Bacon lovers, rejoice! If you’ve only been cooking bacon on the stovetop, you’re missing out on a foolproof, mess-free method—baking it in the oven. This technique results in perfectly crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the hassle of grease splatters or constant flipping. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want an easy way to make breakfast, learning how to cook bacon in the oven will change your cooking game.
Why Cook Bacon in the Oven?
Cooking bacon in the oven has several benefits:
- Even Cooking – No hot spots or undercooked pieces.
- Less Mess – No splattering grease all over the stovetop.
- Hands-Free – No need to stand over pan-flipping strips.
- Batch Cooking – You can cook multiple strips at once, perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for crispy yet tender bacon.
Optional: Use a Wire Rack
If you like extra crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip away while the bacon cooks evenly.
2. Arrange the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips flat on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. This ensures even cooking.
3. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for:
Regular-cut bacon: 15–18 minutes
Thick-cut bacon: 20–25 minutes
Turkey bacon: 10–12 minutes
4. Check for Doneness
Keep an eye on the bacon in the last few minutes. If you like it extra crispy, leave it in for another minute or two.
5. Drain the Bacon
Once done, use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your perfectly cooked oven-baked bacon is now ready to be served! Pair it with eggs, or pancakes, or add it to sandwiches and salads.
What Temperature to Cook Bacon in the Oven?
The ideal temperature to cook bacon in the oven is 400°F (200°C).
At this temperature, the bacon cooks evenly, becoming crispy without burning. If you prefer a lower temperature, you can bake it at 375°F (190°C) for a slightly longer time, which allows more fat to render. For extra thick-cut bacon, you can go up to 425°F (218°C) for a crispier texture, but be sure to monitor it closely to avoid overcooking.
How Long to Cook Bacon in the Oven
At 375°F (190°C)
Regular-cut bacon: 18-22 minutes
Thick-cut bacon: 22-25 minutes
Cooking bacon at 375°F results in a slightly slower cook, which allows the fat to render more gradually, making it a good choice if you prefer a slightly chewier texture.
At 425°F (218°C)
Regular-cut bacon: 10-15 minutes
Thick-cut bacon: 15-18 minutes
Baking at 425°F cooks the bacon faster, creating an extra crispy texture. However, bacon can burn more quickly at this temperature, so keep a close eye on it after the 10-minute mark.
Do You Have to Flip Bacon When Cooking It in the Oven?
No, you don’t have to flip bacon when cooking it in the oven!
Since the heat surrounds the bacon evenly, it cooks through without needing to be turned. However, if you want extra crispy bacon, you can flip it halfway through the cooking time, especially if it's lying directly on a baking sheet.
If you use a wire rack, flipping isn’t necessary at all because air circulates around the bacon, ensuring even crispiness on both sides.
Key Steps to Cooking Bacon In the Oven
1. DO cook it on the middle rack
Yes, the location of your oven rack matters. The bacon cooks best when it's closest to the center of the oven.
2. DON’T use a wire rack
You may think elevating the bacon on a wire rack nested in a sheet pan will make it crispier, but don’t be tempted. Keeping the meat away from the rendered fat can make the bacon dry and more prone to burning on the edges.
3. DON’T worry about overcrowding
The dry air circulating in the oven is ideal for evenly cooked bacon. The high-fat content helps the slices cook evenly, so there’s little danger of them burning or coming out flabbier than you want them to. Lay the slices shoulder to shoulder if need be–they will shrink down as they cook.
4. DO save the leftover bacon fat
Once the bacon is cooked, drain before serving. But don’t throw out that leftover bacon fat! It’s great for southern favorites like Hoecakes and braised greens or simply to fry up your breakfast potatoes and eggs. Use it as a savory base for gravy or go all out and caramelize onions in it.
What to Do with Bacon Grease? Save it!
After you cook your bacon, make sure to strain the fat to remove any leftover bits, and store it in a jar or container. You can keep it in the fridge for weeks or even freeze it for longer storage.
Storing bacon grease is easy! Here’s how you can do it:
Once the bacon is cooked, let the grease cool for a few minutes. Then, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove any leftover bits of bacon. Use a glass jar, an airtight container, or even an old metal tin.
