Devin Jacobs
There’s something irresistible about the smell of bacon sizzling, but standing over a frying pan isn’t exactly relaxing. That’s when the oven method changes everything. It’s cleaner, easier, and gives you perfect crispness every time. Keep reading to learn the foolproof way to bake bacon that’s perfectly crunchy and totally stress-free.
Preheat The Oven
First up, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Skipping this step or starting cold can lead to uneven, chewy strips. It takes a few extra minutes, sure, but the reward? Perfect crunch in every bite, every single time.
Prep Your Pan
Line your sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. If you want them extra crispy, add a wire rack so the fat drips away while cooking. Bacon cooked right in the pan turns out greasier, while rack-baked strips stay evenly crisp and beautifully golden.
Arrange The Slices
Spread out your bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures every strip cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. A standard baking sheet usually fits 8–12 slices, depending on thickness. Don’t worry if they touch slightly; they’ll shrink as they cook.
Position The Pan
Place your tray right in the center of the oven, as that’s the sweet spot for even heat. Here’s the best part: you don’t even need to flip the bacon! Unlike frying, this delivers perfect crispness on both sides, with zero splatter and minimal effort.
Bake And Relax
Bake for 18–20 minutes and let the oven do the work. The timing is forgiving, so there’s no need to hover—just relax until it’s done without worrying about overcooking or constant checking.
Finish Crisping
If you love extra-crispy bacon, keep it in the oven for a couple more minutes. Thick-cut slices can take up to 25 minutes, while thin ones are done in around 15. Bacon cooks beautifully in its own fat to create that irresistible balance between chewy and crisp.
Remove Promptly
As soon as your bacon looks just right, take it out. You can use tongs to transfer it to a paper towel to absorb the grease. If you let it sit on the hot pan too long, it can make it overcooked and greasy, so move fast.
Save The Drippings
Don’t toss that liquid gold! Once slightly cooled, pour the bacon grease into a heatproof jar. It’s incredible for frying eggs, roasting veggies, or adding smoky flavor to potatoes. Think of it as the ultimate kitchen hack that adds instant depth to everyday dishes.
Serve It Right
Serve your bacon immediately while it’s hot and crisp. Oven-baked strips cook evenly, which makes them ideal for BLTs or brunch boards. Once cooled, bacon starts to lose that perfect crunch. Serve it fresh and let everyone dig in.
Experiment With Seasonings
Feeling creative? Sprinkle your bacon with your favorite seasoning before baking. Or, for a brunch twist, try maple syrup with a dash of cayenne. These add-ons bring a sweet, spicy kick without messing up that crispy texture we all crave.