How To Cook Bacon In The Oven

How to cook bacon in the oven – it’s the question every bacon lover eventually asks. If you’re tired of greasy stovetop splatters, oven-baking is the way to go. In fact, the best way to cook bacon is actually the easiest: pop it in the oven! This guide will walk you through the process from what temperature to use, to how long to cook bacon in oven at 180°C or 400°F, and even how to cook bacon with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Let’s make your bacon crispy, golden, and mess-free.

Why Cook Bacon in the Oven

Cooking bacon in the oven is one of those methods that once you try, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. It’s clean, consistent, and perfect for multitaskers. The heat of the oven surrounds the bacon on all sides, allowing each strip to cook evenly. No curling edges or underdone middles. Plus, you can cook a whole tray at once without hovering over a frying pan. The result? Perfectly crispy bacon every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound of bacon: (thin-cut, regular, or thick-cut)
• Optional: aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup

Recommended Equipment

• A rimmed baking sheet to catch the grease
• An oven-safe wire rack (optional, for extra-crispy bacon)
• Tongs to transfer hot bacon
• Paper towels for draining

What Temperature to Cook Bacon in the Oven

Most home cooks agree that 400°F (200°C) is the sweet spot. At this temperature, bacon crisps up quickly without burning and cooks evenly across the sheet. You can also bake at lower temperatures like 375°F (190°C) or 180°C (356°F) for more gentle cooking, which some people prefer for slightly chewier bacon. If you're in a hurry, 425°F (218°C) works too—just watch closely so nothing burns.

How Long to Cook Bacon in the Oven

Here’s a general guide based on temperature and thickness:

• Thin-cut bacon at 400°F: 15–19 minutes
• Regular-cut bacon at 400°F: 18–23 minutes
• Thick-cut bacon at 400°F: 22–26 minutes
• Bacon at 180°C (356°F): 20–25 minutes

Always keep an eye on your bacon after the 12-minute mark. It can go from perfect to overcooked in a matter of minutes depending on your oven and the bacon type.

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven (Step-by-Step Instructions)

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For ovens that run hot or if you prefer slower cooking, you can also use 375°F (190°C) or 180°C (356°F). Preheating ensures the bacon starts cooking evenly right away.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. If you’re using a wire rack, place it on top of the lined tray and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Using foil or parchment will make cleanup so much easier—just fold it up and toss when you’re done.

Step 3: Arrange the Bacon

Lay the bacon strips out in a single layer on the foil or wire rack. The strips can be close together but shouldn’t overlap. You can cut the bacon slices in half if needed to fit more on the tray. If you’re cooking for a crowd, feel free to use two trays, but rotate them halfway through baking.

Step 4: Bake the Bacon

Place the tray in the center of the oven. No need to flip the bacon if you’re using a rack—it’ll cook on both sides evenly. If you’re baking directly on the foil or parchment, and you want extra even crisping, you can flip each strip at the 10-minute mark. For most standard bacon, start checking around 15 minutes. Thin-cut may finish sooner, and thick-cut may take longer. You’ll know it’s done when it’s browned, slightly shrunken, and sizzling nicely.

Step 5: Remove and Drain

Once the bacon is crisp to your liking, use tongs to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Let it rest and crisp up for 5 minutes. This helps absorb extra grease and gives it that irresistible crunch.

Step 6: Clean Up

Let the grease on the foil cool and solidify. Then just fold the foil and toss it in the trash. If you want to save the bacon fat, strain it into a glass jar and store it in the fridge. It’s amazing for frying eggs or vegetables later.

Tips for the Best Oven Bacon

• Use a wire rack if you love ultra-crispy bacon that isn’t sitting in its grease.
• Watch closely near the end of cooking. Bacon can burn fast, especially if it’s thin.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Air needs to circulate around each slice.
• Let the bacon rest for a few minutes before eating—it gets crispier as it cools.
• Want flavored bacon? Sprinkle brown sugar, pepper, or a bit of maple syrup before baking.

How to Store and Reheat Bacon

Cooked bacon keeps well!

• Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap in parchment and freeze in bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave on a paper towel for 20–30 seconds, or crisp in a hot skillet or oven at 350°F.

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Ways to Use Oven Bacon

Oven-baked bacon is good for more than just breakfast. Try it in:

• BLT sandwiches or wraps
• Cobb or Caesar salads
• Baked potatoes or potato soup
• Scrambled eggs or omelets
• Bacon-wrapped dates or appetizers
• Casseroles or pasta dishes

Final Thoughts

Once you try baking bacon in the oven, it’s hard to go back to frying. The method is simple, cleanup is easy, and the results are reliably crisp and golden every time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making breakfast for a crowd, oven bacon is your go-to solution. Keep your favorite cut on hand and let your oven do the work—it’s a game changer for any kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What temperature should I bake bacon?

Bake bacon at 400°F for even cooking and crispy results.

→ Do I need a rack to cook bacon in the oven?

Using a rack helps the fat drip away and makes the bacon crispier, but it’s optional.

→ How do I prevent bacon grease from making a mess?

Line your baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and use a rimmed pan to contain the grease.

→ Can I save the bacon grease?

Yes! Let it cool and store it in a jar in the fridge to use for cooking later.

→ How long does cooked bacon last?

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month.