Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can be cooked in a variety of ways. While frying bacon on the stovetop is a popular method, cooking bacon in the oven is a great alternative that yields crispy, evenly cooked strips without the mess.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook bacon in the oven using Martha Stewart’s tried and true method. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious bacon that’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or even as a topping for salads.
So let’s get started!
How To Cook Bacon In Oven Martha Stewart?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that your bacon will cook evenly and become crispy without burning.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Arrange Your Bacon
Lay your bacon strips flat on the prepared baking sheet, making sure that they do not overlap. If you want extra-crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lay the bacon strips on top of the rack.
Step 4: Bake Your Bacon
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until your bacon is crisp and browned, which should take about 15 to 18 minutes. If you prefer your bacon less crispy, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 5: Drain Your Bacon
Once your bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain off any excess grease.
Why Cook Bacon In The Oven?
Cooking bacon in the oven is a popular method for many reasons. First and foremost, it is a hands-off approach that allows you to cook bacon without having to stand over a hot stove and constantly flip the strips. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or when cooking for a crowd.
Additionally, cooking bacon in the oven allows the bacon to cook evenly and become crispy all over. This is because the heat from the oven is able to surround the bacon on all sides, resulting in perfectly cooked strips.
Another benefit of cooking bacon in the oven is that it is a relatively mess-free process. By lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, you can catch any grease drippings and make cleanup a breeze.
Preparing The Bacon For Oven Cooking
Before you can cook your bacon in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare it. Here are the steps you should follow:
Step 1: Choose Your Bacon
When it comes to cooking bacon in the oven, the type of bacon you choose can make a big difference. Thick-cut bacon is ideal for oven cooking because it holds up well and becomes crispy without burning. However, if you prefer regular or thin-cut bacon, that will work too.
Step 2: Determine How Much Bacon You Need
Before you start cooking, decide how much bacon you want to make. You’ll need to make sure that you have enough space on your baking sheet for all of the bacon strips to lie flat without overlapping.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that your bacon will cook evenly and become crispy without burning.
Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 5: Arrange Your Bacon
Lay your bacon strips flat on the prepared baking sheet, making sure that they do not overlap. If you want extra-crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lay the bacon strips on top of the rack.
Step 6: Season Your Bacon (Optional)
If you want to add some extra flavor to your bacon, consider seasoning it before putting it in the oven. Some popular options include cracked black pepper, brown sugar, or chipotle chili powder.
Step 7: Bake Your Bacon
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until your bacon is crisp and browned, which should take about 15 to 18 minutes. If you prefer your bacon less crispy, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 8: Drain Your Bacon
Once your bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain off any excess grease.
Martha Stewart’s Oven Cooking Method
Martha Stewart, the renowned chef and television personality, has her own method for cooking bacon in the oven. Her technique involves preheating the oven to 375°F and arranging the bacon on a slotted broiler pan or a wire cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet. This allows the bacon to cook evenly and become crispy without becoming greasy.
Martha Stewart also recommends using a preheated oven at a temperature of 400°F for baking bacon. This temperature ensures that the bacon cooks evenly, regardless of its thickness, and does not splatter. She suggests lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and laying the bacon strips flat on top of it. For extra-crispy bacon, she recommends placing a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and laying the bacon strips on top of it.
Once the bacon is in the oven, Martha Stewart advises baking it for 15 to 18 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. When it’s done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain off any excess grease.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Bacon
If you want to take your bacon game to the next level, here are some tips to ensure perfectly cooked bacon every time:
1. Use Room Temperature Bacon
Before cooking your bacon, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the bacon to cook more evenly and prevent it from curling up in the pan.
2. Don’t Preheat Your Skillet
Unlike other cooking methods, when cooking bacon on the stove, it’s best to start with a cold skillet. This will allow the bacon to cook slowly and render its fat evenly for a better texture.
3. Use a Wire Rack
If you’re baking your bacon in the oven, placing a wire rack on top of your baking sheet will allow the bacon to cook evenly and become crispy all around.
4. Keep an Eye on It
Bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds, so it’s important to keep an eye on it while it’s cooking. Check on it frequently and adjust the cooking time as needed.
5. Save the Bacon Grease
Don’t throw away that delicious bacon grease! After cooking your bacon, strain the grease through a fine mesh sieve and store it in a glass container in the fridge. You can use it for cooking or frying later on.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook perfectly crispy and delicious bacon every time, whether you’re using the oven or stovetop method.
Cleaning Up After Oven Cooking
Cooking bacon in the oven is a great way to avoid the mess and splatter that comes with frying it on the stovetop. However, it’s important to properly clean up after oven cooking to ensure that your kitchen stays clean and safe.
Step 1: Let Your Baking Sheet Cool
After removing your bacon from the oven, allow your baking sheet to cool down completely before attempting to clean it. This will prevent any burns or accidents.
Step 2: Remove Excess Grease
Use a paper towel or a spatula to remove any excess grease or oil from the baking sheet. Be careful not to burn yourself as the sheet may still be hot.
Step 3: Soak Your Baking Sheet
Fill your sink with hot, soapy water and place your baking sheet in it to soak. This will help loosen any remaining grease and make it easier to clean.
Step 4: Scrub Your Baking Sheet
Using a non-abrasive scrubber, gently scrub your baking sheet to remove any remaining grease or food particles. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the surface of your baking sheet.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry Your Baking Sheet
Rinse your baking sheet with hot water to remove any soap residue, then dry it thoroughly with a clean towel. Make sure to dry both the top and bottom of the sheet.
By following these simple steps, you can easily clean up after cooking bacon in the oven and keep your kitchen looking tidy and organized.
Delicious Ways To Enjoy Oven-Cooked Bacon.
Now that you have your perfectly cooked oven-baked bacon, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some delicious ways to savor this crispy treat:
1. BLT Sandwiches: Use your oven-cooked bacon to make a classic BLT sandwich. Layer toasted bread, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon for a satisfying meal.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Wrap pitted dates with a slice of bacon and bake in the oven until the bacon is crisp. This sweet and savory appetizer is sure to impress your guests.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap asparagus spears with bacon and bake until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. This makes for a delicious side dish.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Wrap chicken breasts with bacon and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. This flavorful main dish is sure to be a hit.
5. Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crumbled oven-cooked bacon to your favorite mac and cheese recipe for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
6. Breakfast Burritos: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and oven-cooked bacon for a hearty breakfast burrito.
7. Bacon Jam: Cook chopped oven-cooked bacon with onions, brown sugar, and vinegar for a sweet and savory spread that’s perfect for sandwiches or crackers.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your oven-cooked bacon, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and indulge in this delicious treat!
