How to cook bacon in the oven the easy way! This simple method makes delicious bacon in no time!
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!
“The bacon came out perfectly crispy and I didn’t have to watch it.” – Janis
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
Here you’ll find instructions and step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe, including ingredients, is given below.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line an extra large rimmed sheet pan or baking sheet (at least 20×14-inches) with foil or parchment paper.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 that go well with bacon
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How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
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 20×14-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.12-16 ounces bacon
- 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
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Originally published 4/1/2022. This post is regularly updated.
Reader Interactions
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Comments & Reviews
Janis says
The bacon came out perfectly crispy and I didn’t have to watch it.
Kate says
I’m glad it worked well for you!
Barbra Hoffman says
Does this recipe also work using Turkey Bacon, Beef Bacon, or Chicken Bacon?
Thank you.
B. Hoffman
Barbra Hoffman says
Can this recipe be used for Turkey Bacon and Beef Bacon & Chicken Bacon?
Kate says
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.
Barbra Hoffman says
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
Shelby Olsen says
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!
Shelby Olsen says
By the way, sugar and a small amount of vinegar are added to the lettuce before the heated bacon and grease.
Kate says
I’ll have to give that a try!
Kate says
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!
Bonny says
Only way to cook bacon! It’s so efficient and love having extra cooked bacon in freezer! Yay for less mess!
Kate says
Yes!!!
Marilynn says
Thank you…this is much easier!!!