You're going to want this Oven Baked Bacon method anytime you need perfectly crisp bacon, whether making a few slices or feeding a group. It's low mess, completely hands-off, and frees you up to focus on the rest of the meal instead of standing over the stove.
With five teenagers in the house at once, I learned how to do things the easiest, most reliable way possible. It has literally been made hundreds of times over the past 15 years for breakfast, brunch, BLT's, salads, and potatoes, plus plenty of pieces sneaked straight off the pan. We've perfected all the tricks so you get the best bacon every time.
If you've ever cooked bacon on the stovetop, especially for more than a couple people, you already know the struggle. Pieces are unevenly cooked, only a few slices fit in the pan at one time, and you have to babysit the pan the whole time. Not to mention the incredible mess it makes: grease on your clothes, the back splash, the hood, and even the floor.
But don't give up hope! After years of cooking for a large family, we've nailed the simple oven method that turns out crispy bacon without all the hassle. We even ditched the wire rack after having to scrub out the annoying corners too many times and found an easier way that is just as effective and even easier to clean.
It is the perfect technique for recipes like Green Chili Egg Bake, Twice Baked Potatoes, or piled up on a BELT sandwiches.
I'm batch cooking for the week, and this made cooking some fun bacon super easy! Really tasty!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Jennifer
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Why this recipe made the cut
Every recipe on Borrowed Bites gets tested, re-tested, and tasted by multiple groups to ensure it's something you can be proud to serve! Here's why this one earned it's spot:
- Hands-Off: Once the bacon is on the sheet pans, it gets popped in the oven and your hands are free to move on: coffee, eggs, pancakes, etc.. No flipping, no hovering, no babysitting.
- Low Mess: Instead of splattered grease all over the kitchen (including your clothes), everything stays contained on the pan, which makes cleanup a breeze.
- Total Control: Everyone can get their bacon exactly how they like it. You can pull pieces out as they hit your desired level of crispiness.
- Make a Bunch: Instead of cooking a few pieces at a time, this process allows you to cook as many pieces as you can fit on your sheet pans. Perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up.
Ingredient for baked bacon
- Bacon: We reach for a good quality thick-cut option. It gives the best texture with nice crispy edges with a little tenderness in the middle, plus a truly rich flavor if it is hardwood smoked. However, it will work with whatever you have on hand. But if you want next-level flavor texture, thick cut hardwood smoked bacon is definitely the best choice.
How to fry bacon in the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 400ºF. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil (I prefer parchment). If you are making a lot of bacon, I highly recommend using an extra large baking sheet like this one to make it go more quickly.
Lay out the bacon slices in a single layer. The edges can touch, but they shouldn't be overlapping. Bacon shrinks as it cooks, so go ahead and place the slices close together to fit as much as you can.
Depending on whether you're using regular sliced or thick-cut bacon, start checking it around the 10 minute mark. The thicker slices can take closer to 20-30 minutes depending on how many sheets you are baking and how thick the bacon is.
Drain the bacon on paper towels before serving.
Hint: If you want to save the rendered bacon grease, allow to cool for 10 minutes before pouring into a glass jar. Store the bacon fat in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Variations
There's nothing wrong with classic bacon, but sometimes the circumstance calls for a candies bacon. A sweet, crispy layer caramelizes on the top after a coating of brown sugar or maple syrup. If you're feeling spicy, a touch of chili powder adds the perfect hint of heat.
- Maple syrup: A little goes a long way. This is a mildly sweet option.
- Brown sugar: This is my favorite option because it caramelizes and adds a bit of extra crispiness.
- Both! You can mix the sugar and syrup together to get the benefits of both!
- Chipotle chili powder: This is completely optional, but a super delicious way to balance the sweetness.
What to serve with...
If you have some leftover bacon, try it on any of these tasty recipes:
Storage and reheating instructions
I like to store oven-baked bacon wrapped in paper towels in an airtight container or in a sealed zipper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If reheating just a few slices, place in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove until warmed through and crispy. If reheating for a crowd, place the pieces on a sheet pan in a 350ºF oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
After years of baking bacon, we've found that 400º is the sweet spot. At 350º, it just takes too long for the outside to crisp, and higher temps like 425º or 2450º tend to overcook the edges before the center is done. But 400º is the perfect balance.
No! There is no need to flip the bacon. One of the benefits of cooking bacon in the oven is that both sides cook at the same time. As the bacon cooks, the fat renders and helps it get crispy right in the pan without ever having to handle it.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose quality bacon, preferably thick-sliced. Look for bacon that has meat from end to end.
- In order to fit more slices on each sheet, alternate the wide and thin ends of each slice.
- When baking multiple sheets, rotate halfway through to ensure even baking.
- Watch carefully at the end because it will burn quickly.
More recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Baked Bacon Recipe
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon preferably thick-cut
Instructions
Basic Oven-Baked Bacon
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.1 lb bacon
- Line bacon on sheet pan alternating wide and narrow ends. Place in the oven.
- Start checking it around the 10 minute mark for thin sliced bacon. The thicker slices can take closer to 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from the sheet pan onto a paper towel-lined plate to cool and drain.
Notes
- Choose quality bacon, preferably thick-sliced. Look for bacon that has meat from end to end.
- In order to fit more slices on each sheet, alternate the wide and thin ends of each slice.
- When baking multiple sheets, rotate halfway through to ensure even baking.
- Watch carefully at the end because it will burn quickly.
- Maple syrup: Use 2.5 tablespoons brushed on the top.
- Brown sugar: Sprinkle 2.5 tablespoons evenly across the slices.
- Chipotle chili powder: Optional, but a great way to add smokiness and spice.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Jennifer says
I’m batch cooking for the week, and this made cooking some fun bacon super easy! Really tasty!
Misty says
Glad you liked it!
Rachel says
I used the bacon in a mac and cheese recipe to add some meat. This way of making bacon really reduces the mess!
Danielle says
Everything's better with bacon! Sounds delish!
Theresa D. says
This is the best way to make bacon! Our families favorite is the brown sugar bacon. It is so good on salads, burgers, and of course for breakfast!
Misty says
Yes, I totally agreee... best way to make bacon ever! The brown sugar option is my favorite too.
Sally says
Really tasty bacon! It was crispy, just how I like it. And I love how easy it was to clean up 😀.
Aspen says
This is the most amazing bacon! It really is addicting and so easy!