Crispy Oven Baked Bacon

Why Oven-Baked Bacon is the Best Way to Cook Bacon

Forget the hassle of cooking bacon on the stovetop with all that splattering grease. Oven-baked bacon is the way to go for perfectly crispy, evenly cooked strips without the mess. It’s easy to prepare in large batches, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch boards, or as a topping for salads and sandwiches. You can do this with confidence.

Ingredients

• 8 to 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
• Optional: parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This not only prevents the bacon from sticking to the sheet but also makes the cleanup process a breeze.

2. Arrange the Bacon

Lay the bacon slices flat on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the slices don’t overlap to ensure they cook evenly.

3. Bake

Pop the bacon into the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your preferred level of crispiness. No need to flip the bacon—it will cook evenly on its own.

4. Drain

Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven using oven mitts or a kitchen towel to avoid burns. Transfer the strips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Tips for Perfectly Crisp Bacon

• For extra crispiness, place the bacon on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip away and gives you a crispier texture.
• Keep an eye on the bacon after 15 minutes, especially if your strips are thin. It can burn quickly once it hits the desired crispness.
• Don’t throw away the bacon fat! Save it in a glass jar to use for cooking eggs, veggies, or adding extra flavor to dishes later on.

Why Oven-Baked Bacon is the Ultimate Choice

Oven-baked bacon gives you the perfect balance of golden, crispy bacon without all the fuss. There’s no flipping, no splattering grease to deal with, and no need to stand over the stove. Simply set it, bake it, and enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon with minimal mess.