🥓 Perfect Oven-Baked Crispy Bacon
Subtitle: Crispy edges, juicy centers—this bacon comes out perfect every single time with no splatter and no mess.
Oven-baked bacon is a total game changer. It’s easy, hands-free, and gives you perfectly crispy bacon that stays juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this method ensures even cooking and zero stovetop mess. Follow this foolproof recipe, and you’ll never go back to pan-frying!
🧾 Ingredients:
1 pound of thick-cut or regular bacon
Optional: parchment paper or aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
Optional: wire rack (for extra crispiness)
🔪 Instructions:
Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for crispy edges without drying out the meat.
Prepare the baking sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you want your bacon extra crispy and less greasy, place a wire rack on top of the sheet and lay the bacon on it. The rack allows the fat to drip below, creating crispier bacon. If you like it a bit juicier, skip the rack and cook directly on the foil or paper.
Arrange the bacon
Lay the bacon strips out in a single layer. Make sure they don’t overlap—overlapping causes uneven cooking. Slight touching is okay; they’ll shrink as they cook.
Bake the bacon
Place the tray in the preheated oven.
Regular-cut bacon: Bake for 15–20 minutes
Thick-cut bacon: Bake for 20–25 minutes
Baking time depends on thickness and your desired level of crispiness. Check near the end to avoid overcooking.
Drain and cool
When bacon reaches your preferred doneness, remove the pan from the oven. Use tongs to transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb excess grease and keeps the bacon crispy as it cools.
💡 Tips & Tricks:
Save the bacon fat! Pour it into a jar once it cools slightly. It’s liquid gold for cooking eggs, vegetables, or even adding to savory keto dishes.
Make it spicy-sweet: Sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and chili flakes on the bacon before baking for a candied kick.
Meal prep tip: Cook an entire pound, refrigerate leftovers, and reheat in a skillet or microwave for a quick protein boost all week long.
🥓 Serving Ideas:
Crumble on salads or soups for a smoky crunch
Add to breakfast sandwiches or wraps
Pair with scrambled eggs and avocado for a keto-friendly plate
Use in BLTs, burgers, or even wrapped around chicken or jalapeños
With this simple oven method, bacon is not just a breakfast food—it becomes a versatile, no-fail ingredient you’ll want to prep again and again.