How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Dec 16, 2024
Cooking bacon in the oven is the easiest way to get perfectly crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the mess of stovetop splatters. It’s ideal when making large batches for breakfast, sandwiches, or recipes. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
• Slices of premium bacon (like Ex Libris Farm pasture-raised bacon)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures crispy, evenly cooked bacon.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you want even crisper bacon, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
3. Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices flat on the baking sheet or rack without overlapping. Overlapping may cause uneven cooking.
4. Bake the Bacon: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on your desired crispness. Thicker slices may take longer, while thinner slices cook more quickly.
5. Check and Remove: Keep an eye on the bacon near the end of cooking to prevent burning. Once it’s golden brown and crispy, remove the tray from the oven.
6. Drain and Serve: Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Tips for Perfect Bacon
• Use a Rack: Cooking bacon on a wire rack allows the fat to drip off, resulting in crispier bacon.
• Watch the Time: Baking times vary depending on thickness, so start checking around 15 minutes.
• Save the Bacon Fat: Pour the leftover bacon grease into a jar and save it for cooking—it’s great for roasting vegetables or frying eggs.
Why Bake Bacon in the Oven?
• No Mess: Baking eliminates stovetop splatters.
• Even Cooking: The oven cooks bacon evenly, so every slice is perfect.
• Convenience: Cook large batches at once without constant flipping.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon as part of a hearty breakfast, a BLT sandwich, or crumbled over salads and soups. Looking for high-quality bacon? Ex Libris Farm ships pasture-raised bacon nationwide, so you can experience the rich, smoky flavor of farm-fresh bacon delivered straight to your door. Order now and taste the difference!
