Make perfectly crispy bacon every time with this simple oven-baked method. Less mess, more flavor, and a consistent texture.

Introduction:

Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon is the easiest and most foolproof way to make bacon with perfectly even crispness and less mess. Forget standing over a hot stove and dealing with splattering grease—baking bacon in the oven allows for hands-free cooking and consistent results every time. Whether you prefer your bacon super crispy or with a bit of chew, this method delivers perfectly cooked bacon strips with minimal effort. Oven-baked bacon also allows you to cook a large batch at once, making it ideal for breakfast gatherings, meal prepping, or adding a delicious topping to dishes like salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze when you line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. With this simple technique, you’ll enjoy bacon that’s crispy, delicious, and evenly cooked in just minutes.

Ingredients:

• 12 strips of bacon (thick-cut or regular)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for lining)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon

1. Prepare Bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the strips are not overlapping for even cooking.
2. Optional: For extra crispy bacon, place an oven-safe wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the bacon strips on top of the rack. This allows the fat to drip off, resulting in crispier bacon.

Step 3: Bake the Bacon

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and desired crispiness.
   • Thick-Cut Bacon: Bake for 20-25 minutes.
   • Regular Bacon: Bake for 15-20 minutes.
2. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bacon after the 15-minute mark. The bacon will continue to crisp as it cools, so remove it when it looks slightly less crispy than you want.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

1. Drain Excess Grease: Using tongs, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess grease.
2. Serve: Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container to use later.

How to Prepare:

• Use a Rack: Cooking the bacon on a wire rack will make it extra crispy by allowing the fat to drain away from the strips.
• Line the Pan: For easy cleanup, always line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch the grease.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (depending on thickness)
• Total Time: 20-30 minutes

Servings:

• Yields: 12 strips of bacon (serves 4-6)

FAQs:

1. How do I store leftover bacon?

• Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

2. Can I freeze cooked bacon?

• Yes! Freeze cooked bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

3. What if I want chewier bacon?

• For chewier bacon, reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes and remove the bacon when it is still soft in the middle but cooked through.

4. Do I need to flip the bacon while it bakes?

• No flipping is required! The bacon cooks evenly on both sides without flipping, especially when cooked on a wire rack.

5. Can I use this method for turkey bacon?

• Yes! Turkey bacon can be baked using the same method but typically requires less time. Start checking for doneness at 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion:

With this Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon recipe, you’ll never have to worry about greasy stovetop splatters or unevenly cooked bacon again. This method is not only incredibly easy but also results in perfectly crispy bacon with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re making breakfast for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply adding bacon to your favorite dishes, oven-baked bacon is the way to go. You’ll love how effortless and mess-free this method is, and the bacon comes out just as crispy and flavorful as you like it. Once you try baking your bacon, you may never go back to pan-frying again!