Get ready to meet your new favorite way to cook bacon if you’ve never tried it. Baking bacon is a totally hands off, no splatter or flipping and gives you the best crispy every time.
Baking bacon the best way to make a big batch of bacon and to cook it faster for not only breakfast but for using in any recipes that call for bacon crumbles.
I like to bake and freeze pieces of bacon to have on hand when I want need it for things like this loaded potato casserole, soups or for this cheese ball.
You can cook two baking sheets full at once by placing one tray on the upper rack and one below. Then rotate them halfway through baking.
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What You’ll Need for Baking Bacon
Bacon – any cut or thickness—regular bacon, thick-cut, or turkey. Regular cooks quicker. Thick-cut bacon may need a few extra minutes.
Baking sheet – rimmed pans so the grease doesn’t spill over the sides.
Foil or parchment paper – for no-mess cleanup.
Paper towels – Lay them on a clean plate or sheet pan to soak up extra grease after baking.
Optional: Wire cooling rack for even crispier bacon. Place the rack on sheet pan after lining it and lay then place the bacon on top of the . This helps grease drip away and makes the bacon extra crispy.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven on a Sheet Pan
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. If using a wire rack, place it on top now.
Step 2: Lay bacon slices flat and side by side on the lined pan. Avoid overlapping to help them crisp evenly.
Step 3: Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired crispness. Start checking it at 12 minutes for thinner slices and then keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Using tongs or a fork, transfer the cooked bacon to a tray lined with paper towels to drain excess grease and keep it crispy.
Step 5: Once the pan has cooled slightly, fold up the foil and toss it. If you like saving it for later, pour the bacon grease into a glass jar after it has cooled and use it for frying eggs, veggies, or in cornbread!
How to Store & Reheat Bacon
Fridge: Store cooled leftover cooked bacon in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Freezer: Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Microwave for 10 seconds or bake at 350°F for 5-6 minutes in the oven.
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How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Equipment
- aluminum foil or parchment paper
- paper towels
- Wire Cooling Rack optional
Ingredients
- 9 slices Bacon regular, thick-cut, or turkey.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and make sure it covers the edges for easy cleanup. If using a wire rack, place it on top now.9 slices Bacon
- Lay bacon slices flat and side by side on the lined pan. Avoid overlapping to help them crisp evenly.
- Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired crispness. Start checking it at 12 minutes for thinner slices and then keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn’t burn.
- Using tongs or a fork, transfer the cooked bacon to a tray lined with paper towels to drain excess grease and keep it crispy.
- Once the pan has cooled slightly, fold up the foil and toss it. If you like saving it for later, pour the bacon grease into a glass jar after it has cooled and use it for frying eggs, veggies, or in cornbread!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclosure
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
mel
I’m just curious, does the bacon still splatter grease inside the oven? But I”ve been worried about a big mess.
Sherri
Surprisingly no 🙂 Much less mess than on the stove in my opinion.
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas
I usually cook bacon this way, it’s a great and healthier too. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
Diane Balch
We cook our bacon this way too. It is less mess and you can cook more at one time. Thanks for sharing this with us on foodie friday.
Stephanie Kay
I’ve never tried this method. It definitely looks quicker and easier! Thanks for sharing via Family Fun Friday.
Jess
We’ve tried this method! Love it!
Thanks again for joining the Link Up this week!
Stephanie
Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again next week!
Jess @HungryHarps
I love cooking bacon in the oven! The way I learned was to put the bacon in the oven and then turn it on – but I always wondered if it worked to just pre-heat the oven as well. Thanks for the tip and for sharing at #GetHimFed Fridays, have a great weekend!! 🙂
Julia @ Swirls and Spice
I do this too. So easy!
Starla J
I’ve never baked bacon but I’ve seen it on Pinterest. I should try this! Thank you!
Sherri
It is SO easy and the cleanup has me sold!
Cris
Such a great idea! So easy to bake! And they look so delicious 😡