Bacon in the Oven – Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple and a fantastic addition to numerous dishes. Cooking bacon in the oven is a game changer—it not only saves you from the splatters of frying but also gives you perfectly crispy strips with minimal effort. Whether you’re making breakfast sandwiches, adding bacon to salads, or just snacking on it, this oven-baked method is both simple and satisfying.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 42
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fat: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Sodium: 180 mg
Why Make This Bacon in the Oven
Cooking bacon in the oven offers an uncomplicated way to achieve evenly cooked, crispy strips without the hassle of pan-frying. The oven method allows the fat to gradually render out, resulting in tender, crispy bacon that’s not too greasy. Plus, you can cook larger batches at once, making it perfect for big breakfasts or brunch gatherings. Simply pop it in the oven, and you can focus on preparing the rest of your meal while it cooks!
How to Make Bacon in the Oven
Baking bacon in the oven is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results.
Ingredients:
- Bacon strips
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the bacon cooks evenly and gets crispy without burning.
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Step 2: Lining the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup super easy and also helps the bacon cook evenly. The edges will catch any drips, keeping your oven cleaner.
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Step 3: Arranging the Bacon
Place the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the strips don’t overlap, as this will help them crisp up beautifully.
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Step 4: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. The exact cooking time may vary based on your oven and the thickness of the bacon, so start checking around the 15-minute mark.
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Step 5: Finishing
Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This will enhance the crispiness and flavor of your bacon.
How to Serve Bacon in the Oven
Serve your crispy bacon hot out of the oven alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, or nestled in a breakfast sandwich. It also works wonderfully crumbled on top of salads for added crunch and flavor, or as a stand-alone snack any time of day!
How to Store Bacon in the Oven
Leftover baked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm. You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to 3 months. Just place the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Expert Tips for Perfect Bacon in the Oven
- For extra flavor, consider seasoning the bacon with black pepper or brown sugar before baking.
- Experiment with different types of bacon, such as thick-cut or applewood-smoked, for varying flavor profiles.
- Use a rack placed on the baking sheet to allow the fat to drip down, resulting in even crispier bacon.
- Always keep an eye on the bacon during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
Delicious Variations
- Maple Bacon: Drizzle some maple syrup over the bacon strips before baking for a sweet twist.
- Spicy Bacon: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder on the bacon for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Bacon: Brush the bacon with your favorite BBQ sauce before baking for a smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I cook turkey bacon in the oven using this method?
Yes! Turkey bacon can also be baked in the oven at the same temperature, but may require a slightly different cooking time depending on the brand and thickness. - What kind of baking sheet works best?
A rimmed baking sheet is ideal, as it will contain any grease that may spill out during cooking. - Is it necessary to flip the bacon halfway through cooking?
No, flipping is not necessary; the heat will cook the bacon evenly while it bakes. - How can I make my bacon less greasy?
Using a rack in the baking sheet allows excess grease to drip away from the bacon while it cooks, resulting in less greasy strips. - Can I season the bacon?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Bacon in the oven is a fantastic cooking method that delivers crispy, delicious results with minimal fuss. Whether you’re savoring it with breakfast or incorporating it into other dishes, this easy recipe will elevate your meal. With simple instructions and endless variations, you’re encouraged to give this method a try. Trust us, you won’t want to make bacon any other way! Enjoy your perfectly baked bacon and all the culinary delights it brings!
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Oven-Baked Bacon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Achieve perfectly crispy bacon strips in the oven with minimal effort. Ideal for breakfast or as a flavorful addition to salads and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- Bacon strips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Place bacon strips in a single layer without overlapping.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Notes
For extra flavor, try seasoning the bacon with black pepper or brown sugar before baking. Use a rack on the baking sheet for even crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 42
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
