Cooking bacon in the oven is a total game-changer. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting brunch, or just craving the perfect crispy bite, learning how to cook bacon in the oven will elevate your breakfast game like never before.
Forget the stovetop mess, uneven cooking, and splattering grease. Oven-baked bacon delivers even crispiness, minimal cleanup, and lets you cook a whole batch at once—no flipping required. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to cook bacon in the oven, tips for perfect results, storage suggestions, and some creative ways to use that crispy goodness.
Why Cook Bacon in the Oven?
There are a ton of reasons why so many home cooks are switching to the oven method:
- Even Cooking: Bacon cooks evenly on a flat baking sheet.
- No Splatter: Say goodbye to messy stovetops and oil burns.
- Hands-Free: Once it’s in the oven, there’s no flipping or babysitting.
- Large Batches: Cook up to a full pound (or more) in one go.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your pan with foil or parchment paper for a fast cleanup.
What You Need
Before we dive into how to cook bacon in the oven, gather the essentials:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bacon (thick-cut or regular)
- Optional: black pepper, brown sugar, or maple syrup for flavor
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Wire rack (optional but recommended for extra crispiness)
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). This is the sweet spot for crispy bacon that cooks evenly without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
Optional: Place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined sheet. This lifts the bacon and allows the fat to drip down, giving you an ultra-crispy texture.
Step 3: Arrange the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. A little touching is okay; they’ll shrink as they cook.
Step 4: Bake the Bacon
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake:
- Regular-cut bacon: 15–18 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 18–22 minutes
Check around the 12-minute mark to gauge doneness. The bacon is ready when it’s golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Pro Tip: For sweeter bacon, brush the strips with a little maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar before baking.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once done, use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This absorbs excess grease and ensures a crisp finish.
Cleanup Tips
- Let the bacon grease cool slightly before discarding or saving it.
- If using foil or parchment, simply fold it up and toss it—no scrubbing needed!
- Want to reuse the bacon grease? Strain it into a glass jar and store it in the fridge. It adds incredible flavor to scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, and cornbread.
How to Store and Reheat Oven-Baked Bacon
Storing:
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 15–20 seconds between paper towels
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
- Skillet: Quick pan-sear on low heat
Flavor Variations
Add a twist to your bacon with these easy ideas:
- Maple Glazed: Brush with maple syrup before baking.
- Sweet & Spicy: Sprinkle with brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne.
- Peppered Bacon: Add freshly cracked black pepper before cooking.
- Garlic-Herb: Rub with a bit of garlic powder and dried thyme.
Creative Ways to Use Oven-Baked Bacon
Sure, it’s amazing on its own, but cooked bacon is a flavor bomb in all kinds of dishes:
- BLTs and Club Sandwiches
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates or Jalapeños
- Crumble on Salads or Soups
- Add to Deviled Eggs or Potato Salad
- Top Mac and Cheese or Baked Potatoes
- Mix into Pancake or Waffle Batter
- Use in Quiches, Frittatas, or Breakfast Burritos
Common Questions About How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Can you cook bacon in the oven without foil?
Yes! You can use parchment paper or cook directly on a wire rack. Just note that without foil, cleanup may take longer.
What temperature do you cook bacon in the oven?
The best temperature is 400°F. It crisps the bacon without burning it.
How do you keep bacon from curling?
Using a wire rack helps keep bacon flat, or you can place a second baking sheet on top during the first 5–10 minutes.
Can you bake bacon in a toaster oven?
Yes, as long as your toaster oven has a baking tray and enough space. Reduce the cook time slightly and monitor closely.
Is oven-baked bacon healthier?
It can be! When cooked on a rack, excess fat drips off. Plus, you’re not frying it in extra grease.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to cook bacon in the oven, there’s no turning back. It’s the easiest way to get crispy, golden strips without the mess or fuss. Whether you’re meal-prepping breakfasts for the week or whipping up Sunday brunch, oven bacon is your new kitchen go-to.
So grab that baking sheet, fire up the oven, and get ready for bacon perfection—crunchy, smoky, and effortlessly delicious.