Bacon lovers, rejoice!
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to cook bacon, baking it in the oven is the way to go.
Not only does it save you from the splatter and mess of stovetop cooking, but it also yields perfectly crispy bacon every time.
But how long should you cook thick sliced bacon in the oven?
Fear not, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll break down the cooking times and temperatures for thick cut bacon, so you can enjoy your favorite breakfast food just the way you like it.
So grab your baking sheet and let’s get started!
How Long To Cook Thick Sliced Bacon In Oven?
When it comes to cooking thick sliced bacon in the oven, the cooking time will depend on a few factors.
Firstly, the thickness of your bacon will affect the cooking time. Thicker bacon will take longer to cook than thinner bacon.
Secondly, your desired level of crispness will also affect the cooking time. If you like your bacon extra crispy, you’ll need to leave it in the oven for a little longer.
As a general rule of thumb, thick cut bacon should be cooked in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 14-20 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it.
If you’re unsure about how long to cook your bacon for, start by checking it after 14 minutes. If it’s not quite done to your liking, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
It’s important to keep an eye on your bacon while it’s cooking, especially if you’re cooking a large batch. If your baking sheet is crowded with bacon slices, you may need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure that all of the slices are cooked evenly.
Prepping Your Bacon For Oven Cooking
Before you can cook your thick sliced bacon in the oven, you’ll need to prep it properly. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your oven is hot enough to cook the bacon properly.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan.
3. If you have a metal cooling rack, place it on top of the lined baking sheet. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly on all sides and prevent it from sitting in its own grease.
4. Lay your thick sliced bacon on the rack or directly on the foil-lined pan. Make sure that the slices aren’t overlapping too much, as this can cause uneven cooking.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and set a timer for 14 minutes.
6. After 14 minutes, check on your bacon. If it’s not quite done to your liking, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
7. Once your bacon is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prep your thick sliced bacon for oven cooking and ensure that it comes out perfectly crispy every time.
Setting The Temperature For Perfectly Cooked Bacon
When it comes to setting the temperature for perfectly cooked bacon in the oven, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended by some sources for baking bacon. This temperature is ideal for achieving maximum crispiness and even cooking, especially if your bacon slices are fairly uniform in thickness. However, if your bacon slices vary in thickness, it may be better to stick with a lower temperature of 350 or 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the thinner slices don’t burn while the thicker ones cook through.
Secondly, using a rack can help make your bacon crispy and evenly-cooked. The rack allows the bacon to cook on all sides, allowing for better air circulation and rendering of the fat. This also makes the bacon healthier since it allows the excess grease to drip off.
Lastly, it’s important to keep an eye on your bacon as it cooks. While a higher temperature may result in crispier bacon, it can also increase the risk of burning if left unattended. It’s best to check your bacon periodically and adjust the cooking time or temperature as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.
Tips For Achieving Crispy And Delicious Bacon Every Time
If you’re looking to achieve perfectly crispy and delicious bacon every time, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. Here are some suggestions to help you cook the best bacon possible:
1. Use the oven: Cooking bacon in the oven is one of the best ways to achieve crispy, evenly cooked bacon without all the mess. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil, place a wire rack on top, and lay out your bacon slices. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
2. Boil it: If you don’t want to use the oven, another method for achieving crispy bacon is to boil it first. Place your bacon slices in a cold pan and add enough water to just cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the water evaporates and the bacon is crispy.
3. Use a brick: For those who prefer cast-iron cooking, try using a brick to weigh down your bacon as it cooks on high heat. This will help it cook evenly and prevent grease from popping out of the pan.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to leave enough space between each bacon slice so that they can cook evenly. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy bacon.
5. Check frequently: Keep an eye on your bacon as it cooks to avoid burning or undercooking. If you’re cooking a large batch, rotate the pan halfway through cooking to ensure that all slices are cooked evenly.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly crispy and delicious bacon every time you cook it. Experiment with different methods and find what works best for you and your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions For Your Perfectly Cooked Bacon
Once you’ve mastered the art of cooking perfectly crispy bacon in the oven, the possibilities for serving it are endless. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
1. Breakfast sandwiches: Add a few slices of bacon to your favorite breakfast sandwich for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
2. Eggs: Bacon and eggs are a classic breakfast combination. Serve your bacon alongside scrambled, fried, or poached eggs for a hearty and satisfying meal.
3. Pancakes and waffles: For a sweet and savory breakfast, serve your bacon alongside a stack of fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles.
4. BLT sandwiches: The classic combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato is always a hit. Add some mayo and your favorite bread for a delicious lunchtime treat.
5. Salads: Crumble some bacon on top of your favorite salad for an added crunch and salty flavor.
6. Appetizers: Wrap bacon around shrimp or scallops for a delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress.
7. Macaroni and cheese: Add some crumbled bacon to your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe for an extra layer of flavor.
8. Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables like corn or asparagus pair perfectly with crispy bacon crumbles.
9. Baked potatoes: Top a baked potato with sour cream, chives, and crispy bacon for a filling and flavorful meal.
10. Snacks: Keep some crispy bacon on hand for a quick and satisfying snack whenever hunger strikes.
No matter how you choose to serve it, perfectly cooked bacon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the deliciousness!