Keep the bacon grease in the fridge, where it will solidify and last for up to a month. You can use it as needed for cooking or frying.
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the bacon grease. Just pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it in small portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can use just the amount you need!
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven Without a Rack
There are three ways to cook bacon in the oven:
- Directly on an unlined sheet pan
- On a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil
- On a sheet pan lined with parchment paper
Rack or No Rack?
If you have an oven-safe baking rack (like a metal cooling rack), using it can help bacon cook evenly, as the heat circulates all around. The grease also drips down, making the bacon crispier. However, if you don’t have a rack, you can still bake bacon directly on a sheet pan—just remember to flip it halfway through for even crispiness.
Best Method for Cooking Bacon Without a Rack
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup (optional).
- Lay bacon strips in a single layer directly on the sheet pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease before serving.
Storing and Reheating Bacon
Storing and reheating bacon can help preserve its deliciousness for later use.
Storing Cooked Bacon:
After cooking, allow the bacon to cool to room temperature before storing it. To absorb any excess grease, place the bacon between layers of paper towels. This helps keep the bacon crispy.
Store the bacon in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can also wrap it tightly in foil or wax paper to keep it fresh.
Tips: Keep the bacon in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Storing Freezing Bacon:
If you want to store bacon for a longer period, freezing is a good option. Once the bacon is cooked and cooled, lay the pieces flat on a baking sheet or tray. Freeze them for 2–3 hours until solid. After freezing, transfer the bacon to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to 1–2 months.
Reheating Bacon
1. Microwave:
Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate between two paper towels.
Heat it in 20–30-second intervals until it’s heated through and crispy.
2. Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Bake for about 5–10 minutes until it’s heated through and crispy.
3. Skillet:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Place the bacon in the skillet for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired crispiness.
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Ciarra's Nosh Oven is an excellent choice for cooking bacon, offering several features that make it stand out from other brands. Here's why it's perfect for bacon:
360° Hot Air 3D Cycle Baking
This feature ensures even heat distribution, which helps cook the bacon uniformly, giving it a perfectly crispy texture without any hot spots. The hot air circulation eliminates excess grease, resulting in healthier, crispier bacon.
Moisture Retention
The Nosh Oven's ability to retain moisture in food helps prevent bacon from drying out. While bacon is best enjoyed crispy, this feature ensures it remains juicy on the inside while getting perfectly crispy on the outside.
20s Surging Steam
With the ability to release steam in just 20 seconds, this feature quickly enhances the tenderness and juiciness of bacon, ensuring it’s not overly dry, a common issue with traditional ovens. It can help lock in the natural flavors and moisture, elevating the taste of your bacon.
Healthier Cooking
Cooking bacon in the Nosh Oven is a healthier option as it requires little to no oil, reducing the overall fat content compared to traditional frying. The steam and air fryer functions also contribute to healthier, less greasy results.
Faster Cooking Times
The steam technology in the Nosh Oven cooks bacon faster than conventional ovens, so you can enjoy a quick and delicious breakfast without waiting too long.
Easy Cleaning
After cooking your bacon, the steam cleaning function makes it easy to remove grease and food residue from the oven, ensuring a hassle-free cleanup.
Cook Bacon in the Oven Recipe
Here are some bacon recipes that you can cook in the oven, each offering a unique twist:
1. Classic Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of bacon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Serve hot with your favorite breakfast items.
2. Brown Sugar and Black Pepper Bacon
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the bacon slices on the sheet in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and black pepper evenly over the bacon.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
3. Maple Bacon
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top if you want extra crispy bacon.
- Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the rack.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the bacon slices (add Dijon mustard to the syrup for a sweet and tangy twist).
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let the bacon cool slightly before serving.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or appetizer.
5. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Bake
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the bacon in the oven as described in the "Classic Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon" recipe, but stop before it gets too crispy.
- Grease a baking dish (around 9x9 inches) and place the partially cooked bacon in the bottom.
- Crack the eggs on top of the bacon.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired consistency.
- Serve hot for a filling breakfast.
6. Oven-Baked Bacon with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of bacon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the bacon slices in a single layer.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and drizzle olive oil over the bacon.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the oven, let it rest for a minute, and serve.
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