Cooking bacon in the oven is a simple, efficient, and mess-free method that ensures evenly cooked and crispy bacon every time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it perfectly.
Why Cook Bacon in the Oven?
Less Mess: Unlike stovetop cooking, baking bacon in the oven eliminates the splattering and mess associated with traditional methods[1][3][5].
Even Cooking: The oven heat surrounds the bacon, ensuring that all slices cook evenly without hot spots[3].
Hands-Off: This method requires minimal supervision, allowing you to multitask in the kitchen[5].
Versatility: You can cook any type of bacon, including American, thick-cut, and turkey bacon, with this method[1][3][5].
Equipment and Ingredients
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet or a large baking tray.
Parchment Paper or Foil: For easy cleanup.
Bacon: Any type or flavor of bacon you prefer.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C)[1][3][5].
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup much easier[1][3][5].
Arrange the Bacon:
Place the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. This is crucial for even cooking[1][3][5].
Bake the Bacon:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for the following times based on the type of bacon:
American Bacon: 12-18 minutes. Check early as thinner slices cook faster[1][5].
Thick-Cut Bacon: 20 minutes or more. You may need to flip it and cook for a few extra minutes[1][5].
Turkey Bacon: 11-13 minutes. This leaner bacon requires less cooking time to prevent drying out[1].
Check and Adjust:
Monitor the bacon’s crispiness after the initial cooking time. If it needs more time, continue baking in increments until it reaches your desired level of crispiness[1][3][5].
Cool and Drain:
Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the grease[1][3][5].
Additional Tips
Rotate the Pan: For even cooking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time[3].
Use Multiple Sheets: If cooking a large batch, use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through the cooking time[1][5].
Save the Grease: Allow the bacon grease to cool, then transfer it to a jar for future use in recipes like fried or scrambled eggs[1].
Storage
Refrigerate: Leftover bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Bacon can be frozen for up to 2 months and used directly from the freezer[1].
Most Important Facts
Temperature: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)[1][3][5].
Even Layer: Arrange bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping for even cooking[1][3][5].
Cooking Times:
American Bacon: 12-18 minutes.
Thick-Cut Bacon: 20 minutes or more.
Turkey Bacon: 11-13 minutes[1][5].
No Need to Flip: Bacon cooks evenly on both sides without the need to flip it[5].
Easy Cleanup: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup[1][3][5].
Versatile: Works well with any type of bacon and allows for control over the level of crispiness[1][3][5].
By following these steps and tips, you can achieve perfectly crispy and delicious bacon every time, making oven-baked bacon a staple in your kitchen.
