To bake bacon in the oven, follow these steps for perfectly crispy, evenly cooked bacon with minimal mess:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Some methods start with a cold oven and then heat to 400°F, but preheating is common and effective.
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Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. You can also add parchment paper on top of the foil to prevent sticking.
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Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
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Bake the bacon in the oven for about 14 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness and your preferred crispiness:
- Regular bacon: 14–18 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 18–25 minutes
Check the bacon after 10–12 minutes to avoid burning, as ovens vary.
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Remove the bacon from the oven when it reaches your desired crispiness. Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
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(Optional) Save the bacon grease by pouring it through a fine mesh sieve lined with a paper towel into a heatproof container. Refrigerate for future cooking use.
Tips:
- For large batches, use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through cooking.
- Avoid overlapping bacon slices to prevent steaming instead of roasting.
- Adjust cooking time based on bacon thickness and oven differences.
- Starting with a cold oven and then heating to 400°F can help render fat evenly and produce crispier bacon.
This oven method is praised for its ease, less mess compared to stovetop frying, and ability to cook large quantities at once
