Here’s my foolproof way to cook bacon without messy stovetop splatters. It’s perfect for both thin and thick-cut slices, and you can even add some fun flavor twists! Serve this crispy baked bacon for breakfast with scrambled eggs, make sandwiches (try a homemade fluffy biscuit), or add to these juicy burgers!
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
For super easy cleanup, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. The rim is important for catching all the tasty bacon grease! If you have a baking rack, pop that in the pan too. (Baking bacon on a rack helps the it get extra crispy.) Bake your bacon in a 400°F oven until crisp. The bacon takes 12 to 20 minutes, depending on its thickness. If I haven’t convinced you well enough yet, there’s one more bonus of cooking bacon in the oven. We can add some extra flavor. Here are three of my favorites:
Peppered Bacon: Generously grind fresh black pepper (I like a coarse grind) over the slices. Maple Baked Bacon: Brush the bacon with maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and savory treat. Honey Sriracha Bacon: During the last few minutes of cooking, drizzle with honey and a touch of Sriracha.
Pepper, optional 2Line a rimmed baking sheet (or two) with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. 3For extra crispy bacon: Place a baking rack (if you have one) inside the baking sheet. 4Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet (or on top of the rack). Avoid overlapping, but touching is okay. 5Season with freshly ground black pepper (optional, but delicious!). 6Cook for 12 to 20 minutes, checking at around 8 minutes, and often after that, until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. If using two racks, rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking for even browning.
