Are you tired of cooking bacon on the stovetop and dealing with the mess and splatters? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to cook bacon in bulk for meal prep or a big breakfast gathering.
Whatever your reason, cooking pre-cooked bacon in the oven is a game-changer. Not only is it easy and convenient, but it also produces perfectly crispy bacon every time.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods and tips for cooking pre-cooked bacon in the oven, so you can enjoy this breakfast staple without the hassle.
So, grab your baking sheet and let’s get started!
How To Cook Pre Cooked Bacon In The Oven?
There are several ways to cook pre-cooked bacon in the oven, and we’ve gathered some of the most popular methods for you to try.
Method 1: Parchment Paper
– Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Lay the pre-cooked bacon slices on the baking sheet.
– Cook the bacon for 10 to 20 minutes or until it’s as crispy as you’d like.
– Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Method 2: Foil
– Line a rimmed pan with foil.
– Lay the pre-cooked bacon strips in a line on the foil.
– Put your bacon in the oven and set the temperature to 400 degrees.
– Bake bacon for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through.
– When the bacon is cooked just the way you like it, remove from the oven and using tongs, transfer the slices to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
Method 3: Grid Tray
– Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Place your grid tray on your sheet pan.
– Place your pre-cooked bacon slices on the grid tray.
– Cook to taste! Bacon is cut at different thicknesses, so the cook time will depend on how your bacon is cut. Keep an eye on it, and pull it out of the oven when the bacon is as crispy as you like it!
– Let cool, and then place on parchment paper and store in a Ziplock bag in the fridge. This can keep for about a week!
Method 4: Freezer Paper/Wax Paper
– Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with foil. Make sure the rims are deep enough to prevent bacon fat dripping.
– Lay the pre-cooked bacon strips on the foil in a single layer.
– Put on racks in the middle of a cold oven and turn the oven on to 400F.
– Bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn the sheets around and switch shelves to encourage even cooking. Bake a second 10 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure you are not overcooking the bacon.
– Remove the bacon to plates or baking sheets lined with paper towels to drain. When sufficiently cooled, layer with freezer paper, parchment, or waxed paper in between and freeze.
What Is Pre-Cooked Bacon?
Pre-cooked bacon is bacon that has been cooked prior to packaging and is sold as a ready-to-eat product. It is often smoked with hardwoods to give it a rich, savory flavor. Pre-cooked bacon is a convenient option for those who want to save time and effort in the kitchen. It can be used in a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, salads, main dishes, and more. While pre-cooked bacon may sound appealing due to its convenience, there are some concerns about its quality and ingredients. Some producers may add curing ingredients that are not disclosed, leading to suspicion about the product’s quality. Additionally, pre-cooked bacon lacks the sizzle in the pan and aroma that comes with cooking bacon from scratch, which can be a vital part of the bacon experience. Despite these concerns, pre-cooked bacon remains a popular option for those seeking a quick and easy meal or snack.
Why Cook Pre-Cooked Bacon In The Oven?
Cooking pre-cooked bacon in the oven has several advantages over other methods. First, it allows you to cook a large amount of bacon at once, without having to stand over a stove and flip individual slices. This makes it a great option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Second, cooking bacon in the oven allows the excess fat to drip away from the bacon, resulting in a crispier and healthier end product. The use of parchment paper or foil also makes for easy cleanup, as there is no need to scrub a greasy pan.
Lastly, cooking pre-cooked bacon in the oven is a convenient way to reheat bacon that has already been cooked. Simply place the pre-cooked bacon on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven until it’s crispy and warmed through. This is a great option for busy mornings or when you need to quickly prepare a meal.
What You’ll Need To Cook Pre-Cooked Bacon In The Oven
To cook pre-cooked bacon in the oven, you’ll need a few basic items:
– Pre-cooked bacon slices
– Parchment paper, foil, or a grid tray
– Baking sheet or rimmed pan
– Tongs for removing the bacon from the oven
– Paper towel-lined plate for draining excess grease
If you choose to use parchment paper or foil, make sure it covers the entire baking sheet to prevent any grease from getting on the pan. For the grid tray method, make sure you have a sheet pan to place it on. Additionally, if you plan on storing the cooked bacon, you’ll need freezer paper, parchment paper, or waxed paper and a Ziplock bag for storage.
Method 1: Cooking Pre-Cooked Bacon On A Baking Sheet
If you’re looking for a simple and easy way to cook pre-cooked bacon in the oven, using parchment paper is a great option. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, lay the pre-cooked bacon slices on the baking sheet and cook for 10 to 20 minutes or until it’s as crispy as you’d like. Once it’s done, remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. This method is great because it allows for an easy cleanup – simply roll all the grease up into the center of the parchment paper and throw it away!
Method 2: Cooking Pre-Cooked Bacon On A Wire Rack
Cooking pre-cooked bacon on a wire rack is a popular method that many people swear by. However, it’s important to note that this method can be time-consuming and difficult to clean up. Here’s how to do it:
– Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
– Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
– Lay pre-cooked bacon strips on the wire rack, making sure they don’t overlap.
– Cook bacon for 10-15 minutes or until it’s as crispy as you’d like.
– Remove from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
While cooking bacon on a wire rack can result in crispy, evenly-cooked bacon, it can also be a hassle to clean up. The grease can drip down onto the baking sheet and wire rack, making it difficult to clean. Additionally, the wire rack can be tricky to clean thoroughly. If you choose to use this method, be prepared for some extra cleanup time.
Tips For Perfectly Crispy Pre-Cooked Bacon
If you want your pre-cooked bacon to come out perfectly crispy, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Use a baking sheet with a rim: This will help contain any grease that may drip from the bacon while it’s cooking.
2. Use parchment paper, foil, or a grid tray: These options will help the bacon cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
3. Preheat the oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before you put the bacon in.
4. Watch the cook time: The cook time will vary depending on how thick your bacon is and how crispy you want it to be. Keep an eye on it and pull it out of the oven when it’s as crispy as you like.
5. Let it cool: Once the bacon is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes on a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb any excess grease.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly crispy pre-cooked bacon every time you cook it in the oven.
