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–+ servings

How to Cook Bacon In The Oven

Lisa Street
Before diving into the joy that is cooking bacon in the oven, let’s talk about what pairs well with this savory delight. Bacon is versatile, complementing everything from breakfast dishes to more complex evening meals. You might enjoy it with avocado toast, where the creamy texture of the avocado balances the crispy, salty bacon.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 237 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven safe baking rack, sheet pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound bacon thick-cut preferred for optimal crispiness
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Brown sugar or maple syrup for a sugary glaze

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for getting your bacon crispy!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will help with the cleanup afterward, reducing the amount of sticky grease stuck on the pan.

Step 3: Arrange the Bacon

  • Lay the bacon strips in a single layer. It’s okay for them to slightly touch; they’ll shrink when cooking. Avoid overlapping, as that can lead to uneven cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Bacon

  • Put the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. For extra crispiness, let it go for an additional couple of minutes. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.

Step 5: Drain the Bacon

  • Once your bacon reaches the desired doneness, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Notes

Thickness Matters: Thicker bacon will need a bit more time to cook compared to regular. Adjust accordingly based on your preference.
Maple Glaze: If you want sweet and savory, brush some maple syrup onto the bacon during the last five minutes.
Store Leftover Grease: Collect the grease for future cooking. It adds incredible flavor to roasted veggies or as a sautéing oil.
Watch for Smoke: If your oven starts smoking, it may indicate the bacon is releasing too much grease. Lower the heat or adjust rack placement if needed.
Check for Doneness: Bacon should be crispy but not burnt. Err on the side of caution!

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 8gFat: 22.3gSaturated Fat: 3.5gSodium: 1108mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 11mg
Keyword How to Cook Bacon In The Oven
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