Cook Bacon in the Oven

If you’ve ever wondered Cook Bacon in the Oven, then you’re in for a game changer. No more standing over the stove or dodging grease splatters – the oven does all the work here! The result? You get crispy perfectly cooked bacon every. single. time. This hack is suited to making a big batch for a brunch, BLTs, or meal prep. And you can save the bacon drippings for future recipes. (we're looking at you Carbonara!) Once your bacon is cooked to perfection, remove the foil, toss, and cleanup is a breeze!

What stands out

Rich smoky flavor. Golden crispy edges. And that irresistible aroma. It’s no wonder bacon practically has a cult following. Cooking bacon in the oven draws out all the salty savory goodness you know and love. Each strip comes out perfectly crispy with a tender, chewy bite. Oven cooked bacon stores beautifully – it lasts in the fridge for 5-7 days – making it ideal for prepping ahead. Enjoy it in your favorite wraps, on top of a crisp salad, or with Cottage Cheese Egg Salad for a drool-worthy breakfast that hits all your macros.

Bacon: A large heavy duty baking sheet will fit one pack of bacon. We like a standard cut, but this method also works with thick cut, thin sliced, and turkey bacon – just make sure you adjust the cooking time accordingly.

For Oven Cooked Bacon, you will also need…

⬜ Aluminum foil: We like to double line our baking sheet with aluminum foil. You will seriously have zero cleanup!

Parchment paper: Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of your foil for a non-stick layer. We use this unbleached parchment paper that’s also compostable.

Kitchen tip

The trick to Oven Cooked Bacon is to double-line a baking sheet with foil and then parchment paper on top. This will ensure no mess or fuss at all.

Oven Cooked Bacon Tips for Success

• Line your pan – Use foil or parchment paper for straightforward cleanup and less sticking.
• Space it out – Lay strips in a single layer without overlapping to get perfectly even crispiness.
• Keep an eye on it – Oven temps can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid burning. (This will be key if you have thick cut or thin cut bacon.)
• Save the drippings – Bacon fat is liquid gold for cooking eggs, roasting veggies, or adding flavor to other dishes.
• Cool before storing – Let bacon cool slightly before putting it in the fridge to keep it from getting soggy.

How to Store Bacon Grease

Bacon grease is the liquid gold of fats, infusing big flavor into any dish lucky enough to be graced with its presence. It has a high smoke point which makes it suited to frying eggs or sautéing veggies, and adds richness and depth of flavor to braised meats that cannot be matched. Now that you know Cook Bacon in the Oven, save those drippings! Here’s how to store bacon grease:

• First, remove your bacon from the pan to a paper towel lined plate. This will absorb any extra grease and leave your bacon extra crispy.
• Next, line a fine mesh strainer with a paper towel. (Cheesecloth or a nut milk bag will also work.)
• Pour the bacon grease through the strainer into a glass jar. Note: You MUST use glass. Because, hot bacon grease will melt plastic.
• Finally, secure your jar with an air tight lid and store in the fridge. Next time you make bacon, add the new drippings on top of the existing layer.

Serve it with

• This Oven Cooked Bacon is great for brunch, served with French Toast CasserolePoached Eggs and a bowl of fruit.
• Use this bacon to top your Cobb Salad garnish your pasta Carbonara or on these Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
• Make a batch for Homemade Egg McMuffins and enjoy grab-and-go breakfast all week long.

Questions

strong Can we use this method with different types of bacon?

Yes, this method works well with all types of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut, thin-cut, or flavored varieties. Of course, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness.

strong Can we make Oven Cooked Bacon without lining the baking sheet?

Absolutely! We like lining the baking sheet with foil and parchment paper just to make cleanup much easier. However, you can cook bacon directly on the baking sheet. Of course, you will have more grease to clean up at the end.

strong How do we know when the bacon is done?

The Oven Cooked Bacon is done when it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes, and remember that it will continue to crisp up slightly as it cools.

How long do we bake Bacon at 400F?

The cook time for baking bacon is usually 20-25 minutes. However, you may need to adjust the time depending on whether your bacon is thick-cut or thin-cut.

Do you flip bacon when cooking in the oven?

No, it is not necessary to flip bacon when cooking it in the oven.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 1 pack bacon

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Method

1. The trick is to double line a baking sheet with foil and then parchment paper on top. This will ensure absolutely no mess or fuss at all.
2. Place the bacon on the lined baking sheet and make sure the oven is preheated to 400F (200C) or 425F (220C). Both temperatures work but cooking it at 400F (200C) takes a few minutes longer.
3. Our bacon usually takes 20-25 minutes but be mindful that timing will depend on the oven or how cooked you like your bacon so keep an eye on it. Enjoy!

Kitchen notes

• Space it out – Lay strips in a single layer without overlapping to get perfectly even crispiness.
• Keep an eye on it – Oven temps can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid burning. (This will be key if you have thick cut or thin cut bacon.)
• Save the drippings – Bacon fat is liquid gold for cooking eggs, roasting veggies, or adding flavor to other dishes.
• Cool before storing – Let bacon cool slightly before putting it in the fridge to keep it from getting soggy.
• Don’t flip – Turning your bacon is not necessary, so you can sit back and enjoy 25 minutes of hands-free cooking time.