10 Sizzling Bacon Tips from Chowhound

Bacon never gets old. Sure, it's gone over the top more times than even we thought possible, and been added to one too many dishes. But a lot of Chowhounds remain passionate, and countless user discussions are devoted to this meaty favorite. Behold these 10 tips from Chowhound's collective bacon wisdom:

1. MICROWAVE IT
This fastest way to cook bacon is recommended by many 'hounds. Save the fat to use later.

2. COOK IT SLOW
If you're cooking bacon on a stovetop, do it slowly, over low heat.

3. DIP IT IN CHOCOLATE
Chocolate fondue is fun, but using crispy bacon strips as dippers takes the fun to a whole new level.

4. COOK IT IN THE OVEN
Many Chowhounds think cooking bacon in the oven is the way to go.

5. PUT IT IN A PANCAKE
Part of a delicious breakfast feast—but you'll have to decide whether to chop the bacon or keep it in strips.

6. MAKE CROUTONS WITH BACON FAT
Your soup or salad topping will be tastier than ever.

7. MAKE IT AHEAD
Freshly cooked bacon is great, but there are times when precooking it makes perfect sense.

8. MAKE BACON JAM
Chowhounds are into making their own spreadable bacon, and using it in a range of recipes.

9. GRILL IT
Great for burgers or a brunch tailgater, but cooking bacon on the barbecue involves some important dos and don'ts.

10. BLANCH IT
Perfect in a delicate recipe, when you want the richness of bacon without the full blast of smoke and salt.

Photo by Flickr member cookbookman17 under Creative Commons