This Easy Oven-Baked Bacon is hands free and perfect straight out of the oven. It's the easiest way to cook bacon and it comes out evenly crisp, mildly salty, and lightly sweet with an optional hint of heat. It's truly delicious as a side for your favorite breakfast, on a BLT, or even just for snacking on its own.
Read the full post for our tips on the best bacon to buy, how to keep the whole process mess free, and the best ways to use it up from breakfast and beyond.
I don't know about you, but standing over a hot, splattering skillet of grease is not my idea of a good time. But eating bacon is.
Luckily there is a solution to this age-old problem - BAKE IT IN THE OVEN! The best part is that while it bakes, your hands are free to finish the rest of the meal or sip on a cup of coffee - whichever the morning requires.
As a bonus, bake a few extra slices to add to this delicious Green Chili Egg Bake for the next day!
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Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon: Whether you're making plain bacon or adding a candied layer, it's important to start with thick slices of bacon to ensure it's hearty.
What you need for candied bacon
There's nothing wrong with classic bacon, but sometimes the circumstance calls for a bit more. SUGAR! A sweet, crispy layer caramelizes on the top after a coating of brown sugar, maple syrup, or a combination of the two. If you're feeling spicy, a touch of chipotle 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 heat.
How to bake bacon in the oven
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Farenheit.
- 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 easier.
- Lay out the bacon in a single layer. The edges can touch, but they shouldn't be overlapping.
- Bake it for 20-30 minutes, or until it's reached your preferred crispiness. Keep in mind that the thicker the bacon, the longer it takes to get truly crispy.
How to make candied bacon
If you want to try the candied options, follow the same steps as above, but right before baking add the sugar or syrup on top of each piece. Then bake as directed.
I mean, look at that glossy, sugary goodness. One bite and you'll be addicted. And as an added benefit, each piece comes out of the oven uniformly done... no flipping required.
How to use bacon
Besides just eating it straight from the pan, we use this bacon in or with several of our favorite recipes. Scramble eggs and make these Easiest Cream Biscuits for fantastic breakfast sandwiches.
For lunch or dinner, try these amazingly simple BELT Sandwiches (BLT + Egg). Or chop the bacon and use as a topping in this Autumn Chopped Salad, on these Jalapeno Deviled Eggs, or on this Hot Honey Pizza.
It's great for holidays as well, and one of our go to Easter 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. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove until warmed through and crispy.
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.
Recipe
Easy Oven-Baked Bacon + 3 Candied Options
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon preferably thick-cut
Candied Option 1
- 2 ½ tablespoon brown sugar
Candied Option 2
- 2 ½ tablespoon real maple syrup
Candied Option 3
- 1 ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon real maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder add more for additional heat
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.
- If you want to try candied options, follow the instructions in this step. If you're making plain bacon, skip to the next step. Option 1 & 2: After step 3, evenly apply topping to bacon. Proceed with recipe. Option 3: Combine sugar, syrup, and chili powder. Evenly apply to bacon. Proceed with recipe.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until desired crispness. Thick slices take longer than thin.
- 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.
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!