How to Make Roast Bacon in the Oven
Bacon is delicious and a must for any breakfast, but frying it can be messy and time-consuming. It splatters, and even after you turn it off, it still covers your stove, counters, and cabinets with a fine mist of grease.
It’s no wonder that most people avoid frying bacon in the first place! But it’s not as hard to make crispy, garlicky, perfectly cooked bacon in the oven.
How to Roast Bacon
Cooking bacon in the oven is easy and clean-up is quick. It’s also a great way to feed a crowd, or meal prep for the week.
There are lots of different types and sizes of bacon available, so pick a variety that suits your taste and preference. You can choose uncured, cured, applewood-smoked, or hickory-smoked bacon; thick, thin, center-cut, or turkey-style.
Using a Metal Rack
One of the best ways to get crispy bacon is on a metal baking rack. This allows the fat to drip off and allow your bacon to cook more evenly, so you’re left with crisp, juicy slices that don’t stick together.
This step is important if you’re cooking large amounts of bacon, as it will ensure that your bacon gets extra-crispy. For smaller batches, simply line a sheet pan with foil and lay the strips out in a single layer.
You may want to overlap the strips a bit, but don’t let them touch. If you have a lot of bacon, you can always use a wire rack to elevate the strips so they cook from all sides.
To keep a large amount of bacon from sticking together, make sure to line your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze, and prevent you from scrubbing stuck-on bacon pieces.
A cooling rack is also helpful, especially if you’re cooking large amounts of thick-cut or extra-thick bacon. This will elevate the strips, allowing them to cook from all sides and give them that extra crunch!
Once you’ve finished cooking, remove the bacon from the pan and transfer it to a plate to drain. You can then reheat individual slices in the microwave or a skillet over low heat.
If you’re cooking for a large crowd or meal prep, don’t forget to freeze any leftovers for later. You can keep the cooked bacon in a sealed container or ziplock bag for up to a week in the refrigerator, or freeze it whole and then slice it up when you’re ready to eat.
How to Bake at 400°F or 375°F
For the best results, bake your bacon at 400°F (204°C) or 375°F for 12-20 minutes, depending on your desired thickness. This should be enough to give your bacon a golden brown, but crispy exterior and slightly chewy interior.
To avoid overcooking your bacon, start checking it after about 15 minutes of baking. This is also a good time to flip your bacon, so that both sides are evenly crispy.