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There’s something magical about perfectly crispy bacon. Whether it’s the star of your breakfast plate or crumbled into a salad, bacon is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. But let’s be real—getting that golden, crunchy texture can feel like a gamble. The good news? There’s a foolproof method to achieve perfectly crispy bacon every time. It’s simple, mess-free, and, best of all, doesn’t require standing over a sizzling stovetop. Here’s how you do it.
The Easy Oven-Baked Bacon Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for evenly cooked, crispy bacon without overcooking or burning.
Step 2: Prep Your Pan: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This catches the grease and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Lay Out the Bacon: Arrange your bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. If you prefer extra crispiness, place a metal cooling rack on the pan and lay the bacon on top. The rack allows air to circulate around the strips, which helps them cook more evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 14–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. Start checking at the 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Drain and Serve: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer the strips to a plate lined with paper towels. This step removes any excess grease, leaving your bacon perfectly crispy and ready to serve.
Why This Method Works
Even Cooking: The oven’s consistent heat ensures every strip of bacon is cooked evenly, with no raw edges or overdone spots.
No Grease Splatter: Baking keeps the mess contained, making it a cleaner alternative to stovetop frying.
Batch-Friendly: You can cook a larger quantity at once, which is perfect for family breakfasts or meal prep.
Simple Cleanup: Thanks to the parchment or foil lining, cleaning up is quick and easy—just toss the liner and you’re done.
Pro Tip
If you’re prepping bacon ahead of time for a crowd or recipes, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to maintain that crispy texture.
This oven-baking method has been praised by chefs and home cooks alike for its simplicity and reliability. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to frying bacon on the stovetop. Perfectly crispy bacon every time? Yes, please.