Easy Oven Baked Bacon Recipe: Crispy, Delicious, and No Splatter!
Oven Baked Bacon: The Crispiest, Easiest Way to Cook Bacon
Julia Pacheco
Say goodbye to stovetop splatter and hello to perfectly crispy bacon every time! This oven-baked bacon recipe is a game-changer, offering a hands-off approach that’s both easy and mess-free. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a few slices, oven-baked bacon delivers consistent results and unparalleled flavor. Discover the secrets to achieving bacon perfection with minimal effort.
5
minutes
20
minutes
25
minutes
6
servings
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Ingredients
-
12
slices
bacon
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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). This temperature ensures the bacon cooks evenly and achieves maximum crispiness without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet. Place a cooking rack over your sheet pan. This allows air to circulate around the bacon, resulting in crispier results. Lay out the bacon slices in a single layer, trying not to overlap. Overlapping can cause the bacon to steam instead of crisping.
Using a baking rack is key to achieving that perfect, all-around crispiness that everyone loves. It elevates the bacon, allowing the fat to drip away and the hot air to circulate freely. If you don’t have a baking rack, you can still bake the bacon directly on the sheet pan, but be sure to flip the slices halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection. Bake for 18 – 25 minutes, or until desired crispness is achieved! The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and your oven’s calibration. Keep a close eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
The goal is to achieve that perfect balance of crispy and chewy. For thinner bacon, start checking around 18 minutes. For thicker-cut bacon, you might need the full 25 minutes, or even a few minutes more. Remember, every oven is different, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on the rack before serving. This allows it to crisp up even further. Be patient – the wait is worth it!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Oven Baked Bacon
Choosing the Right Bacon: The type of bacon you choose can significantly impact the final result. Opt for high-quality bacon that’s not too thin or too thick. Center-cut bacon is a great choice for even cooking and a good balance of meat and fat. Experiment with different flavors like applewood smoked or peppered bacon to add a unique twist to your breakfast or brunch.
Preventing Sticking: While the bacon fat usually prevents sticking, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper for even easier cleanup. Just be sure to still use the baking rack for the best crisping results.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If you’re cooking a large batch of bacon, bake it in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding will lead to steaming, not crisping.
Adjusting for Thickness: Thicker bacon will require a longer cooking time. Keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You might also consider lowering the oven temperature slightly to prevent burning the edges before the center is cooked through.
Saving the Bacon Fat: Don’t discard the rendered bacon fat! Strain it and store it in the refrigerator for use in other recipes. Bacon fat adds incredible flavor to dishes like roasted vegetables, cornbread, and even scrambled eggs. It’s a versatile ingredient that will elevate your cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Oven-baked bacon is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways