instead of burnt edges and soft middles. Turn the heat to medium and let it do its thing.
Once the bacon starts sizzling, shake a generous layer of Bacon Zest over each strip. As the seasoning hits the hot fat it blooms into the bacon, infusing every bite with deep, smoky barbecue flavor. Flip once, cook to your preferred crispiness, and remove.
Method 2 — Oven Baked (Hands-Free & Perfect Every Time)
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay your bacon strips across the rack in a single layer and shake Bacon Zest evenly over each strip before placing in the oven.
Bake for 15–20 minutes depending on thickness, keeping an eye on it in the last few minutes. The rack lets hot air circulate all the way around each strip — the result is evenly crispy bacon with incredible seasoned flavor and no babysitting required.
The Secret Ingredient
You've probably already guessed it — the secret ingredient is Bacon Zest. Our all-natural, plant-based, low sodium, gluten-free seasoning was crafted specifically for bacon. One shake is all it takes to transform your everyday strips into the best bacon you've ever had.
Not sure which flavor to start with? The Bacon Zest Bundle gives you all three — Honey Barbecue, Sweet Barbecue, and Classic Barbecue — so you can find your favorite. Free shipping on orders $25 and up.
Shop Bacon Zest today and make your next batch of bacon the best one yet.
0 comments