Learn the Easiest and Hassle-Free Way to Cook Bacon

 

The Easiest Way to Cook Perfect Bacon: Oven-Baked

Skip the splatter and the fuss. Baking bacon in the oven is the ultimate hands-off method for achieving perfectly crispy, evenly cooked strips every single time. It’s the secret to cooking for a crowd without ever touching a skillet.

Why You'll Love This Method:

• Minimal Mess: No greasy stovetop to clean.

• Perfect Results: Consistently crispy bacon from end to end.

• Hands-Off: No need to stand over the stove and flip.

• Feeds a Crowd: Cook an entire package on one sheet pan.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1 package of bacon (any thickness)

• 1 rimmed baking sheet

• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup)

• A wire rack (optional, for extra-crispy results)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for effortless cleanup.

2. Arrange the Bacon:
   Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Ensure they are not overlapping so they cook evenly.

   • Pro-Tip: For bacon that's crispy all over and not greasy, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the bacon on top.

3. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it.

   • Start checking at 12 minutes for thin-cut bacon.

   • Thick-cut bacon may need 18-22 minutes.

4. Drain and Serve:
   Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Let it drain for a minute before serving.

🌟 Chef's Tips for Success

• Don't Crowd the Pan: If the slices are touching, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Use two sheet pans if needed.

• Customize Your Crisp: Bake for less time (12-15 mins) for chewy bacon, and longer (18-22 mins) for extra-crispy.

• Save That Grease! Once cooled, pour the leftover bacon fat from the pan through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar. Use it to fry eggs, sauté potatoes, or make roasted vegetables for incredible flavor.

• Make-Ahead: Cooked bacon can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or in a skillet for a quick crisp-up.

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Serving Suggestions

• Classic Breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and toast.

• The Ultimate BLT: Elevate your sandwich with perfectly crispy bacon.

• Salad Topper: Crumble over a Cobb salad or baked potato.

• Savory Snack: Enjoy on its own or with a drizzle of maple syrup.