Description
Oven-Baked Bacon is a simple and mess-free method to achieve perfectly crispy, evenly cooked bacon strips every time. This hands-off baking technique reduces grease splatter, allows batch cooking, and lets you customize the crispiness to your liking, making it an ideal choice for hassle-free breakfasts and meal preps.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Bacon strips (thick or thin cut) – amount as desired
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for lining)
- Rimmed baking sheet
Optional Seasonings
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Brown sugar
- Cayenne pepper or chili flakes (for spicy kick)
- Maple syrup or honey (for sweet & savory finish)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for herb-infused flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the ideal temperature that crisps bacon just right without burning.
- Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch grease and prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Bacon Strips: Lay bacon strips side by side on the tray without overlapping to allow even cooking and proper airflow.
- Add Seasonings (Optional): Lightly sprinkle your choice of seasonings if desired, keeping in mind bacon is flavorful on its own.
- Bake the Bacon: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, checking near the end to reach your perfect level of crispiness.
- Drain and Serve: Remove bacon strips and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease before serving.
Notes
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow fat to drip away, promoting even crispiness.
- Watch closely after 15 minutes, as baking times vary depending on bacon thickness.
- Save rendered bacon grease for cooking or flavoring other dishes.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; overlapping strips will steam and become soggy.
- Turn on kitchen ventilation to manage strong bacon aroma.
- Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked bacon in single layers between parchment sheets for up to 2 months.
- Reheat bacon in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 15g)
- Calories: 42
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 192 mg
- Fat: 3.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg