Cooking bacon in the oven is the easiest way to get perfectly crispy strips without the mess of stovetop splatter. It’s hands-off, consistent, and ideal for cooking for a crowd.
Why Cook Bacon in the Oven?
- Even Cooking – Every strip crisps up at the same rate.
- No Mess – No oil splattering on your stovetop.
- Batch Friendly – Cook more bacon at once.
- Hands-Free – No need to flip constantly.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
What You’ll Need
- Bacon strips (any thickness)
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Optional: Wire rack for extra crispiness
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Preheating ensures even cooking and prevents soggy bacon.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- For extra crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the lined tray.
Step 3: Arrange the Bacon
- Lay bacon strips flat, without overlapping.
- If they touch slightly, they will stick together while cooking.
Step 4: Bake
- Regular cut bacon: 15–18 minutes
- Thick cut bacon: 20–22 minutes
- Tip: Keep an eye on the last 2–3 minutes to avoid burning.
Step 5: Drain & Serve
- Use tongs to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Extra Tips for Oven Bacon
- For chewy bacon: Bake at 375°F and reduce cook time by 2–3 minutes.
- For extra crispy bacon: Pat strips dry before baking and use a wire rack.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes — it will crisp back up.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to flip bacon in the oven?
A: No — the heat surrounds the strips, cooking them evenly on both sides.
Q: Can I save the bacon grease?
A: Yes! Pour it into a glass jar for cooking eggs, vegetables, or adding flavor to dishes.
Q: Can I bake turkey bacon the same way?
A: Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 10–12 minutes.
Quick Bacon Cooking Time Table
| Bacon Type | Oven Temp | Time Range |
|---|---|---|
| Regular cut | 400°F | 15–18 mins |
| Thick cut | 400°F | 20–22 mins |
| Turkey bacon | 400°F | 10–12 mins |
Final Takeaway
Baking bacon in the oven is the fastest, cleanest, and most reliable method. Whether you like it chewy or crispy, these simple steps will make it perfect every time — and you’ll never go back to frying in a pan.