Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon: Perfect Results Every Time

Learn how to bake bacon in the oven and avoid a greasy, splattered stovetop for good.

As I put together my email newsletter about pancakes and waffles this week, I realized I hadn’t yet shared my favorite method for cooking bacon: baking it in the oven. For me, oven-baked bacon is the best because it cooks evenly, gets perfectly crisp, and creates far less cleanup than frying on the stovetop.

My kids can tell you restaurant bacon rarely measures up — they prefer the home-baked version. Over time I’ve learned a few simple tips that make oven-baked bacon foolproof and mess-free.

Tips for How to Bake Bacon:

Use two sheet pans for a 16 oz package so the slices have room and cook evenly.
Line the pans with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Foil can tear and stick; parchment works best.
Ovens vary. At 400°F I usually get crisp bacon in about 20 minutes, but thickness of the slices affects timing. Check the bacon toward the end of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
If your bacon is thick cut, consider flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even browning.
Use metal tongs to move or flip slices safely while they’re hot.
After baking, drain the bacon on a paper towel–lined plate before serving to remove excess grease.

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5 from 6 votes

How to Bake Bacon

Learn how to bake bacon in the oven and avoid a greasy, splattered stovetop for good.

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Servings
8

Calories
236kcal

Author
Jill McOwen

Ingredients

1 16 oz pkg bacon

Start Cooking

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position racks in the upper third and lower third of the oven.
Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
Arrange bacon slices flat on the parchment, making sure they do not touch so air can circulate and they crisp evenly.
Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate the pans top to bottom and front to back for even cooking.
Bake an additional 10 minutes or until the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispness. Thin bacon may finish sooner; thick cut may take longer.
For thick-cut bacon, you can flip the slices with metal tongs about halfway through to promote even browning.
Keep a close eye during the final minutes to prevent burning.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain before serving.

Nutrition

More Breakfast Recipes:

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The Best Waffles
Stuffed French Toast