Are you tired of the mess and cleanup that comes with making bacon on the stove? I used to dread it too, until I discovered the secret to perfectly cooked and crispy bacon – cooking it in the oven! This method is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Why Oven-Fried Bacon?

Cooking bacon in the oven has become a popular method among many people, including my sister who has been using this technique for over 20 years. Not only does it eliminate the mess, but it also ensures that every slice of bacon comes out perfectly crispy. Say goodbye to greasy stovetops and walls!

How to Make Perfect Bacon in the Oven

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making oven-fried bacon:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Lay the bacon slices side-by-side in a single layer on a pan with a lip, such as a jelly roll pan, roasting pan, or cookie sheet. If you’re cooking a lot of bacon, it’s okay for the slices to slightly overlap. For easier cleanup, you can line your pan with foil.
3. Cook the bacon for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. Thin slices may cook faster, around 10 to 12 minutes. If needed, flip the bacon once using tongs for even cooking.
4. Once the bacon is golden brown and has reached your desired level of crispness, remove it from the oven using tongs and place it on a platter lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Now it’s time to enjoy the perfect bacon!

Important: Always use caution when handling bacon grease. Remove it slowly from the oven and use long oven mitts to protect your hands and arms.

Cleanup Tips

To make cleanup even easier, here are some tips:

• Some recipes may suggest not preheating the oven, but my sister has tried both methods and prefers to preheat.
• Keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking, as it can go from crispy to burned quickly.
• Consider lining your baking pan with foil for a quicker clean-up.
• Thin slices of bacon may require a shorter cooking time and usually don’t need to be flipped.

Adjusting the Oven Temperature

Many people have recommended reducing the oven temperature to 350 degrees F for even less mess. I tried this method while staying in a cabin rental over the holidays, and I can confirm that it works! The bacon took a little longer to cook, but it turned out perfect with zero mess. At home, I typically stick to cooking bacon at 400 degrees, but feel free to adjust the temperature based on your oven’s performance.

Remember, each oven cooks differently, so use your judgment. If you notice a lot of splatter, try reducing the oven temperature and see if it helps.

Now that you know the secret to making perfect bacon in the oven, you’ll never dread cooking bacon again. Impress your family and friends with a plate of crispy bacon at your next Sunday brunch. Happy cooking!

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These comments were originally shared on Facebook:

• SandyWeaver: I’ve been baking bacon in the oven for a couple of years now, and I found that using splatter screens over the pan helps prevent any mess.
• Joan vrchoticky: Can I cook bacon in a toaster oven?
• Sherri Herr: I have my own method of cooking bacon in the oven, starting at 350° and then raising the temperature to 425° for extra crispiness. I also like to brush the cooked bacon with honey or maple syrup before putting it under the broiler.
• Linda H: Sprinkling a little brown sugar on top of the bacon before baking gives it a nice treat.
• Victoria: If you place a cookie cooling rack in the pan and put the bacon on top of that, there will be even less mess and reduced grease.
• Nellie: Do you use parchment paper on top? I hate cleaning the oven.
• Linda: I put the bacon on a foil-lined pan, making clean-up a breeze. I also like to sprinkle Jack Daniel’s Seasoning on top before baking at 350°.
• Lisa: Oven-cooked bacon is one of our favorites!
• Peter S.: I also make bacon in the oven using my broiling pan. This way, the bacon doesn’t sit in the grease, and the pan can hold the grease from over two pounds of bacon.