Bacon in the Oven
Cooking bacon in the oven is one of the easiest ways to cook it. The oven produces consistent heat and cooks the bacon evenly without flipping it. This method is also a great way to avoid greasy messes on the stovetop and makes cleaning up a breeze. To start, all you need is a pack of bacon (it can be any kind), a baking sheet, aluminum foil, and a metal cooling rack that fits inside the baking sheet (optional).
Ingredients
- 12 bacon slices , preferably center-cut.
Instructions
- If you have extra time, bring the bacon to room temperature before cooking for about 15 minutes; this helps it cook more evenly (like steak). Line a 13 x 18-inch rimmed baking sheet with wide heavy-duty wide aluminum foil so that there is some overhang on all sides; this prevents the grease from getting onto the baking sheet. Then cover with a sheet of parchment paper; this is optional but makes cleaning up a breeze.
- Layout as many bacon strips as will fit without overlapping. (If desired, you can fit the baking sheet with an oven-safe cooling rack to allow extra grease to drain away while the bacon cooks; feel free to skip the rack.) Season with cracked black pepper, brown sugar, or chipotle chili powder if desired.
- Place the bacon on the middle rack of a cold oven that has not been pre-heated, set the temperature to 400 degrees, and bake until browned and starts to ripple for about 20 minutes; cooking time depends on the thickness of the bacon and how you like it cooked; start checking doneness at the 15-minute mark.
- Watch it closely towards the end so it does not burn. Next, remove the baking sheet from the oven and use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined platter; let drain and cool. To save the bacon grease, carefully pour it into a heat-safe container.
Notes
How to Store & Reheat
To store: Allow it to cool completely after cooking. It's important to remove any excess grease by placing the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the oil. Once cooled, transfer the bacon to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for 4-5 days. It's important to note that storing bacon in the refrigerator may cause it to become slightly less crispy, but it can still be reheated and enjoyed.
To reheat: When it comes to reheating bacon, you can use a few methods. One option is to use the microwave. Place a few slices of bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels to absorb any grease. Cover the bacon with a layer of paper towels and microwave on high for about 20-30 seconds per slice or until it's heated through.
Make-Ahead
To make ahead bacon, partially cook it in the oven until it starts to brown. Once partially cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to cool completely. Store the cooled bacon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the bacon in a skillet or microwave until it reaches the desired level of crispiness. Making bacon ahead of time saves preparation time and allows for quick and convenient use in various dishes or for a delicious breakfast.
How to Freeze
Freeze cooked bacon in a freezer ziplock bag or freezer container and freeze for up to 1 month; make sure to separate the bacon into small portions and wrap it with paper towels before freezing.
Notes:
- Store cooked bacon in a sealed ziplock bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until it is crisp for about 5 minutes, in a preheated 400 degrees Fahrenheit oven, in the microwave on a paper towel for 30-45 seconds, or even in the or broil for a few minutes per side until crisp.
- If you save bacon grease after cooking, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 6 months or frozen for up to 9 months before going rancid.
Nutrition Facts
Bacon in the Oven
Amount per Serving
Calories
92
% Daily Value*
Fat
9
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
4
g
Cholesterol
15
mg
5
%
Sodium
146
mg
6
%
Potassium
44
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
0.3
g
0
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
8
IU
0
%
Calcium
1
mg
0
%
Iron
0.1
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Did you Like the Recipe?We would appreciate it if you could rate it. Also, make sure to check out our Youtube Channel for more great recipes. Please share it on social media and tag us so we can see your delicious creations. Thank you!