Bacon is a breakfast staple that many of us can’t live without. But let’s be honest, cooking it on the stovetop can be a messy and greasy affair.
That’s where the oven comes in! Cooking bacon in the oven is a game-changer, producing perfectly crispy strips without the splatter. Plus, you can cook larger batches at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
But will bacon splatter in the oven? We’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to ensure your bacon comes out perfectly every time.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy delicious bacon without the mess!
Will Bacon Splatter In The Oven?
One of the biggest concerns when cooking bacon in the oven is whether or not it will splatter. The good news is that when done correctly, bacon cooked in the oven will not splatter.
The key to avoiding splatter is to use a rimmed baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will catch any grease that may drip off the bacon while it cooks.
Another tip is to place the bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet, without overlapping the strips. Overlapping can cause the bacon not to crisp up as well and may result in uneven cooking.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the bacon while it cooks. Depending on the thickness of the bacon, cooking times may vary. Check on it every few minutes towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn.
The Benefits Of Cooking Bacon In The Oven
Cooking bacon in the oven has several benefits that make it a preferred method for many people. Here are some of the benefits of cooking bacon in the oven:
1. Even Cooking: Bacon cooked on the stove tends to be crispier on the edges while other parts are undercooked. This is because it only receives heat from below. Cooking bacon in the oven allows it to cook more consistently because it is getting cooked from all sides. This results in evenly cooked bacon that is crispy and delicious.
2. Crispier Bacon: Because the bacon is cooked evenly from all sides in the oven, it is also crispier without risking burning it. Following the right recipe guarantees you will get the golden, crispy and irresistible bacon we all know and love.
3. Effortless and Time-Saving: Making bacon in the oven is a great way to prep large batches of bacon for a large family breakfast. If you have a big oven, you can even place 2 baking sheets next to each other and bake about 24 bacon strips at the same time, in about 15-20 minutes. During this time, you can make fried eggs, hard-boiled eggs, omelets, or to make a batch of healthy pancakes to complete your breakfast.
4. No Splatter: When using this oven baked bacon method, there is no splatter in the oven, the bacon just sizzles and the foil in the baking sheet catches all the grease and the oven stays clean.
5. Easy Cleanup: No messy cleanup. Make sure the foil extends up the sides of the pan so it captures all the bacon grease. Just throw away the foil after storing the bacon drippings, and washing the baking dish is a breeze. Usually, if you use heavy-duty aluminum foil, the pan hardly gets greasy.
How To Prepare Bacon For Oven Cooking
Preparing bacon for oven cooking is a simple process that can help ensure even cooking and crispy results. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, typically 400°F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with either aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will help catch any grease that may drip off the bacon while it cooks.
3. Lay the bacon slices on the lined baking sheet in a single layer, without overlapping them. If you have a lot of bacon to cook, you can use multiple baking sheets.
4. If you want extra crispy bacon, you can use an oven-safe cooling rack and place it on top of the lined baking sheet. This will allow the grease to drain away from the bacon as it cooks.
5. If desired, season the bacon with spices like cracked black pepper, brown sugar, or chili powder before placing it in the oven.
6. Bake the bacon for the recommended time based on its thickness, checking it every few minutes towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn.
7. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bacon slices to a paper towel-lined plate using tongs. This will help absorb any excess grease.
By following these steps, you can prepare your bacon for oven cooking and enjoy delicious, crispy results without worrying about any splattering.
Tips For Preventing Bacon Splatter In The Oven
Splattering grease can be a concern when cooking bacon in the oven, but there are a few tips to help prevent it.
First, consider using a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This will allow the bacon to cook more evenly and any excess grease will drip down onto the baking sheet instead of splattering all over your oven.
Another trick is to add a small amount of water to the baking sheet before cooking the bacon. This will help render the fat from the bacon and prevent it from popping and splattering. Just be sure not to add too much water, as it may affect the texture of the bacon.
If you prefer not to use water, you can also loosely cover the bacon with a sheet of parchment paper while it cooks. This will help contain any grease that may splatter.
Lastly, be sure to remove the bacon from the oven carefully and allow it to cool slightly before handling. This will help prevent any hot grease from splattering onto your skin.
By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked bacon in the oven without any messy splatters.
Oven Temperature And Cooking Time For Perfectly Crispy Bacon
When it comes to cooking bacon in the oven, the temperature and cooking time are crucial factors in achieving perfectly crispy bacon.
The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in the oven is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the bacon to cook evenly and become crispy without burning or becoming too dry. Temperatures over 400 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the bacon to burn on the ends while the middle remains undercooked.
The cooking time for bacon in the oven will vary based on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. For thin-cut bacon, it typically takes 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to reach the desired level of crispiness. For medium-cut bacon, it may take 15-20 minutes, while thicker-cut bacon may require 20-25 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time and adjust as needed to prevent burning.
It’s also important to note that starting with a cold oven is key to achieving perfectly crispy bacon. Placing the bacon in a cold oven allows it to slowly render its fat, resulting in a crispier texture than if it were placed in a preheated oven.
Creative Ways To Use Oven-Cooked Bacon In Your Meals.
Now that you know how to cook bacon in the oven without splattering, let’s explore some creative ways to use it in your meals.
1. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap a strip of oven-cooked bacon around each asparagus spear and bake until crispy. This makes for a delicious and easy side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff pitted dates with goat cheese and wrap them in oven-cooked bacon. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted for a sweet and savory appetizer.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then wrap them in oven-cooked bacon. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy for a tasty main dish.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts: Toss halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then wrap them in oven-cooked bacon. Bake until the sprouts are tender and the bacon is crispy for a flavorful side dish.
5. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Cups: Line muffin cups with oven-cooked bacon, crack an egg into each cup, and bake until the eggs are set. Serve with toast for a delicious breakfast.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes, then stuff with cream cheese and wrap in oven-cooked bacon. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted for a spicy appetizer.
These are just a few ways to use oven-cooked bacon in your meals. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to find your new favorite dish!