If you crave that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender bite, you need to try The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe. This method transforms ordinary bacon into a golden, evenly cooked delight without the mess or fuss of frying. Whether you want a quick breakfast upgrade or a flavor-packed addition to any meal, this recipe delivers consistent results that will easily become your go-to technique for bacon bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines in its simplicity—the ingredients are few, but each one is essential to bring out the best flavor and texture. Getting the right bacon and preparation method guarantees your bacon turns out perfectly crisp and delicious every time.
- Bacon slices: Choose high-quality bacon for the richest flavor and the best texture, whether thick or thin cut depending on your preference.
- Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while cooking the bacon evenly.
How to Make The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key to easy cleanup and prevents any bacon grease from sticking to the pan, making the cooking process seamless and hassle-free.
Step 2: Arrange the Bacon
Lay your bacon slices in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure each slice is spaced out and they’re not touching. This allows the heat to circulate properly, ensuring every strip cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully without sticking together.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14 minutes if you prefer chewy bacon, or extend the cooking time up to 18 minutes for that irresistible extra crispiness. Keep an eye on it near the end as every oven heats slightly differently. Remember, the bacon will keep crisping a little after you take it out of the oven.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Once your bacon has reached your desired level of crunch, transfer the slices to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease. You can discard the grease or save it in a jar—it makes a fantastic flavorful cooking fat for eggs, veggies, or even popcorn. And just like that, you’ve mastered The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe!
How to Serve The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate your bacon experience. Freshly cracked black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika can add a subtle kick and enhance the smoky flavor. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup right after baking adds an irresistible contrast to the savory crunch.
Side Dishes
The versatility of bacon means it’s ready to partner up with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and buttered toast for a classic breakfast. Or add it crumbled over salads, mashed potatoes, or even baked mac and cheese to bring that smoky richness and satisfying texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Roll your baked bacon slices and secure them with toothpicks to create bacon “cigars” perfect for appetizers. Or crumble and sprinkle them atop deviled eggs or stuffed mushrooms for a delightful twist. The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe isn’t just tasty; it’s flexible enough to be part of any creative culinary display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, bacon stores wonderfully in the refrigerator inside an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, letting you enjoy The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe whenever the craving hits without starting from scratch.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze cooked bacon by placing individual slices on a baking sheet to freeze separately, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab single portions as needed, keeping that delicious flavor intact for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat bacon gently in a microwave with a paper towel underneath to keep it crisp, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. This quick reheating method revives the texture and taste, making every bite as enjoyable as the first time you made The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe.
FAQs
Can I bake bacon at a temperature other than 400 degrees Fahrenheit?
Absolutely, but 400 degrees strikes the perfect balance between crispiness and cooking time. Lower temperatures may take longer and produce chewier bacon, while higher temps risk burning. 400 degrees ensures consistent results every time.
Should I flip the bacon during baking?
No need to flip the bacon when baking in the oven. The heat circulates evenly, so flipping isn’t necessary. This really cuts down on hassle and keeps the bacon slices crisp on both sides.
What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
Both thick-cut and regular sliced bacon work well. Thick-cut will yield meatier, chewier slices, while thinner cuts will crisp up faster. Choose based on your preference for texture.
Can I add seasonings to the bacon before baking?
Yes! Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, or brown sugar on the bacon before baking for a delicious twist. Just be cautious with sugary toppings as they can burn if left too long in the oven.
Is it safe to save the bacon grease?
Definitely. Bacon grease is a flavorful fat perfect for cooking other dishes like eggs or roasted vegetables. Just strain out any bits of food and store it in a clean jar in the fridge for up to a month.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the ease and deliciousness of The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe to brighten up your meals. Whether you’re prepping breakfast for the family or just craving the perfect snack, this simple and foolproof method will quickly become a staple. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with bacon all over again.
Print
The Best Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 to 18 minutes
- Total Time: 19 to 23 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy oven-baked bacon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, crispy bacon slices with minimal mess. Baking bacon in the oven allows for even cooking and frees up your stovetop while producing deliciously crispy results, making it ideal for breakfast or adding to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange the bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on top of the parchment paper, ensuring the slices do not overlap or touch. This spacing allows the bacon to crisp evenly.
- Bake the bacon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the bacon for 14 minutes if you prefer it chewy or up to 18 minutes for extra crispy bacon. Remember that the bacon will continue cooking slightly after you remove it from the oven due to residual heat.
- Drain and serve: Using tongs, transfer the cooked bacon slices onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Discard or save the leftover bacon grease in a jar for future cooking. Serve the bacon warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Check the bacon periodically near the end of baking time to avoid overcooking, as oven temperatures may vary.
- For easier cleanup, you can use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet so the bacon cooks elevated and the grease drips below.
- Save the rendered bacon grease to add smoky flavor to vegetables, eggs, or frying potatoes.
- Using parchment paper helps to prevent sticking and makes disposal quick and simple.
