I adore bacon. I love almost everything about it, except for the cleanup. Before I learned how to cook bacon in the oven I fried it on the stovetop, and it always left my kitchen in a greasy mess. The oven method is my favorite method to cook bacon. It is super-easy, typically a set-and-go, and has minimum cleanup.
There are several ways to cook bacon in the oven. The most popular one involves a foil-lined baking sheet. Some people swear by a wire rack, but it all depends on the type of bacon you use. In my house, we love nitrite—and nitrate-free organic thick-cut bacon, and I find that laying it directly on the baking sheet yields the best results. You'll have to figure out what rocks your boat. Let's learn to make perfect bacon in the oven!
This recipe is:
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Bacon for breakfast? Count me in! There are so many reasons why I love bacon and that is why I had to figure out a way to have perfectly crispy, evenly-cooked bacon on my breakfast table. Other than my love for bacon, here are some reasons to love this recipe!
- No mess to deal with bacon grease!
- Convenient cleanup with minimal mess!
- Versatile flavors for creative bacon lovers!
- Hands-off cooking with easy preparation steps!
- Bacon is Low Carb! Check out how!
- Flexible for various bacon types!
Bacon in Oven Ingredients List
For this bacon recipe you will only need:
- 1 pound bacon, 16 strips approx.
Additional Ingredients
Let's heighten the bacon's flavor with some delicious additions:
- Creamy goat cheese: This will add tangy richness to the oven baked bacon, complementing its smokiness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensify the flavor of your oven bacon with sweet and chewy sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sliced mushrooms: Add the earthy flavors of mushrooms sautéed to perfection to elevate bacon dishes.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkle salty feta cheese over the bacon for extra lusciousness.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary: Use chopped thyme or rosemary to infuse baked bacon with aromatic herby freshness.
Cooking Tools Required
You'll need the following tools to cook bacon in the oven:
- Rimmed baking sheet or baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Wash and cut bacon into thin strips.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) or 425°F (218°C) with the convection setting.
- Line the baking sheet with foil.
- Layer the bacon on the lined baking sheet.
Cooking Instructions
- Put the bacon in the oven while it is still preheating.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes. Check the bacon.
- Depending on your oven, you may need to turn the baking sheet once if you have hot spots.
- Keep an eye on the bacon toward the end of cooking so it doesn't burn.
- Remove from the oven when cooked to your preference.
- Using the tongs, remove the bacon and lay on the paper towels to absorb some of the grease.
- Serve.
💡 My Pro Tip
Did you know that bacon fat doesn't need to be refrigerated? Yep, it's true! Don't toss that liquid gold after cooking your bacon in the oven. Instead, strain it and store it in a sealed container right on your counter. This way, you'll always have flavorful bacon fat on hand, ready to elevate the taste of any dish you're cooking. Whether you're sautéing veggies, frying eggs, or making gravy, having bacon fat at your fingertips adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your meals. So, next time you're done cooking bacon, save that precious fat and let it work its magic in your kitchen!
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-cut bacon to skip the slicing step.
- Cook bacon while the oven preheats to save time.
- Cook a large batch of bacon in the oven and store it for later use.
What to Make With Oven Baked Bacon?
Oven bacon can be incorporated into various delicious recipes and diet-friendly dishes. Here are some mouth-watering recipes that will love your flavorful oven-cooked bacon:
- Cheesy Bacon Egg Frittata: Add bacon for deep crispiness and a smoky flavor to this cheesy egg dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Bacon Avocado Salad: Crumble crisp bacon over a bed of fresh greens and creamy avocado for a satisfying salad—the salty bacon perfectly complements the creamy avocado, creating a delicious flavor bomb.
- Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Hash: Mix baked bacon with roasted Brussels sprouts for a savory and satisfying side dish—the level of crispiness is irresistible.
- Bacon Carbonara: Add depth to this classic Italian pasta dish with bacon bits—the rendered bacon fat creates a rich sauce that coats the pasta, while the crispy bacon adds texture and flavor.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon: Bacon adds a savory element to the dish, complementing the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
- Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Wrap bacon strips around plump shrimp for a decadent appetizer or main course. Bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the juicy shrimp.
- Sauteed Spinach With Bacon and Shallots: Saute bacon and shallots until crispy, then toss in fresh spinach for a flavorful side dish. The salty bacon and caramelized shallots impart amazing flavors and texture to the sauteed spinach.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Store slices of bacon in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing Tips
- If freezing, place bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Tips
- For reheating, use the stove or microwave for best results, as reheating in the oven may ruin the texture.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add strips of bacon and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through.
Recipe Conclusion
If you're a die-hard fan of the classic cast iron skillet method, this recipe might not be your cup of tea. I've got a friend who swears by the skillet, claiming it's the only way to cook bacon right. But truth be told, I can hardly notice the difference, except that oven-cooked bacon tends to come out flatter, which can be a plus for certain dishes. Moreover, it is more hassle-free as it is entirely hands-off.
As always, your feedback is valuable to me. If you have any thoughts or comments, share them with me. I hope you enjoyed this speedy recipe, and may your kitchen adventures be filled with sizzling success!
FAQs
The cooking time for bacon is around 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.
Place bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
No, flipping bacon is not necessary when cooking it in the oven.
Yes, you can cook bacon on aluminum foil-lined baking sheets for easy cleanup.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven 🥓
Ingredients
Bacon in Oven Ingredients List
For this bacon recipe you will only need:
- 1 pound bacon 16 strips approx.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Wash and cut bacon into thin strips.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) or 425°F (218°C) with the convection setting.
- Line the baking sheet with foil.
- Layer the bacon on the lined baking sheet.
Cooking Instructions
- Put the bacon in the oven while it is still preheating.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes. Check the bacon.
- Depending on your oven, you may need to turn the baking sheet once if you have hot spots.
- Keep an eye on the bacon toward the end of cooking so it doesn't burn.
- Remove from the oven when cooked to your preference.
- Using the tongs, remove the bacon and lay on the paper towels to absorb some of the grease.
- Serve.
Notes
If you're a fan of this oven-baked bacon recipe, I'd love to hear from you! Any tips for making it even lower in carbs? Drop a comment below! Have a great time cooking!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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9 Responses
I'm a lifelong frying pan person for bacon. I tried this recipe with a lot of skepticism that it would make the bacon how I like it. Not only was it perfect, but there was almost no mess to deal with. Love it.
Hi Amanda:
Hah, I convinced another skeptic... Feels so good.
Thank you for the vote of confidence and for your feedback- I truly appreciate it.
Have a delicious day in the kitchen!
Scott