Bacon

Unopened packages last until the use-by date. Once opened, keep tightly wrapped in the fridge. Cooked bacon keeps 4-5 days refrigerated.

Values for cooked, pan-fried bacon. Very high in sodium and saturated fat.

Start bacon in a cold pan for more even rendering and less curling

Bake on a rimmed sheet at 400°F for hands-off cooking and evenly crispy results

Save rendered bacon fat in a jar in the fridge for cooking vegetables, eggs, or roasting potatoes

Let cooked bacon drain on paper towels to remove excess grease

Eggs in any form

Maple syrup and pancakes

Lettuce and tomato in sandwiches

Brussels sprouts or green beans

Cheddar or blue cheese

Caramelized onions

Bourbon or coffee

Cooking over too-high heat, causing burnt edges and undercooked centers

Overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than crisps the bacon

Not patting bacon dry before cooking if it's wet from packaging

Discarding all the rendered fat instead of saving it for cooking