how long and at what temp to bake bacon

The best way to bake bacon depends on your preference for crispiness and the thickness of your bacon. Here’s a breakdown of the general guidelines:

General Guidelines:

• Temperature: 400°F (200°C) is a common temperature for achieving a balance of crispiness and not burning the bacon too quickly. You can go slightly lower or higher depending on your desired results.
• Time: 15-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon, how crispy you like it, and your oven.

Detailed Recommendations:

• Thin-cut bacon:

  • Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
  • Time: 15-20 minutes. Check it frequently after 15 minutes to prevent burning.

• Thick-cut bacon:

  • Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
  • Time: 20-25 minutes. You may need to go a bit longer.

Steps for Baking Bacon:

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to the desired temperature (usually 400°F).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. For even crispier bacon and easier cleanup, you can place a wire rack on top of the foil. This allows the grease to drip away from the bacon.
3. Arrange Bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (or rack). Do not overlap them.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven.
5. Bake and Monitor: Bake for the recommended time depending on bacon thickeness and desired crispiness. Check the bacon regularly (especially during the last few minutes) as ovens vary.
6. Remove and Drain: Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven.
7. Drain: Carefully transfer the bacon to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels to drain off any excess grease.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the bacon immediately while it’s hot and crispy!

Tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking the bacon in a single layer is essential for even cooking and crispness.
• Oven Variations: All ovens cook slightly differently. Start checking the bacon a bit earlier, especially the first time you bake in your oven.
• Crispness Preference: If you like truly crispy bacon, you might go slightly higher on the cooking time and temperature, but watch closely to avoid burning. If you prefer chewier bacon, you could reduce the time slightly.
• Save the Grease: The bacon grease is great for cooking eggs, vegetables, or adding flavor to other dishes.
• Storage: Cooked bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Enjoy your perfectly baked bacon!