how to cook bacon in the oven instructions

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

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See how to cook bacon in the oven to make delicious bacon. If you are craving perfect crispy bacon, look no further than this oven baked method. My bacon recipes are perfect for all bacon lovers. They include the basics for various methods of cooking bacon, plus a variety of recipes where bacon is included as an ingredient. Whether you’re a bacon newbie or a seasoned pro, this foolproof approach is a game changer.

This simple method delivers restaurant-quality results every time, with minimal mess and maximum flavor. Whether preparing a lot of bacon or just a few bacon slices this is my favorite method. It is the easiest way to make bacon with less mess, and easy clean up. 

how-to-make-the-best-bacon-in-the-oven

This oven-baked method of cooking bacon works wonders for both classic thin-cut regular bacon and for those who love the chewier satisfaction of thick-cut bacon.

What You Need to Cook Bacon in the Oven

To make oven-baked bacon, you’ll need just a few things:

  • Bacon: Choose your preference – regular or thick cut bacon will work in the oven.
  • Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is ideal to contain the grease.
  • Parchment paper and/or aluminum foil: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or tin foil makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Wire Rack: Cooking on a baking rack will allow the bacon to cook while the rendered fat drips to the baking sheet underneath.
raw-bacon-on-a-plate

Tips and Recommendations:

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Make sure to get the best quality pork when cooking bacon in the oven. Opt for nitrate-free high-quality pork sourced from small regenerative farms, from Crowd Cow. They deliver straight to your door for convenience and taste.

grass fed beef and quality pork

While lining a rimmed sheet pan is optional, I do like to use both foil and then a sheet of parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then place a wire cooling rack on top of the baking sheet. 

line-a-baking-sheet-with-foil-and-parchment-paper

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Next, prepare the pan as mentioned above. Then place the slices of bacon on the rack in a single layer. Using a large sheet pan and rack allows you to make a big batch of bacon at once. 

single-layer-bacon-on-wire-rack

How Long to Cook Bacon in the Oven

When the oven temperature reaches 400 F, place the pan into the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes. 

A few factors can influence the baking time of oven-baked bacon:

  • Thickness:  Thin-cut bacon cooks significantly faster than thick-cut.
  • Starting temperature:  Bacon straight from the fridge will take longer than bacon that’s been sitting at room temperature for a short while.
  • Desired crispiness:  For chewier bacon, cook for a shorter time. Extra crispy bacon requires a longer cooking time.

When the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness remove from the pan of bacon from the oven. I find 20 minutes to be perfect.

how-to-cook-bacon-in-the-oven

The bacon fat will collect on the parchment paper below, leaving golden brown bacon strips on the rack above. 

oven-baked-bacon-recipe

Next, line a few paper towels on a plate. Use tongs to pick up and transfer the cooked strips of bacon to the paper towel lined plate. 

pick-up-cooked-bacon-with-tongs

The paper towels will absorb any excess grease.

oven-baked-bacon-on-paper-towels

When ready to serve, transfer the delicious bacon to a plate and enjoy.

cook-bacon-in-the-oven-recipe

Oven Baked Bacon Recipe: The Easy Way to Perfect Crispy Bacon

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality bacon every time, making it a game-changer for breakfast lovers. Forget the splattering grease and uneven heat of  stove top cooking. Oven-baked bacon is the key to achieving perfectly crisp bacon with less mess and amazing flavor.

how-long-to-cook-bacon-in-the-oven-

This oven method is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether you’re making a single serving or a large batch to feed a crowd, oven-baked bacon is the way to go. 

Store any leftovers in a ziploc bag or airtight container in the fridge. You can enjoy the same cripsy bacon the next day by reheating it in the oven again, or in a countertop toaster oven.

close up of bacon on a plate

Clean Up

Once the bacon grease is cooled you can either store it in a bacon grease container with strainer and use it in future recipes. Or wait for it to cool enough to where it becomes thick. The longer bacon grease cools, the thicker it gets. This solid fat is much easier to manage compared to hot, runny grease. Simply wipe it up with paper towels, or fold it up inside the parchement paper/foil and toss it in the trash can. Do NOT pour bacon grease in the sink or garbage disposal.

What to Eat Bacon with:

  • Eggs: Classic scrambled eggs, poached eggs, omelets, or even a simple fried egg are enhanced with the addition of crispy bacon.
  • Pancakes and Waffles: The sweet and savory combination of crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes or waffles is a breakfast favorite.
  • Breakfast Sandwiches: Build a breakfast sandwich masterpiece with bacon, eggs, cheese, and your favorite gluten free bread or bagel.
  • Salads: Chopped bacon adds a salty and savory crunch to salads.
  • Soups, Stews, and Casseroles: Top your favorite soup, stew, or casserole with crumbled bacon for a hearty and flavorful finish.
cook-bacon-in-oven-easy

Check out more oven-baked bacon recipes, and air fryer bacon recipes:

how to cook bacon in the oven instructions

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

See how to cook bacon in the oven to make delicious bacon. If you are craving perfect crispy bacon, look no further than oven-cooked bacon.

Ingredients

  • bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
  2. Line a rimmed backing sheet with foil and /or parchment paper
  3. Place a wire baking rack on top of the baking sheet
  4. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack
  5. Place pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness of the bacon and your personal preference of crispiness.
  6. This bacon recipe is cooked in the oven for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove from the oven, and transfer teh cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess grease
  8. Serve and enjoy
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 81Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 290mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 6g

nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on products/ingredients used.

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