Cooking bacon in the oven has become a popular alternative to frying bacon on the stove. Not only is it convenient and less messy, but cooking bacon in the oven also results in crispier and evenly cooked bacon. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to cook bacon in the oven and some tips for achieving the perfect bacon.
The Benefits of Cooking Bacon in the Oven
If you’re a bacon lover, you know that cooking bacon on the stovetop can be messy and time-consuming. But did you know that cooking bacon in the oven is a delicious and easy alternative? Cooking bacon in the oven has several benefits:
- It’s less messy. When you cook bacon on the stovetop, the grease can splatter all over your stovetop and countertops. But when you cook bacon in the oven, the grease stays in the pan.
- It’s more hands-off. When you cook bacon on the stovetop, you need to constantly flip the bacon to ensure it cooks evenly. But when you cook bacon in the oven, you can put it in the oven and forget about it until it’s done.
- It’s easier to cook large quantities. When you cook bacon on the stovetop, you’re limited by the size of your skillet. But when you cook bacon in the oven, you can cook a whole baking sheet full of bacon at once.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Cooking bacon in the oven is easy, but there are a few tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Lay the bacon slices on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Put the baking sheet in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Tips for Making Perfect Oven-Cooked Bacon
- Use thick-cut bacon. Thin-cut bacon can cook too quickly and become overcooked and crispy.
- Use a wire rack. Putting the bacon on a wire rack allows the grease to drip off the bacon, resulting in a crispier bacon.
- Add spices. Sprinkle some brown sugar or black pepper on top of the bacon before cooking for a delicious twist.
Common Misconceptions About Cooking Bacon in the Oven
Despite the many benefits of cooking bacon in the oven, some people are hesitant to try it because of common misconceptions. Let’s take a look at a few:
Misconception: It’s not as crispy as stovetop bacon.
While it’s true that oven-cooked bacon isn’t quite as crispy as stovetop bacon, it’s still plenty crispy. Plus, using a wire rack can help make it even crispier.
Misconception: It takes longer to cook than stovetop bacon.
While it’s true that oven-cooked bacon takes longer to cook than stovetop bacon, it’s also more hands-off. You can put it in the oven and forget about it until it’s done.
Misconception: It’s not as flavorful as stovetop bacon.
While stovetop bacon has a delicious smoky flavor, oven-cooked bacon can be just as flavorful, especially if you add spices like brown sugar or black pepper.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Bacon in the Oven
Use an Oven Thermometer
To ensure that your oven is at the right temperature, use an oven thermometer. Many ovens don’t heat evenly, so it’s important to make sure that the temperature is accurate.
Use a Baking Sheet with a Lip
Using a baking sheet with a lip will prevent the bacon grease from spilling over the edges of the pan. This will also make it easier to remove the bacon grease from the pan after cooking.
Add a Little Water
Adding a little bit of water to the bottom of the baking sheet can help prevent the bacon from splattering and smoking. Just be careful not to add too much water, or the bacon will steam instead of crisping up.
Drain the Bacon Grease
After cooking the bacon, be sure to drain the bacon grease. You can save the grease and use it for cooking other dishes, or you can discard it.
Try Different Spices
In addition to brown sugar and black pepper, there are many other spices that can add flavor to oven-cooked bacon. Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
FAQs – cooking bacon in the oven
How do I cook bacon in the oven?
Cooking bacon in the oven is really simple! First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Next, line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil to avoid sticking. Arrange your bacon on the tray in a single layer, making sure each slice has enough space to crisp up. Bake for 15-20 minutes until your bacon is cooked to your liking. Once done, remove the tray from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. The excess oil will be absorbed and you’ll have crispy bacon!
Can I cook thick-cut bacon in the oven?
Yes, you can! In fact, cooking thick-cut bacon in the oven is better than doing it on the stovetop because it reduces the risk of undercooked or burnt bacon. Just keep in mind that thicker bacon will take longer to cook. For best results, increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes depending on your oven’s temperature and your preference for doneness.
Do I need to flip the bacon while cooking it in the oven?
No, flipping is not necessary. The oven’s heat circulates and cooks the bacon evenly on both sides without the need to flip. However, if you want to ensure that the bacon is evenly cooked on both sides, you can flip it halfway through the cooking time.
How long does it take to cook bacon in the oven?
Cooking time varies depending on your oven’s temperature, the thickness of your bacon, and your preference for doneness. On average, it takes around 15-20 minutes to cook bacon in the oven at 400°F. Thicker bacon requires more time, up to 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon since cooking times will vary depending on the oven.
Can I cook bacon in the oven without using parchment paper or aluminum foil?
Yes, you can! But keep in mind that cooking bacon without any liner can result in additional cleanup due to the excess oil that will accumulate on the tray. If you choose to cook bacon without parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensure you clean the tray thoroughly after cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky.
