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Oven baked bacon is a simple way to get perfectly crispy strips without the mess of frying. This method keeps your stovetop clean and cooks the bacon evenly, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you need to prepare bacon for a crowd. The bacon turns out crisp with a great texture every time, and cleanup is easy.
I discovered this trick when trying to make breakfast faster for my kids before school. Now it is my go-to method when I want hassle-free bacon that tastes like it came from a diner.
Ingredients
- Bacon: One package of bacon — choose thick cut for hearty slices or regular cut for more crispness. Look for bacon with good marbling of fat for flavor and tenderness.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to catch the grease and prevent sticking. This makes clean-up a breeze and helps the bacon cook evenly.
- Arrange Bacon:
- Arrange the bacon slices on the lined sheets so they are in a single layer without overlapping. Overlapping will cause uneven cooking.
- Bake First Side:
- Bake the bacon for 15 minutes. Then carefully remove the trays from the oven, flip each bacon slice using tongs or a fork to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Bake Second Side:
- Return the trays to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until it reaches your preferred crispiness. If you are using thick sliced bacon, cook it for 20 minutes per side instead to allow it to cook through fully.
- Drain Bacon:
- Once finished, remove the bacon from the oven and place the slices on paper towels. Top with another paper towel to soak up any extra grease so the bacon stays crisp instead of getting soggy from the oil.
I always pick good quality bacon with a nice balance of lean meat and fat. Growing up, my family used to cook bacon on the stove, but switching to the oven method has been a game changer. It not only makes the kitchen cleaner but also allows me to attend to other breakfast tasks while the bacon cooks undisturbed.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to use, reheat on a baking sheet in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want a lower fat option try turkey bacon. The same oven method works, just reduce cooking time depending on thickness to avoid drying it out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve oven baked bacon alongside eggs and toast for a classic breakfast or crumble it over salads or baked potatoes to add savory crunch. It also pairs wonderfully with avocado toast.
This oven baked bacon method is a reliable way to have perfect bacon every time with minimal mess. It’s become an essential recipe for busy mornings and batch cooking alike.
FAQs about Recipes
- → What temperature is best for baking bacon?
Baking bacon at 350°F ensures even cooking and crispy texture without burning.
- → How do I avoid greasy bacon after baking?
Place baked bacon on paper towels to absorb excess grease for a crispier bite.
- → Can thick sliced bacon be baked the same way?
Thick slices require about 20 minutes per side to cook through and reach desired crispiness.
- → Do I need to flip the bacon during baking?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures both sides cook evenly and become crispy.
- → Why use parchment paper on baking sheets?
Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier while cooking bacon evenly.