If you are looking for the easiest and least messy way to cook up bacon nice and crispy, How to Bake Bacon is your solution! I use cooked bacon in so many recipes, so baking it in the oven is my go-to method every time. It really is a no-fail way to get the bacon as crispy as you want it to be. I also have Air Fryer Bacon you may want to check out, too!
Guide For Choosing The Best Bacon
Choosing bacon can depend on personal preferences and dietary considerations. Here are some factors to consider when selecting bacon:
- Type of Bacon: Bacon comes in different types such as regular, smoked, maple, applewood, and turkey bacon. Consider the flavor profile you prefer.
- Thickness: Bacon can vary in thickness, ranging from thin to thick-cut. (I prefer thick-cut bacon for most recipes, especially when I don’t want it to ‘get lost’ in other ingredients.)
- Quality: Look for high-quality bacon without excessive fat or added preservatives.
- Curing Method: Traditional bacon is cured with salt, but some brands may use additional curing agents or sweeteners. Read the label to understand the ingredients used in the curing process.
- Source: Consider the source of the bacon, including whether it is from sustainably raised animals or organic farms if those factors are important to you.
- Package Date: If possible, check the package date to ensure freshness. Fresher bacon will typically have better flavor and texture.
- Appearance: Look for bacon slices that are uniform in color with minimal discoloration or blemishes.
Perfectly Baked Bacon: How To Tell When It’s Done
It all depends on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you want it when it comes to baking bacon. I recommend starting to check it at the 15-minute mark. For chewy bacon, remove it from the oven when the edges start to brown. For crispier bacon, wait until the entire strip of bacon is brown. Watch it carefully! Then, place cooked bacon onto a plate lined with paper towel. This is important to remove any excess fat (so the bacon is not too greasy) and to help it keep its crispiness.
Safely Dispose Of Excess Bacon Grease
Have you ever wondered what to do with excess bacon grease? It’s important to handle it safely to keep things clean and avoid problems. Once the grease is cool, take a spoon or spatula and scrape out the solidified grease from the pan. (Never pour grease down the drain; it can harden and clog pipes!) Place the grease into a heat-safe, airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator to use in other recipes. It will last for a few months! If you prefer not to keep the grease, simply scrape the hardened grease into the garbage.
How To Store Baked Bacon
To store baked bacon for upcoming recipes, first, let it cool to room temperature. Next, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4-5 days. If you need to reheat it, do it in the oven to keep it crispy. You can reheat the bacon in the microwave, but it will lose some of the crispiness.
How To Bake Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 ounces) thick-cut bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Place the strips of bacon in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, making sure the slices do not overlap.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. (Baking time is dependant on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness.)For chewy bacon: Remove it from the oven when the edges of the strip of bacon start to brown. For crispier bacon: Wait until the entire strip of bacon is browned. Every brand of bacon is different. Depending on the thickness and the amount of fat on the slice, some can take up to 30 minutes to crisp fully. Watch the bacon carefully.
- Remove the bacon from the oven. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Baking bacon is my new go-to method! It's so easy and hands-off, and the bacon turns out perfectly crispy every time. Plus, there's way less mess to clean up afterward.
Elizabeth
This is the only method I use to cook bacon now! Seriously, it is so easy to do and clean up, I am not sure I will fry bacon again!
Annabelle
I like this method, but it takes longer than frying. It works, though!
Bella
I've always fried bacon on the stove, but after trying baking, I'm a convert! It's less messy and requires less attention, freeing me up to focus on other parts of the meal. Plus, the bacon comes out uniformly crisp.
Selena
Baking bacon is so convenient! It's hands-off, and I love how the bacon cooks evenly without curling up. Plus, there's less grease to deal with, which makes cleanup a breeze. I'll be baking my bacon from now on!
I love crispy, thick bacon. Love to
make BLT’s !!
Great idea, what baking temp?
Thanks. Dick
Sure – #1 in the instructions says 425°F.
I have recently, (6 months ago) started using this method. It saves so much cleaning up, as there are no splatters of fat and grease on the stove top. AND no burning your hands when trying to move the bacon around!