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How to Cook Bacon in the Oven for Perfect Crispiness

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven for Perfect Crispiness

Bake bacon at 400°F for an easy, hands-off method that produces evenly browned, crisp slices. Use a lined baking sheet for traditional bacon or a wire rack for bacon that is slightly less greasy.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Bacon, regular- or thick-cut
Optional Equipment
  • As needed Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • 1 rack Wire rack fitted inside the baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C). If cooking bacon directly on the lined pan, you can arrange it in the cold oven first and then turn the oven on for gradual rendering.
  2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil if desired. Place a wire rack over the sheet if you prefer slightly less greasy bacon.
  3. Arrange 1 pound of bacon in a single layer, allowing the slices to touch but not overlap.
  4. Bake regular-cut bacon for 15–20 minutes or thick-cut bacon for 20–25 minutes, checking around the 15-minute mark.
  5. Transfer the browned, crisp bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Let it cool briefly so the slices can firm up.
  6. If saving the rendered fat, pour it through a heat-safe strainer into a container. Never pour bacon fat down the drain.

Notes

Ovens, slice thickness, and preferred crispness affect the final cooking time. Use a rimmed baking sheet, begin checking early, and keep the bacon fat for cooking if desired.