To bake bacon in the oven, follow these steps for easy, crispy results:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Some sources suggest starting with a cold oven and heating to 375-425°F, but 400°F is a common and effective temperature
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Using a rimmed baking sheet is recommended to catch grease
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet or on an oven-safe rack placed inside the sheet. Avoid overlapping slices; touching is okay. Cooking on a rack helps bacon get extra crispy and allows fat to drip away
- Bake the bacon for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispiness. Start checking around 10 minutes, as ovens vary. Thin slices cook faster, thick-cut bacon may take longer
- Remove the bacon when it reaches your preferred level of crispiness. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat
- Optional: Save rendered bacon fat by straining it through a paper towel-lined sieve into a container for future cooking
Additional tips:
- For extra flavor, try seasoning with freshly ground black pepper or brushing with maple syrup, honey, or sriracha during the last few minutes of baking
- Using a heavy-duty baking sheet prevents warping in the oven
- Cooking bacon in the oven is cleaner and allows multitasking since it doesn’t splatter like stovetop cooking
This method produces evenly cooked, crispy bacon with minimal mess and effort
. Summary:
Step| Details
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Oven Temperature| 400°F (200°C)
Baking Sheet| Lined with foil or parchment, rimmed
Bacon Arrangement| Single layer, on sheet or rack
Cooking Time| 10–20 minutes, check after 10 minutes
Post-Cooking| Drain on paper towels
This approach yields delicious, crispy bacon suitable for breakfasts, sandwiches, or recipes calling for bacon
