Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but baking it in the oven has become increasingly popular due to its ease and consistency.
However, with so many different recipes and techniques out there, it can be difficult to know what temperature to bake bacon at in the oven.
In this article, we’ll explore the various methods and temperatures for baking bacon to help you achieve perfectly crispy and delicious bacon every time.
So grab a sheet pan and let’s get started!
What Temperature To Bake Bacon At In The Oven?
The ideal temperature for baking bacon in the oven is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature works well for both regular and thick-cut bacon, and it allows the bacon to cook evenly without burning or becoming too crispy.
It’s important to note that some recipes recommend starting the bacon in a cold oven and then preheating it, while others suggest placing the bacon in a preheated oven. However, starting with a cold oven and gradually heating up the bacon renders out its fat and results in a crispier texture.
When baking bacon, it’s also important to use a wire rack if possible. This not only makes the bacon healthier by allowing excess fat to drip off, but it also helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy all around.
Why Bake Bacon In The Oven?
There are several benefits to baking bacon in the oven rather than cooking it on the stovetop. For one, it’s a hands-off method that requires minimal attention. You simply lay the bacon out on a baking sheet and let it cook while you attend to other tasks. This makes it an ideal method for cooking bacon for a crowd or when you’re short on time.
Baking bacon in the oven also produces perfectly crispy slices without any flipping or fussing. The even heat distribution in the oven ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and becomes crispy all around. Plus, there’s no splattering mess like when cooking bacon in a skillet on the stovetop.
Another benefit of baking bacon in the oven is that it’s a healthier cooking method. When you cook bacon on the stovetop, it sits in its own fat and absorbs more grease. But when you bake bacon on a wire rack, excess fat drips off and the bacon becomes crispier and less greasy.
Preparing The Bacon For Baking
Before baking the bacon, there are a few steps you can take to ensure it turns out perfectly. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Next, lay the bacon slices on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap too much. If you have an oven-safe wire rack, place it inside the sheet pan and lay the bacon on top of it. This will allow excess fat to drip off and result in a crispier texture.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your bacon, consider sprinkling on some cracked black pepper, brown sugar or chipotle chili powder before baking.
Thin-cut bacon should be baked for 10-15 minutes, medium-cut bacon for 15-20 minutes, and thick-cut bacon for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks and remove it from the oven when it’s as crispy as you’d like.
Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and drain excess grease. If you want to save the bacon grease, let it cool slightly and then pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof container and refrigerate.
With these tips, you can prepare your bacon for baking and achieve perfectly crispy and delicious results every time.
Temperature Options For Baking Bacon
While 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for baking bacon in the oven, there are other temperature options to consider depending on the thickness of the bacon and personal preference.
For slices that are fairly similar in thickness, a higher temperature such as 425 degrees Fahrenheit can be used for maximum crispiness. However, if there is a lot of variance in thickness, it’s best to stick with a lower temperature such as 350 or 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even cooking.
At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, bacon will cook more slowly and evenly, resulting in a crispy texture without burning. This method is great for those who prefer their bacon less crispy and more chewy.
For those who want their bacon extra crispy, a higher temperature such as 425 degrees Fahrenheit can be used. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the bacon to prevent burning.
Tips For Achieving Perfectly Crispy Bacon
If you’re aiming for perfectly crispy bacon, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Arrange the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the strips are not overlapping, as this can cause uneven cooking and result in some pieces being burnt while others are undercooked.
2. Bake the bacon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. It’s a good idea to check the bacon at the 15-minute mark and then leave it cooking for the remaining time if necessary.
3. If you’re using a wire rack, make sure to place it on top of the baking sheet before arranging the bacon strips. This will allow excess fat to drip off and help the bacon cook evenly.
4. If you prefer to start with a cold oven, simply place the bacon in the oven and then turn it on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the bacon to gradually heat up and render out its fat, resulting in a crispier texture.
5. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate or platter to drain. If you’re using a wire rack, you can simply remove the bacon from the rack and serve.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly crispy bacon every time you bake it in the oven.
