Crispy, smoky bacon is hard to beat, but cooking it on the stovetop can be messy, hot and inconvenient. Oven-baked bacon solves that problem. It lets you cook bacon evenly, with less splatter and less hands-on work.
This method is ideal when you need bacon for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, pasta, burgers or a crowd. Simply arrange the bacon on a baking sheet, place it in the oven and let it cook until golden, crisp and delicious.
Why Cook Bacon in the Oven?
Cooking bacon in the oven is one of the easiest ways to get consistent results. Unlike pan-frying, you do not need to stand over the stove or flip each strip.
Oven-baked bacon is great because it:
- Cooks evenly
- Creates less mess
- Makes it easy to cook a large batch
- Requires minimal effort
- Works for regular or thick-cut bacon
How Much Bacon Can You Cook at Once?
A large rimmed baking sheet usually fits about 12 ounces to 1 pound of medium-thick bacon. The strips can be close together or touching, but they should not overlap.
If you need to cook more bacon, use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking.
How Long to Bake Bacon
Bake bacon at 400°F until it is deep golden brown and crisp.
General baking times:
| Bacon Type | Baking Time |
| Regular bacon | About 14 minutes |
| Thick-cut bacon | About 18 minutes |
The exact time depends on the bacon’s thickness and your preferred crispiness. Start checking after 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Do You Need to Flip Bacon in the Oven?
No. You do not need to flip bacon when baking it in the oven. The heat circulates around the strips, allowing them to cook evenly without constant attention.
Just place the bacon on the prepared baking sheet, bake and transfer it to paper towels when done.
How to Make Extra-Crispy Bacon
For extra-crispy bacon, place a metal cooling rack on top of the lined baking sheet, then arrange the bacon on the rack.
This lifts the bacon above the grease, allowing heat to reach all sides. Make sure the rack is oven-safe before using it.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces sliced bacon
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Leave some overhang on all sides to make cleanup easier.
2. Arrange the Bacon
Place the bacon strips on the baking sheet in a single layer. The slices can touch, but they should not overlap.
3. Bake Until Crisp
Bake until the bacon is deep golden brown and crispy.
Use these times as a guide:
- Regular bacon: about 14 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: about 18 minutes
Begin checking after 12 minutes, especially if your bacon is thin.
4. Drain and Serve
Use tongs to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Let it drain for a minute, then serve immediately.
What to Do with Bacon Grease
If you want to save the bacon grease, let it cool slightly, then pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof container. Store it in the refrigerator.
If you want to discard it, let the grease solidify on the baking sheet. Then wrap it in the foil or parchment and throw it away. Avoid pouring bacon grease down the sink.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze cooked bacon for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm the bacon in the microwave or oven until heated through and crisp again.
Recipe Notes
For the crispiest bacon, bake it on an oven-safe metal rack set over a lined baking sheet. This helps the bacon cook from all sides and reduces chewiness in the centre.
Oven-baked bacon is simple, reliable and perfect for busy mornings, meal prep or feeding a crowd.
