How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

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Cooking bacon in the oven is a game-changer! It’s so much easier and cleaner than frying it on the stovetop. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

What You’ll Need:

  • Bacon (however much you want to cook)
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper
  • Wire rack (optional, but recommended)
  • Tongs or a fork
  • Paper towels

Steps to Oven-Baked Bacon Perfection:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature to get that bacon crispy without burning it.
  2. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the lined baking sheet. The rack allows the fat to drip off, resulting in crispier bacon. If you don’t have a rack, don’t worry—you can place the bacon directly on the foil or paper.
  3. Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet or wire rack. Make sure the slices don’t overlap. They can be close together, but give them a little space to cook evenly.
  4. Bake the Bacon: Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. Keep an eye on it after the 15-minute mark to make sure it doesn’t burn.
  5. Check for Doneness: The bacon is done when it turns a rich golden brown. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, leave it in a bit longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Remove and Drain: Use tongs or a fork to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain off any excess grease and keeps the bacon crispy.
  7. Clean Up: Allow the baking sheet to cool, then carefully fold up the foil or parchment paper with the grease and toss it out. If you used a wire rack, give it a quick wash.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven finished

Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Bacon:

  • Uniform Slices: Try to use bacon slices that are roughly the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • Variations: For a sweet twist, sprinkle a little brown sugar or maple syrup on the bacon before baking.
  • Storage: Leftover bacon (if there is any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

And there you have it—perfectly cooked bacon with minimal fuss and mess. Enjoy your crispy, delicious bacon!

Author

  • Brandt Elliot

    Hello, I'm Brandt, a Certified Grillmaster, chef, and culinary enthusiast with a lifelong passion for creating exceptional flavors through grilling and cooking. Over the past 30 years, I've honed my barbecue skills on a wide range of smokers, grills, and culinary techniques. I've served as a BBQ judge and earned awards and recognition for my achievements in the world of barbecue.

    I'm also an author, writer, and contributor to sites such as Fine Cooking, The Food Chronicles, My Tasty Dish, and The Cooking. I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and guiding you on your culinary journey.

    Join me as we dive deep into the art of grilling, where I'll be unveiling my time-tested tips and secret recipes that bring people together, one sizzle at a time!

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Last updated: June 19, 2024