Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast foods in the world and for good reason. The smell of sizzling bacon is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But cooking bacon can be a messy and time-consuming process. That’s where cooking bacon in the oven comes in. It’s an easy and convenient way to cook bacon without the mess. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking bacon in the oven, including how long to cook bacon in the oven at different temperatures.
Cooking Bacon in the Oven: What You Need
Before we dive into how long to cook bacon in the oven, let’s talk about what you need to cook bacon in the oven. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A baking sheet: Use a baking sheet with a rim to catch any bacon grease that may drip off the bacon.
- Foil or parchment paper: These can be used to line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Bacon: Use your favorite type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon works best for oven cooking.
- Oven: Obviously, you’ll need an oven to cook bacon in the oven.
- Tongs: You’ll need tongs to turn the bacon and remove it from the oven.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Now that you have all the necessary tools, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to cook bacon in the oven:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. You can also cook bacon at lower temperatures; we’ll cover that in a bit.
- Line a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. If using foil, be sure to crimp the edges to create a rim to catch any grease that may drip off the bacon.
- Place the bacon on the baking sheet: Place the bacon on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each slice to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the bacon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook the bacon for 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the bacon. Use tongs to turn the bacon over halfway through cooking.
- Remove the bacon from the oven: Once the bacon is done cooking, remove it from the oven and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
How Long to Cook Bacon in the Oven at Different Temperatures
As we mentioned earlier, you can cook bacon at different temperatures depending on your preference. Here’s how long to cook bacon in the oven at different temperatures:
- 325°F: Cook bacon for 20-25 minutes.
- 350°F: Cook bacon for 15-20 minutes.
- 375°F: Cook bacon for 13-17 minutes.
- 400°F: Cook bacon for 10-15 minutes.
- 425°F: Cook bacon for 8-12 minutes.
It’s important to keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking to make sure it doesn’t burn. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook than thin-sliced bacon, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How to Know When Bacon is Done in the Oven
So, how do you know when your bacon is done cooking in the oven? Look for these signs:
- The bacon is crispy: Your bacon should be crispy, but not burned. If it’s too soft, it’s not done cooking yet.
- The bacon is golden brown: Good bacon should be a nice golden brown color. If it’s too dark, it’s burned.
- The bacon is flat: If the bacon starts to curl up while cooking, it’s not done yet. The bacon should be flat and straight when it’s done.
- It smells amazing: Let your nose be your guide. If it smells amazing, it’s probably done cooking.
Should I Flip Bacon in the Oven?
Yes, you should flip your bacon in the oven. Flipping the bacon halfway through cooking ensures even cooking on both sides and helps it to cook evenly.
Is Bacon Better in the Oven or Fried?
This is a matter of personal preference. I personally love it when baked in the oven, but that’s not to say that fried bacon doesn’t taste just as good either; however, oven-cooked bacon is less messy and easier to clean up, but fried bacon has a different flavor and texture. Some people also prefer the control they have over the bacon when frying it on the stove. Try both methods and see which one you prefer.
Why Does My Bacon Burn in the Oven?
Bacon burns in the oven when it’s cooked at too high a temperature or for too long. Be sure to keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed.
Can You Cook Bacon in the Oven Without Foil?
Yes, you can cook bacon in the oven without foil. However, using foil or parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
Related:
Is it Faster to Cook Bacon in the Oven or on the Stove?
It typically takes less amount of time to cook bacon on the stove especially when it’s fried on a hot burner. However, cooking bacon in the oven is less hands-on and requires less attention, making it a more convenient option.
What Happens if You Don’t Cook Bacon Long Enough?
If you don’t cook bacon long enough, it will be too soft and chewy. Additionally, undercooked bacon can contain harmful bacteria. Be sure to cook bacon until it’s crispy and fully cooked.
How Do Restaurants Cook Bacon?
Many restaurants cook bacon in the oven because it’s an easy and efficient way to cook large quantities of bacon at once. They often use a convection oven to ensure even cooking.
Why Do Chefs Cook Bacon in the Oven?
Chefs often cook bacon in the oven because it’s a quick and easy way to cook without watching it closely. They can pop it in the oven and focus on other tasks while it cooks. Additionally, cooking bacon in the oven produces crispy, evenly cooked bacon every time.
What NOT to Do When Cooking Bacon
Here are 3 common mistakes to avoid when cooking bacon:
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave space between each slice of bacon to allow for even cooking. A clogged oven will definitely produce undercooked bacon that is less flavourful.
- Don’t cook bacon at too high a temperature: This can cause the bacon to burn.
- Don’t leave the bacon unattended: Keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking to ensure it doesn’t burn.
What is the Healthiest Way to Cook Bacon?
Cooking bacon in the oven is a healthier option than frying it on the stove because it produces less grease and fewer harmful fumes. Additionally, using thick-cut bacon reduces the amount of fat and calories.
What is the Secret to Cooking a Perfect Bacon?
The secret to cooking perfect, crispy bacon is to keep an eye on it while it’s cooking. Adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed to ensure crispy, evenly cooked bacon. And don’t forget to flip the bacon halfway through cooking!
Why Won’t My Bacon Get Crispy in the Oven?
If your bacon isn’t getting crispy in the oven, there could be a few reasons why. First, make sure you’re cooking it at the correct temperature. Additionally, using thin-sliced bacon or overcrowding the baking sheet can prevent the bacon from getting crispy.
How Do You Cook Bacon in the Oven So It Doesn’t Smell?
Cooking bacon in the oven can produce a strong smell. Open a window or turn on the vent hood while cooking to minimize the smell. Additionally, you can place a small bowl of vinegar in the oven while cooking to absorb any odors.
Should You Boil Bacon Before Frying?
Boiling bacon before frying is unnecessary and can remove some of the bacon’s flavor. Simply cook the bacon in a pan or in the oven for the best results.
What is the Fastest Way to Cook Bacon?
The fastest way to cook bacon is in the microwave. However, this method can produce less crispy bacon and is not recommended for cooking large quantities of bacon.
Do You Need Oil to Cook Bacon?
No, you do not need oil to cook bacon. Bacon contains enough fat to cook on its own, and you’d notice this soon enough once the bacon begins to absorb the heat.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon in the oven is a great way to enjoy this delicious breakfast food without the mess. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can cook perfect bacon every time at home. So, preheat that oven and get ready for some tasty bacon!
