Bacon is a breakfast staple that can be cooked in many different ways, but have you ever tried baking it in the oven?
Not only is it a hands-off approach, but it also results in perfectly crispy bacon every time. However, the key to success is getting the temperature just right.
In this article, we’ll explore the best temperature for baking bacon in the oven and share some tips and tricks to make sure your bacon turns out deliciously crispy.
So, grab a sheet pan and let’s get started!
What Temperature Do You Bake Bacon On In The Oven?
When it comes to baking bacon in the oven, the ideal temperature is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the bacon to cook evenly and crisp up nicely without burning.
While some recipes may suggest starting with a cold oven, we recommend preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before placing your bacon in the oven. This ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and reaches the desired level of crispiness.
It’s important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon slices. For medium-cut bacon, we recommend cooking for 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you’re using thick-cut bacon, you may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked and crispy.
Why Bake Bacon In The Oven?
There are several reasons why baking bacon in the oven is a great option. Firstly, it’s a hands-off cooking method that requires minimal effort. Unlike pan-frying, you don’t need to flip the bacon or worry about it splattering all over your stovetop. Simply lay the bacon on a baking sheet and let it cook in the oven.
Another benefit of baking bacon in the oven is that it allows for even cooking and crispy results. By cooking the bacon on a flat surface, it cooks evenly on both sides without any curling or uneven cooking. Plus, you can easily monitor the level of crispiness and remove it from the oven when it’s just right.
Baking bacon in the oven is also a great option when cooking for a crowd. You can cook multiple slices at once on a large baking sheet, making it easy to feed a group of people without having to stand over the stove flipping bacon in batches.
Finally, baking bacon in the oven is a healthier option compared to pan-frying. When baking, the excess fat drips off the bacon and collects on the baking sheet, resulting in less greasy and fatty bacon. Plus, you can easily discard the excess grease and avoid consuming unnecessary calories.
Choosing The Right Temperature
When it comes to choosing the right temperature for baking bacon in the oven, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the thickness of your bacon slices can impact the cooking time and temperature needed. If your bacon slices are fairly uniform in thickness, a higher temperature such as 400 or even 425 degrees Fahrenheit will work best. This higher temperature will cook the bacon faster and result in maximum crispiness.
On the other hand, if there is a lot of variance in thickness between your bacon slices, it’s best to stick with a lower temperature such as 350 or 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that all of the bacon slices cook evenly without burning the thinner slices.
It’s also important to note that temperatures over 400 degrees Fahrenheit don’t necessarily cook the bacon faster. In fact, this can often result in burnt edges before the middle of the bacon is even crispy. Therefore, the sweet spot temperature for cooking bacon in the oven is 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparing The Bacon For Baking
Before you can bake your bacon in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by lining a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent the bacon from sticking and make clean-up easier.
Next, lay your bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap too much. If you’re using thin-cut bacon, you can arrange the slices in a single layer on top of the foil. However, if you’re using thicker bacon, consider using an oven-safe cooling rack to allow excess grease to drain away while the bacon cooks.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your bacon, feel free to sprinkle on some seasoning like cracked black pepper, brown sugar, or chipotle chili powder before placing it in the oven.
Once your bacon is arranged on the baking sheet, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the baking sheet inside. Cook your bacon for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. If you’re cooking multiple pans of bacon at once, be sure to rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
Once your bacon is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and use tongs to transfer the slices to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow excess grease to drain off before serving.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to bake delicious and crispy bacon in your oven every time!
Tips For Perfectly Crispy Bacon
If you’re looking for perfectly crispy bacon every time, here are some tips to follow:
1. Use a wire rack: Placing your bacon on a wire rack on top of your baking sheet allows the hot air to circulate around the bacon, resulting in crispier slices.
2. Don’t overlap the bacon: While it may be tempting to fit as many slices as possible on your baking sheet, overlapping the bacon can prevent it from cooking evenly and becoming crispy.
3. Keep an eye on it: Check your bacon after 15 minutes and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can quickly go from crispy to burnt.
4. Use a timer: Set a timer for 15 minutes and check your bacon periodically until it’s done. This will help prevent you from forgetting about it and accidentally burning it.
5. Drain excess grease: Once your bacon is done cooking, use tongs to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. This will help keep your bacon crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly crispy bacon every time you bake it in the oven.
Cleaning Up After Baking Bacon
One of the biggest advantages of baking bacon in the oven is that it creates less mess compared to cooking it on the stove. However, there are still some steps you can take to make cleaning up even easier.
First, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before placing your bacon on it. This will prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze. Once your bacon is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Next, use tongs to transfer the bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess grease from the bacon, making it less messy and easier to handle.
Once you’ve removed all the bacon from the baking sheet, allow the sheet to cool down completely. Then, simply crumple up the parchment paper and throw it away. This will save you time and effort when it comes to scrubbing down your baking sheet.
If there are any stubborn bits of grease or bacon stuck to the pan, you can use a non-abrasive scrubber or a soft-bristled brush to gently remove them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage your baking sheet.
Lastly, make sure to store your baking sheet in a dry place once it’s clean and dry. This will prevent rust and ensure that your baking sheet lasts for many more delicious batches of bacon in the future.
