Cooking bacon in the oven is a simple, mess-free method that results in perfectly crispy bacon every time. Here’s how you can do it:
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
What You Need:
- Bacon strips
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Oven
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This step is optional, but it helps with easy cleanup.
- Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows the bacon to cook evenly on both sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the bacon directly on the foil.
- Arrange the Bacon:
- Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the rack. Make sure they do not overlap, as this will cause them to stick together and cook unevenly.
- Bake the Bacon:
- Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. Check the bacon around the 12-minute mark to gauge its crispiness.
- Remove and Serve:
- Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess fat.
Tips:
- For Extra Crispy Bacon: Extend the cooking time by a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Storage: Cooked bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheated in a microwave or skillet when ready to eat.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, hassle-free oven-baked bacon!
