how long to bake bacon in oven
Baking bacon in the oven is a great way to cook it evenly and with minimal mess. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. Here are some general guidelines:
Thin-cut bacon:
- 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for a chewy texture
- 15-18 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for a crispy texture
Thick-cut bacon:
- 18-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for a chewy texture
- 20-22 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for a crispy texture
Extra-thick bacon:
- 22-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for a chewy texture
- 25-28 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for a crispy texture
How to bake bacon in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
- Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overlap them.
- Bake for the recommended time, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Tips:
- You can also bake bacon at a lower temperature (350°F/175°C) for a longer period of time (25-30 minutes) for a more tender texture.
- If you prefer a crisper texture, you can broil the bacon for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Baking bacon in the oven is a great way to cook large quantities at once, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
