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I’ve finally learned the secrets of how to cook bacon in the oven! That’s right, I have the mess-free method for cooking tons of bacon in bulk. Armed with just a baking sheet, some aluminum foil, and a pound of bacon, cooking bacon in the oven has never been easier. It frees up time and stove space to make other breakfast favorites. Plus, I don’t have to scrub down my whole kitchen anymore!
It’s always a treat any time I make bacon because it’s so messy and time-consuming to cook it on the stovetop. But since I learned how to cook bacon in the oven, it’s been appearing on our breakfast table much more often. This recipe for bacon in the oven is quick, easy, and mess-free, leaving me more time to spend with my family!
Tips for Beginners
- If you want to skip the foil lining, you can! But it does considerably cut down on dishwashing time.
- If your bacon is super fatty, it may start to smoke. I recommend starting it in a cold oven to prevent smoking/burning.
- Save the bacon grease, strain it through a coffee filter, and use it to cook with. It works well in any recipe that calls for oil.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon (1 package)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil so that it covers the bottom and the sides. This makes for easy cleanup! Lay a sheet of parchment paper over the foil.
- Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the sheet pan. 10-11 slices is the maximum I recommend. The bacon can be touching on the sides, but should not be overlapping.1 pound bacon
- Bake for 14-18 minutes for regular-cut bacon and 18-22 minutes for thick-cut bacon. Check your bacon at the minimum cooking time.
- Once cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Serve immediately.
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven Step by Step
Prep the Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil so that it covers the bottom and the sides. This makes for easy cleanup! Lay a sheet of parchment paper over the foil.
Arrange the Bacon: Arrange 1 pound of bacon in a single layer on the sheet pan. 10-11 slices is the maximum I recommend. The bacon can be touching on the sides, but should not be overlapping.
Bake the Bacon: Bake for 14-18 minutes for regular-cut bacon and 18-22 minutes for thick-cut bacon. Check your bacon at the minimum cooking time. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Serve immediately.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
To freeze, layer the bacon on wax paper in an airtight container or Ziplock bag to prevent sticking. It will keep for up to 6 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
While you’re cooking bacon in the oven, you’ll have plenty of time to make some scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles to go with it!
