How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

crispy bacon cooked in the oven on parchment paper

5 from 8 votes

Yield: 16 pieces bacon

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

Whether you like it extra crispy or slightly tender, here are two mess-free ways for how to cook bacon in the oven to perfection, every time!

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Ingredients

1 lb thick cut bacon

Tools:

heavy duty baking sheet
parchment paper, or foil
wire rack
non-stick spray
paper towels, or brown paper bag

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Instructions

Cooking Bacon on a Wire Rack - Crispy All Around

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil, then set a cooling rack on top. Spray wire rack gently with non-stick spray.
Arrange the bacon on the wire rack. You can let the edges touch, but do not overlap it.
Bake for 15 minutes, on the center rack of the oven, and then check on it. It’s done when you say it’s done. If you like it limp, you may be happy now. If you like it crispy, it will probably need 5 minutes more. Tip: Rotate the baking tray halfway through the cooking time for even results!
When bacon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove from oven and let drain on the wire racks.
You likely won't need to with the rack, but if needed, you can blot it with paper towels to soak up any excess grease. Serve immediately.

Cooking Bacon on Parchment Paper - Tender Center With Crispy Edges

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay the parchment paper flat on a cookie sheet. Arrange the bacon on the parchment paper. You can let the edges touch, but do not overlap it.
Cook for 12 minutes on the middle rack of the oven, then flip the bacon over to allow the other side to cook as well. Check at the 15 minute mark and see if your bacon is crispy enough for your liking. Tip: Rotate the baking tray halfway through the cooking time for even results!
When bacon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove from oven.
Transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain the excess grease or blot with paper towels. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store: Transfer the bacon to an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Reheat: Reheat it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until warm. Or for best results, reheat in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 400°F.

Freeze: Arrange the cooked strips between layers of paper towels or parchment paper in a freezer safe ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer, there’s no need to thaw first!

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Nutrition

Serving: 1piece, Calories: 118kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.4g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 188mg, Potassium: 56mg, Vitamin A: 10IU, Calcium: 1mg, Iron: 0.1mg