The essential step-by-step guide for how to cook bacon in the oven. Two simple baking methods can be used for either chewy or crispy bacon with delicious results.
Preheat Oven - Position the oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat to 375°F (191°C). Line a large sheet tray with foil.
Roast Bacon - Place the bacon on the pan, ensuring the strips do not overlap—roast for 15 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and use tongs to flip the pieces. Rotate the pan and continue cooking for about 5 minutes.Alternatively, for extra crispy bacon. Place a wire rack on the sheet tray and the bacon on the top—roast for 15 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and flip the strips. Continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Absorb Grease - Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Notes
Storing: Bacon strips can be refrigerated in a resealable bag or air-tight container for up to 1 week.
Reheat: Individual slices of cooked bacon can be wrapped in a paper towel and microwaved for 10 to 15-seconds, or until hot.
Roasting at 400ºF (204ºC): Flip the bacon after 10 minutes of roasting, then cook until crispy. Directly on the sheet pan takes about 12 to 19 minutes. On a wire rack, about 19 to 27 minutes. Time is dependent on the thickness of the bacon.
Saving the Grease: To use as a flavorful cooking fat. Once the sheet pan cools down, but the grease is still liquid, pour it into a bowl through a cheese-cloth-lined fine mesh sieve. Transfer to a jar, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 months, or freeze indefinitely.