Here’s the easy, mess-free way to cook bacon in the oven 🥓
Oven-Baked Bacon
What You Need
- Bacon slices
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- (Optional) wire rack
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Prep Pan
- Line baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- For extra-crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top (optional).
- Arrange Bacon
- Lay bacon slices in a single layer.
- They can touch slightly but shouldn’t overlap.
- Bake
- Place pan on the middle rack.
- Bake 15–20 minutes depending on thickness:
- 15 min → chewy
- 18 min → crisp
- 20+ min → extra crispy
- Drain & Serve
- Transfer bacon to paper towels.
- Let rest 1–2 minutes (it crisps more as it cools).
Tips & Variations
- Less splatter: Always use a rimmed pan.
- Thick-cut bacon: Add 3–5 extra minutes.
- Sweet bacon: Sprinkle lightly with brown sugar or drizzle maple syrup before baking.
- Peppered bacon: Add cracked black pepper halfway through.
Cleanup Bonus
- Let bacon grease cool, then pour into a jar for cooking later—or toss foil and done.
If you want, I can also give you crispy turkey bacon, candied bacon, or how to save bacon grease safely 👍
