Crispy Oven Baked Bacon
Introduction
Imagine flawless, golden bacon—every slice perfectly crisp and free from messy stovetop splatters. That’s the beauty of Crispy Oven Baked Bacon: it’s incredibly easy, consistent, and leaves you with more time to prep the rest of your breakfast or brunch spread. Not only does this method cut down on cleanup, but it also evenly cooks each strip, ensuring mouthwatering crunch in every bite.
This recipe is a game-changer for home cooks seeking reliable, no-fuss bacon with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week, oven-baked bacon will transform your mornings.
Why Oven Baking Makes the Best Bacon
Baking bacon in the oven eliminates the constant flipping and attention needed on the stovetop. Each strip cooks in its own fat, resulting in even rendering and irresistible crispiness—without the oil splatter. Plus, baking bacon on a rack or lined sheet means less sticking and easy cleanup, so you can enjoy your bacon without scrubbing the pan afterward.
How to Prep Bacon for Baking
Begin by lining your baking sheet with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This prevents sticking and makes lift-out cleanup a breeze. Arrange the bacon slices side by side, without overlapping, for the best texture.
If precise portioning is important, use your Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display to weigh the bacon—you’ll get perfectly even slices and control serving sizes.
A light spritz of oil from a high-quality YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking on the bacon boosts crispiness without excessive grease.
Baking and Achieving Peak Crispiness
Place the tray in a cold oven and set the temperature to 400°F. Starting with a cold oven allows the fat to render slowly as it preheats, making the bacon extra crispy and less likely to burn.
Halfway through the cooking time, use a set of KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath to snip any pieces that have fused together—especially if you like uniform, separated strips.
When the bacon is as crisp as you desire (typically 16–22 minutes, depending on thickness), transfer it to a plate lined with absorbent kitchen towels—such as Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths—to soak up the excess fat and keep the bacon delightfully crunchy.
Serving, Storing, and Using Oven Baked Bacon
Oven baked bacon shines alongside fluffy eggs, tucked into sandwiches, or as a crunchy salad topper in your Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for lunch on the go. Store leftovers in airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—it stays crisp for days and reheats like a dream on a paper towel in the microwave.
This method scales beautifully, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping a week’s worth of perfect bacon with minimal fuss.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
A standard serving is 2–3 slices of bacon. For typical, thick-cut pork bacon, this equates to about 140–160 calories per serving. Baking rather than frying allows some fat to render off, making it a slightly lighter option—enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced meal.
The Best Crispy Oven Baked Bacon (Recap)
With a hands-off cooking approach and incredibly consistent results, crispy oven baked bacon delivers unrivaled texture and flavor with almost no mess. This easy recipe will quickly become your staple method, making every breakfast more enjoyable and every bite perfectly crunchy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for fast cleanup.
- Lay the bacon slices side by side on the parchment, ensuring edges do not overlap. For additional crispiness, lightly spray with the YARRAMATE Oil Sprayer.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 16–22 minutes or until bacon reaches your desired crispiness. No need to flip during baking!
- If necessary, snip any fused bacon strips apart using KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears about halfway through the cook time.
- Transfer cooked bacon onto a plate lined with Homaxy Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths or paper towels to drain.
- Serve hot, or store in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container once completely cooled.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16–22 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
This method ensures you’ll never want to cook bacon any other way. Enjoy the unbeatable crisp and flavor—oven baked bacon perfection!