If you love bacon but hate the greasy splatter and uneven cooking on the stovetop, baking it in the oven might just change your breakfast game. Oven-baked bacon is less messy, cooks evenly, and delivers deliciously crispy results every time with barely any effort. Whether you like it chewy, crispy, or somewhere in between, this easy method is foolproof and perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
Why Bake Bacon in the Oven?
- Less mess – No splattering grease all over your stovetop
- Even cooking – All your slices cook at the same time and temp
- Perfect texture – Whether you like it crispy or tender, the oven gives you control
- Hands-free – No flipping, no hovering,just pop it in and relax
Ready to make the best bacon of your life? Here’s how!
Step-by-Step Guide to Oven-Baked Bacon
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for evenly cooked, crispy bacon without burning.
Step 2: Line a Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Foil is great for catching grease, while parchment prevents sticking.
Step 3: Arrange the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer across the baking sheet. The edges can touch slightly, but don’t overlap them,this helps them cook evenly.
Optional: For even crispier bacon, place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined sheet and lay the bacon on the rack. This allows the fat to drip down as it cooks.
Step 4: Bake
- Regular/thin bacon: Bake for 12–16 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: Bake for 18–22 minutes
Check around the 12-minute mark to monitor doneness. Bacon can go from perfect to overcooked quickly!
Step 5: Drain and Cool
Once the bacon is golden and crisp (or however you like it), remove it from the oven. Use tongs to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra grease.
Tips for Perfect Oven Bacon
- For extra crispy bacon: Use a wire rack and bake a few extra minutes.
- For chewy bacon: Take it out when the edges are just browned but the middle still looks soft.
- Watch closely in the final minutes—it cooks fast at the end!
Easy Cleanup Tips
- Let the foil or parchment cool completely, then simply fold it up and toss it—no greasy pan scrubbing.
- If you used a wire rack, soak it in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.
Bonus: Save That Bacon Grease!
After baking, let the grease cool slightly. Carefully pour it into a heat-safe jar or container through a fine mesh strainer or paper towel. Store it in the fridge and use it to add flavor to:
- Scrambled eggs
- Roasted veggies
- Fried potatoes
- Homemade gravy
It’s liquid gold!
Final Thoughts
Oven-baked bacon is a total game-changer. It’s easy, low-fuss, and gives you perfectly cooked strips every time whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking up a big family breakfast. So skip the skillet, grab a sheet pan, and let your oven do all the sizzling work.
Happy bacon baking! 🥓