How to Make Bacon in the Oven Crisp and Perfect Every Time

How to Make Bacon in the Oven: Crisp, Delicious, and Mess-Free

Have you been standing over a skillet, dodging splatters of hot grease, and trying to get that perfect crisp on your bacon? Well, there’s a secret that will save you time and make cleanup a breeze. The best way to cook bacon? In the oven! It’s easy, mess-free, and produces perfectly crispy bacon every single time.

Whether you like your bacon crisp around the edges with a bit of chew in the middle or crispy all the way through, this oven method will become your new go-to. Let me walk you through the simple steps.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-15 minutes
• Servings: 4

What You’ll Need:

• 1 pound of bacon
• Baking sheet with a lip (also known as a jelly roll pan)
• Aluminum foil
• Baking rack (optional for extra crispy bacon)

Instructions: How to Make Bacon in the Oven

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F. Preheating ensures even cooking and gives your bacon that perfect texture.

2. Prepare Your Pan

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This not only helps with cleanup but also prevents bacon grease from sticking to the pan. If you want extra crispy bacon, place a baking rack on top of the foil-lined sheet.

3. Arrange the Bacon

Pull apart strips of bacon and place them on the foiled baking sheet in a single layer. If you’re using a baking rack, lay the bacon on top of the rack to let the fat drip off while it cooks.

4. Bake

Place the sheet on the top rack of your oven and bake for 8-15 minutes. 

Cook for 8-15 minutes.

The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. I typically cook mine for about 12 minutes, but check often to get it just right for you.

Pro Tip: How to Customize Your Bacon

Want to spice things up? Before baking, try sprinkling your bacon with brown sugar, molasses, or even herbs for a sweet or savory twist. This simple touch will elevate your bacon to gourmet status.

The Best Part: Cleanup

Once your bacon is done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Or, if you prefer, let it cool for a few minutes and then remove it from the pan, tilting the pan slightly to let the grease pool.

For an even cleaner option, place paper towels under a wire rack and move your bacon strips there to cool and drain. When it’s time to clean up, either pour the leftover bacon grease into a container for later use (bacon grease is a kitchen treasure!) or let it solidify, roll up the foil, and toss it away.

Expert Tips:

• For crispier bacon: Use a baking rack to elevate the strips, allowing fat to drip off during cooking.
• Watch your bacon closely: Every oven cooks a little differently, so check on your bacon at the 8-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
• For easy cleanup: Line your pan with foil and roll it up with the grease once it cools.

FAQs

Q: Can I use thick-cut bacon in the oven?
A: Absolutely! Just be aware that thicker cuts will need more time to cook—usually around 15-20 minutes.

Q: Is there a way to save the bacon grease for later?
A: Yes, bacon grease is great for cooking! Pour the liquid fat into a container and store it in the fridge for up to a month. Use it to fry eggs, sauté veggies, or add flavor to almost any dish.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious recipes that are simple and satisfying? Dive into my Pinterest board for endless culinary inspiration! And if you’re looking to up your cooking game, don’t miss out on my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s packed with easy-to-follow recipes that will help you whip up amazing meals in no time. Grab your copy today and start elevating your cooking skills!

You Might Also Like

• Bacon Jerky Recipe: A fun, chewy twist on classic bacon.
• Sweet and Savory Bacon Twists: An easy snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress

Using the oven to cook bacon is not only the easiest way, but it also guarantees perfectly cooked bacon every time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or simply making a Saturday morning breakfast, this method will save you time and effort.