perfect bacon

Serves 2

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Total Time: 17 to 22 minutes

While it’s challenging to find Whole30-compliant bacon, we’ve given you a list of approved brands. You won’t find these brands at your local grocery store, though, so unless you’re willing to order in bulk or can find them in a local health food market, you may be out of bacon luck for 30 days. The good news? No one ever died from lack of bacon. (Science.) And if you’re craving that salty, fatty, crispy flavor, you do have some alternatives. You may be able to find pork belly at your local butcher shop—ask them how to bake or roast it so it’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Spread the bacon slices evenly on the sheet in a single layer. This method will leave the bacon slightly chewy in the center and crisp around the edges. If you prefer your bacon crispy all the way through, place a wire baking rack on top of the foil-lined sheet and lay the bacon evenly on the rack. Be careful not to overlap—use two baking sheets if necessary.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and desired level of crisp. Transfer to a paper towel–lined platter and serve immediately. Leftover bacon will last about a week in the fridge.

✪Pro Tip It’s also not that hard to find Whole30-compliant prosciutto, which bakes up crunchy just like bacon. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375°F. Lay the prosciutto flat and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the meat darkens. Set aside for 5 minutes—it will continue to crisp up as it cools. Crumble and sprinkle on salads, soups, or over a baked sweet potato for a salty crunch similar to bacon.

If you’re able to find Whole30-compliant pastured, organic bacon (lucky ducks), after frying it up, you can pour the warm bacon fat into a glass storage jar and refrigerate for later use, either as a cooking fat or a recipe ingredient.