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    Home » Breakfasts » How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

    How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

    Published: Apr 1, 2022 · Modified: Apr 1, 2022 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    How to cook bacon in the oven the easy way! This simple method makes delicious bacon in no time!

    Baked bacon on a baking sheet.

    Cooking bacon in the oven is an easy way to prepare bacon - no flipping necessary. This easy method takes less hands-on time and requires less cleanup than making bacon on the stove.

    So, whether you're making a big batch of bacon for brunch or just want some bacon to go along with your French toast, pancakes or waffles, this is a great way to bake bacon!

    Reasons to cook bacon in the oven

    • It's easy! This method is simple and doesn't require hardly any hands-on time.
    • Less mess! Cooking bacon in the oven minimizes splatters and clean-up.
    • Bacon for a crowd! This is a great way to make a batch of bacon for a large number of people.

    How to cook bacon in the oven

    Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line an extra large rimmed sheet pan or baking sheet (at least 20x14-inches) with foil or parchment paper.

    Uncooked bacon on a parchment lined baking tray.


    Step 2: For crispy bacon: Place an oven-safe wire rack in the pan, and lay the slices of bacon in a single layer on the rack.

    For softer bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer directly in the prepared pan.

    Top tip >> Don't overlap the bacon strips. The parts of the bacon strips that are overlapping won't cook properly.

    Step 3: Cook the bacon for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness. For thick-cut bacon, you may need to add an additional couple of minutes to the cooking time.
    Step 4: Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate or tray. Serve warm.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I freeze cooked bacon?

    You can! Cook the bacon as directed, and let it cool to room temperature.
    Place the cooled bacon in a single layer on wax paper-lined baking tray or sheet. Flash freeze until the bacon is frozen.
    Once the bacon is frozen, you can place it in a freezer-safe resealable bag or container. The bacon will keep for up 3 months when properly stored.

    What's the best way to reheat cooked bacon?

    To reheat cooked bacon, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a 350F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

    What can I do with the bacon grease?

    I store bacon grease in a glass jar in the fridge. Bacon grease can be used in place of oil or butter when sautéing vegetables. It's especially good with greens like spinach or collard greens.

    Storage

    Place any leftover bacon in an airtight container and store the container in the refrigerator. The bacon will keep for up to 5 days when properly stored.

    Recipes using cooked bacon

    • Southwestern Layered Salad
    • California Club Croissant Sandwich
    • Broccoli Salad
    • Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

    If you’ve tried this making bacon in the oven, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can subscribe to receive my latest recipe newsletters or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for even more delicious food.

    Baked bacon on a baking sheet.

    How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

    Easy method that teaches you how to cook bacon in the oven.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 18 minutes
    Total Time: 23 minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 89kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Equipment

    • Extra large baking sheet

    Ingredients

    • 12-16 ounces bacon

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400 F.
    • Line an extra large rimmed sheet pan (at least 20x14-inches) with foil or parchment paper.
    • For crispier bacon: Place an oven-safe wire rack in the pan, and lay the slices of bacon in a single layer on the rack. For softer bacon: Lay the slices of bacon in a single layer directly in the prepared pan.
    • Cook the bacon for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon has reached your desired doneness. For thick-cut bacon, you may need to add an additional couple of minutes to the cooking time.
    • Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate or tray.
    • Serve warm.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 42mg | Vitamin A: 8IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!
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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Janis

      April 27, 2022 at 10:08 pm

      5 stars
      The bacon came out perfectly crispy and I didn’t have to watch it.

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 27, 2022 at 11:41 pm

        I'm glad it worked well for you!

        Reply
    2. Barbra Hoffman

      April 19, 2022 at 2:11 am

      Does this recipe also work using Turkey Bacon, Beef Bacon, or Chicken Bacon?

      Thank you.
      B. Hoffman

      Reply
    3. Barbra Hoffman

      April 18, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      Can this recipe be used for Turkey Bacon and Beef Bacon & Chicken Bacon?

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 18, 2022 at 7:36 pm

        Yes, you can use the recipe for non-pork bacon. You may find that you need to slightly adjust the baking times for the different types of bacon, but the temperature and process is the same.

        Reply
        • Barbra Hoffman

          April 19, 2022 at 2:14 am

          When using non-pork bacon, how is the temperature adjusted? Should it be less time or more time - lower temperature or higher temperature?

          Thank you.
          B. Hoffman

          Reply
    4. Shelby Olsen

      April 18, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      I have actually done this for many years. I usually just spray the glass dish. But, I think that I will try the parchment with it.
      Have you ever had wilted lettuce salad? I sometimes make that with some of the leftover grease and some crumbled bacon bits. I think that it may be an old German dish, my mom's family hailed from Germany. My mom was an amazing cook. She was the type, though, that didn't measure everything, which made learning under her a bit more interesting. I hope that you had a blessed Easter!

      Reply
      • Shelby Olsen

        April 18, 2022 at 2:56 pm

        By the way, sugar and a small amount of vinegar are added to the lettuce before the heated bacon and grease.

        Reply
        • Kate

          April 18, 2022 at 3:20 pm

          I'll have to give that a try!

          Reply
      • Kate

        April 18, 2022 at 3:19 pm

        I haven't, but it sounds delicious! I've had warm spinach salad with bacon dressing, and it was fantastic. Also, I save my bacon grease and use it to cook greens like collards. That's amazing that your mom could do that! Thank you! I hope you did as well!

        Reply
    5. Bonny

      April 18, 2022 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      Only way to cook bacon! It's so efficient and love having extra cooked bacon in freezer! Yay for less mess!

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 18, 2022 at 3:17 pm

        Yes!!!

        Reply
    6. Marilynn

      April 02, 2022 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      Thank you…this is much easier!!!

      Reply

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