How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

You’ll always get the BEST and CRISPIEST results once you know How to Cook Bacon in the Oven! This foolproof method uses a wire rack for even baking and foil for quick and easy cleanup. Both pork and turkey bacon will turn out perfect every time!

Cooking bacon in a skillet on the stove is an acquired skill that requires A LOT of patience. Oftentimes, if you look away for even a few minutes it can go from being perfectly crisp and delicious to a burnt mess unworthy of even becoming crumbled bacon pieces.

While a very select few have the special touch to tenderly care for bacon strips in a cast-iron skillet (my father-in-law being the world’s absolute BEST at it!), there is a way for those of us lacking such skills to redeem ourselves… by baking bacon in the oven!

But how do you cook bacon in the oven? What temperature does the oven need to be set at? And do you need any special tools or kitchen appliances?

The answers to all of your burning questions are found below!

(And if you want another way, check out how to make Air Fryer Bacon or even Microwave Bacon!)

How to Select Bacon

The first step to making the best bacon is choosing the right kind at the grocery store.

The butcher counter has the absolute BEST quality and flavor. Nitrate-free and pre-packaged is another good option. 

Also, look on the side of the package and check for marbling. The more meat you see, the less fatty the bacon will be, and the better it will come out!

(You can even learn How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven.)

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

The basic steps for making bacon in the oven are simple to follow. Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

Prepare the Pan

Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. The rim on the pan helps to trap any extra grease from hitting the bottom of your oven and causing a smokey mess. And, the aluminum foil will allow you to have an extremely easy clean-up!

Fit a wire rack on top on the baking sheet. This helps to circulate air underneath the bacon and allows excess fat to drip into the baking sheet resulting in an ultra crispy texture.

Arrange the Bacon

Place the slices on a wire rack in a single layer, being careful not to overlap.

In 3-4 spots lift up your bacon slightly off of the wire rack to create “rolls” in the strips. This will create a more natural appearance.

Bake in Oven

Cook the bacon in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-25 minutes, or until your desired level of crispiness is reached.

Drain and Cool

Carefully remove the bacon from the oven.

Place 4-5 paper towels onto a large plate.

Use tongs to transfer 3 strips to the paper towel-lined plate and pat them with additional paper towels.

Repeat this process until all have been patted dry.

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Store: Keep the cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• To Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Place the in an oven or air fryer set to 350°F for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it on a paper towel lined plate for 20 second intervals.

FAQs

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Check the side. Look at the marbling on the bacon for plenty of pink meat versus white fat.
• Avoid a smoky mess. A rimmed sheet pan will contain all of the grease and prevent spills.
• Make it extra crispy. Arrange bacon in a single layer on a wire rack so the hot air can circulate around the entire slice.
• Easy cleanup. Line the baking sheet with foil so you don’t have to clean all the fat off of the pan.

Recipes with Bacon

Here are just a few ways to incorporate bacon into delicious recipes:

Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Broccoli Bacon Salad with Cranberries

Loaded Hasselback Potatoes

Savory Waffles

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara