How to Cook Bacon in the Oven: Perfect Crispy Results Every Time
Bacon in the Oven: How to Get Perfectly Crispy Results Every Time
Cooking bacon in the oven is cleaner, easier, and more consistent than stovetop frying and you can make a full pound at once without the mess.
Why Oven-Baked Bacon Is the Best Method
- Even cooking from all sides
- No grease splatter
- Hands-free, no flipping
- Perfect for large batches
- Better texture thanks to slow fat rendering
The Perfect Temperature
400°F gives the best balance between crispiness and even cooking.
| Temp | Best For | Time Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 375°F | Thick-cut | +3–5 min |
| 400°F | All-purpose | — |
| 425°F | Thin-cut | −2–3 min |
How Long to Cook Bacon in the Oven (400°F)
| Bacon Type | Light Crisp | Medium Crisp | Extra Crisp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin-cut | 12–14 min | 14–16 min | 16–18 min |
| Regular | 15–17 min | 17–19 min | 19–21 min |
| Thick-cut | 18–20 min | 20–22 min | 22–25 min |
| Turkey | 10–13 min | 13–16 min | 16–18 min |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Arrange bacon strips in a single layer, no overlapping.
- Bake until desired crispiness, checking at minimum time.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Bacon in the Oven: Perfectly Crispy Every Time
Ingredients
Method
- – Thin-cut bacon: 12–16 minutes
- – Regular-cut bacon: 15–20 minutes
- – Thick-cut bacon: 18–24 minutes
Notes
- Crowd favorite tip: Brush bacon with maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar during the last 5 minutes for a sweet, caramelized crust.
- Meal prep tip: Store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat tip: 2–3 minutes in a 350°F oven restores crispiness.
Tips for Best Results
- Use parchment for better crisping and easy cleanup.
- Wire rack elevates bacon for extra crunch.
- Start checking early to avoid overcooking.
Flavor Variations
- Sweet: Maple syrup glaze, brown sugar, honey-pepper
- Savory: Everything seasoning, herbs, cracked pepper
- Gourmet: Bourbon glaze, coffee rub, balsamic drizzle
Batch Cooking & Storage
- Refrigerate up to 7 days
- Freeze up to 3 months (layer with parchment)
- Reheat in oven for best texture
Using Bacon Grease
- Fry eggs, roast veggies, season cast iron
- Strain and store up to 3 months in fridge
Troubleshooting
- Chewy: Cook longer or raise temp
- Burnt edges: Lower temp
- Uneven cooking: Don’t crowd pan
Nutrition (2 regular strips)
- 90–100 cal
- 6–7g protein
- 7–8g fat
- 0g carbs
Do I need to flip bacon when cooking it in the oven?
No. The oven’s even heat cooks both sides at the same time, so flipping isn’t necessary.
What temperature should I use for oven-baked bacon?
400°F is the most reliable temperature for crispy, evenly cooked bacon without burning.
How do I know when bacon is done?
Bacon is ready when it turns golden-brown with crisp edges. For extra accuracy, use a meat thermometer it should reach 145°F.
Can I cook bacon from frozen in the oven?
Yes. Add 5–8 extra minutes to the cooking time and separate slices as they thaw.
What’s the best way to make bacon extra crispy?
Use a wire rack to elevate the bacon so fat drips away, and bake until it’s a shade darker than your preferred crispiness.
How do I prevent bacon from smoking in the oven?
Lower the temperature slightly to 375°F, make sure your oven is clean, and use parchment paper to reduce grease splatter.
How should I store cooked bacon?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Layer slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How do I reheat oven-baked bacon?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness, or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a softer texture.
Serving Ideas
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns
- Lunch/Dinner: BLTs, Cobb salad, baked potatoes
- Snacks: Bacon-wrapped scallops, pizza topping
More Breakfast Recipes:
Perfect Oven Scrambled Eggs | Sheet Pan Breakfast Potatoes | Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
