If you want the crispiest and most evenly cooked bacon, cooking it in the oven is the way to go. It’s surprising how many people have yet to give it a try. The stovetop is the ultimate winner.
Today, I want to talk to you about why it’s a good idea to change your habits and start cooking bacon in the oven. Believe me, once you try cooking bacon in the oven, you won’t want to go back to cooking it on the stovetop!
When you cook bacon on the stove, it will likely splatter and make a mess on your stovetop. Additionally, the pan can become unevenly heated, resulting in hot spots. This means that some pieces of bacon may cook faster than others. That’s why sometimes you end up with bacon slices that are slightly too burnt while others still need to cook more.
Cooking bacon in the oven ensures that all your bacon slices are cooked evenly because the heat surrounds them. The food cooks slowly and evenly without splattering. It is truly an incredible sight.
Also read: How to Make the Perfect Margherita Pizza
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Cooking bacon in the oven is a convenient and mess-free way to prepare crispy bacon. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Preheat your oven
Preheat your microwave oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s essential to start with a hot oven to make sure that the bacon cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
Prepare your baking sheet
Line a baking sheet or a sheet pan with aluminium foil. This step is optional but makes cleanup much more accessible. If you have one, you can also place a wire rack above the baking sheet; this helps the bacon cook more evenly by allowing the grease to drip away from the bacon.
Arrange the bacon
Lay the bacon strips flat on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlying, as this can cause uneven cooking.
Bake the bacon
Place the bacon-filled baking sheet in the preheated oven on the centre rack. The cooking time will differ depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispy taste. Typically, thin bacon will take about 12-15 minutes, while thicker bacon may take 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Check for doneness
Around the halfway point of the estimated cooking time, peek at the bacon to see how it’s progressing. If it’s not as crispy as you’d like, continue cooking for a few more minutes. Remember that the bacon will resume to crisp up after removing it from the oven.
Remove and drain
Once the bacon reaches your wanted level of crispiness, use tongs to remove the bacon from the baking sheet carefully. Place it on a plate of paper towels or a clean towel to absorb excess grease.
Serve
Your oven-cooked bacon is now ready to serve! Enjoy it as a side dish, in sandwiches, salads, or other words you like.
Dispose of grease
Allow the bacon grease on the baking sheet to cool and solidify. You can then carefully fold the aluminium foil around the hardened oil and discard it in the trash, making cleanup a breeze.
Benefits of Cooking Bacon in the Oven
- It is very beneficial during the holidays or when you have many people coming to your house. It’s also helpful for keeping your calm in the kitchen when you have a lot of people to cook for.
- Also, cooking bacon in the oven is much cleaner than cooking it on the stove. When you cook bacon in the oven, you won’t have to deal with any splatters because the bacon sizzles away until it becomes perfectly crispy or cooked to your preference.
- Finally, cooking bacon in the oven allows you to do multiple things at once in the kitchen. Once you put that sheet pan of delicious bacon in the oven, you’ll have about 15 minutes of free time to prepare some eggs or waffles.
Tips for Cooking Bacon in the Oven
- Use the Right Bacon: While you can use any bacon, thick-cut bacon works better for oven cooking as it holds its shape and texture well. Thin bacon may become overly crispy or even burn more quickly.
- Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly. An oven thermometer makes sure that the temperature you set matches the temperature inside the range.
- Position Oven Racks: Place the oven rack in the centre position for even cooking. If you use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet, position it on the shelf just above the centre.
- Preheat the Oven: Allow your oven to preheat fully before placing the bacon inside. This ensures that the bacon starts cooking immediately and helps achieve even results.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the bacon on the baking sheet. Leave space between the strips for proper air circulation and cooking.
Conclusion: Cooking Bacon in the Oven
In conclusion, cooking bacon in the oven is a time-saving, mess-free, and consistently effective method that yields perfectly crispy and delicious results. Its many advantages, including cooking, convenience, and easy cleanup, make it a preferred choice for home cooks of all skill levels.
With a few simple tips and the right approach, you can enjoy flawlessly cooked bacon every time, whether it’s for a hearty breakfast, a savoury sandwich, or as a versatile ingredient in a wide range of dishes.
FAQ
What is bacon grease good for
When you throw away your bacon grease, you’re eliminating a cost-effective, convenient, and incredibly versatile ingredient that adds a delightful smoky taste to your dishes. You can use the grease from your cooking to fry delicious breakfast favourites such as eggs and hash browns.
How long does it take to cook bacon in the oven
Baking regular, thin-cut bacon usually takes around 12 minutes at a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can slightly extend the baking time, but monitor it closely.
