Oven-Baked Bacon

This Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe is the ultimate way to make crispy bacon with minimal effort and mess. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any meal that needs a savory touch, this easy method ensures your bacon comes out perfectly crispy and delicious every time. By baking the bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F, you can cook multiple slices at once without worrying about splattering grease. Whether you’re using regular or thick-cut bacon, this recipe is customizable to your preferred level of crispiness. With easy cleanup and consistently great results, this oven-baked bacon is a must-try for anyone who loves bacon! Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz regular sliced bacon (or 16 oz thick-sliced bacon)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a half-sheet, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the bacon slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are touching but not overlapping.
3. Bake regular-cut bacon for 15-20 minutes, or thick-cut bacon for 20-28 minutes. Cooking time may vary based on the fat content of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. If you’re baking two sheets of bacon at the same time, rotate the sheets halfway through the baking process for even cooking.
4. Once the bacon reaches your preferred crispiness, use tongs to remove it from the baking sheet and transfer it to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, perfectly cooked bacon!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven-baked bacon is a game-changer! It’s a simple, hands-off way to make perfectly crispy bacon every time. No splattering grease on the stove, no flipping required—just pop the bacon in the oven and let it bake to crispy perfection. This method allows you to cook multiple slices at once, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Plus, the parchment paper ensures easy cleanup afterward!

Tips

• Monitor the bacon: Bacon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it as it nears the end of the cooking time. The longer it bakes, the crispier it gets.
• For extra crispy bacon: If you prefer bacon that is extra crispy, leave it in the oven for a few extra minutes—just be careful not to burn it.
• Use parchment paper: Parchment paper makes cleanup easy and helps prevent bacon from sticking to the pan.

Variations and Substitutions

• Thick-cut bacon: If you prefer thicker slices, simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Turkey bacon: This recipe works with turkey bacon as well. Just check it at the 12-15 minute mark for optimal crispiness.
• Flavored bacon: For a unique twist, try using maple-cured or peppered bacon to add extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I bake different types of bacon at the same time?
Yes, you can bake regular and thick-cut bacon together, but make sure to check their progress separately. You may need to rotate the baking sheets or remove the thinner bacon first to avoid overcooking.

Can I use foil instead of parchment paper?
Yes, you can use foil, but parchment paper is better for preventing sticking and ensures easier cleanup.

Can I cook bacon at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can bake bacon at 350°F, but it may take a bit longer to reach your desired crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

This oven-baked bacon pairs perfectly with a variety of breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, pancakes, or crispy hash browns. It’s also great in sandwiches, burgers, or as a topping for salads and baked potatoes. The versatility of bacon makes it an excellent addition to any meal!