Cooking bacon in the oven is a great way to prepare a large quantity of bacon at one time, without having to stand at the stove and constantly monitor it. The oven's circulating heat cooks the bacon evenly, resulting in crispy and well-cooked bacon every time.
Why bake bacon in the oven?
- You can cook more bacon at once
- You don't have to monitor the bacon while it's cooking
- Even and consistent cooking
- Less mess and splatter
You can cook more bacon at once.
One of the advantages of cooking bacon in the oven is that you can cook a large quantity of bacon at once. This makes it a convenient option when you're serving a crowd or need to prepare breakfast for a family or group.
You don't have to monitor the bacon while it's cooking.
Another advantage is that you don't need to constantly monitor the bacon while it's cooking, as you would when cooking it on the stovetop. This allows you to focus on other tasks while the bacon cooks.
Even and consistent cooking.
When you cook bacon on the stovetop, it can be difficult to get the heat just right, which can result in unevenly cooked bacon. In the oven, the heat is distributed more evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon.
Less mess and splatter.
Another benefit of cooking bacon in the oven is that it is less messy. When you cook bacon on the stovetop, the grease can splatter everywhere, making a mess on your stove and surrounding surfaces. In the oven, the bacon is contained on a baking sheet, making clean up much easier.
How do I cook bacon in the oven?
To cook bacon in the oven, you will need a baking sheet and aluminum foil or parchment paper. You can line the baking sheet with the foil or paper to make clean up easier. The bacon should be arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet, so that it cooks evenly.
When cooking bacon in the oven, it's important to preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly. You should also check on the bacon regularly to make sure it doesn't overcook or burn.
How long do I cook bacon in the oven?
The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon, so you may want to start checking on it after about 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) and adjust the cooking time as needed.
After the bacon is cooked to your liking, you should remove it from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess grease. This will help to keep the bacon crispy.
Do I need to turn bacon over in the oven?
No, you don't need to turn the bacon over during cooking.
However, if you want your bacon to be crispy on both sides you can use a wire rack on the baking sheet, so that bacon fat can drain away and your bacon becomes crispy.
Does bacon splatter in the oven?
No, oven-cooked bacon doesn't splatter like bacon cooked on the stove top as it cooks slower and the grease is container in the baking tray. Hurray for less mess!
Variations
There are many different flavors that you can add to bacon when cooking it in the oven. Some popular options include:
- Maple syrup or brown sugar: This creates a sweet and savory bacon that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Spices: You can add spices such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or black pepper for a little extra kick.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage can add an herby and aromatic flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic or garlic powder can add a subtle garlicky flavor to the bacon.
- Mustard: Mixing dijon mustard or whole grain mustard with brown sugar and brushing it over the bacon before baking it can give it a tangy, sweet and savory flavor.
- Citrus: Mixing orange or lemon zest with brown sugar can give the bacon a refreshing citrusy taste.
- BBQ sauce: Mixing BBQ sauce with brown sugar, paprika and cayenne pepper can give the bacon a smoky, sweet and spicy flavor.
These are just a few examples of the many flavors that you can add to bacon when cooking it in the oven. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor for your taste.
Oven-Cooked Bacon
Oven-cooked bacon is crispy, evenly cooked and less messy than stovetop bacon. It is perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g / approx. 12 -14 slices) of bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes, or until it is crispy and browned to your liking.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess grease.
- Enjoy your oven-baked bacon!
Notes
- Cooking time can vary depending on thickness of the bacon and personal preference, so check on it often after the 15 min mark and adjust accordingly
- You can also use a wire rack, if you have one, to place over the baking sheet so that bacon fat can drain away and your bacon becomes crispy.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: ¼ pound (approx. 3 rashers)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 132
Recipes that We Love
- Brown Sugar Maple Glazed Bacon by The Merchant Baker
- Sweet and Spicy Bacon by Epicurious
- Spicy Honey-Glazed Bacon by Food and Wine
