Check out our tips for How to Cook Bacon in the Oven — an easy way to reduce time, mess, and lingering odors while producing evenly cooked, crispy bacon. Read on for simple pointers and storage, cleanup, and serving ideas.
Bacon is a great addition to recipes such as Crockpot Crack Chicken.
Why Learn to Cook Bacon in the Oven?
Oven-baked bacon delivers consistent crispiness with far less splatter and cleanup than stovetop frying. You can cook a larger batch at once without flipping multiple pans, and the kitchen won’t fill with grease spots or a strong smell.
Yes, you’ll still have one pan to wash, but lining the pan with parchment paper or foil makes cleanup quick and keeps grease off the sheet itself.
Do I Need to Flip Bacon While Baking?
No. One of the best parts of this method is that flipping isn’t necessary. Arrange bacon on a lined baking sheet, bake, and set a timer. In under 20 minutes you’ll have evenly cooked, crispy bacon.
How to Store Cooked Bacon
When you bake bacon in larger batches, you may use it across several meals. To store cooked bacon, let it cool, then place slices between paper towels in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Refrigerated bacon keeps for up to five days.
For longer storage, freeze cooled bacon in a labeled, freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When reheating, microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
How to Clean Your Baking Sheet After Cooking
Line the baking sheet before cooking for easy cleanup. After baking, allow the pan and grease to cool slightly, then remove and discard the parchment or foil. Wipe remaining grease with paper towels before washing the sheet or placing it in the dishwasher to avoid spreading grease to other dishes.
More Bacon Recipes You’ll Love
Bacon enhances many dishes beyond breakfast. Try oven-baked bacon in salads, pizzas, skillets, deviled eggs, and slow-cooker recipes.
- Cobb Pasta Salad Recipe
- Breakfast Bagel Pizzas
- Monterey Chicken Skillet
- 1-Minute Sausage and Cheese Omelet (use bacon instead of sausage)
- Best Deviled Eggs Recipe (crumbled bacon on top)
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Tips for Cooking Bacon in the Oven
- Sweeten it Up – For sweet-and-salty bacon, brush slices with a little real maple syrup or sprinkle lightly with brown sugar before baking.
- How to Store – Store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- How to Reheat – Reheat bacon wrapped in a paper towel in the microwave for about 15 seconds per slice.
- How to Feed a Crowd – The oven method is ideal for making large batches for gatherings or meal prep.
- Watch It the First Time – Baking times vary by oven and bacon thickness, so check the first time to find your preferred level of crispiness.
- For Crispier Bacon – For extra crispiness, place a metal rack on the lined pan and set the bacon on the rack so air can circulate underneath. Many find excellent results without the rack, but it’s an option if you want an extra-crispy finish.
Best Temperature to Cook Bacon
We recommend 400 degrees Fahrenheit for oven-baked bacon. This temperature crisps bacon without burning the edges in most ovens.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
This straightforward method is perfect for meal planning and everyday cooking—consistent results with minimal effort.
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Step 2
Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the lined sheet. Place them close together but do not overlap.
Step 3
Bake for 18–22 minutes on the middle rack, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispness. Cooking time varies with bacon thickness and oven differences, so keep an eye on it.
Step 4
Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and crisp for a few minutes.
Step 5
Dispose of the liner when cool, wipe excess grease from the pan, and finish washing. Enjoy the bacon in your favorite recipes or on its own.
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How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
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Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon
Equipment
- Baking pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line an extra-large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the lined pan; do not overlap.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes on the middle rack, until the bacon reaches your preferred crispness. Times vary by thickness and oven—watch closely.
- Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate and let rest a few minutes to crisp up.
Notes
To reheat, cover with a paper towel and microwave for about 15 seconds per slice.