Cooking bacon in the oven is an ideal way to get perfectly crisp bacon without all the effort or mess of cooking on a stovetop. Plus, once you know how, it's straightforward!
In this blog post, we'll give you all the knowledge and equipment to cook bacon perfectly in an oven. First, we'll begin with the basics so that you know what to do and when. Then we'll provide a step-by-step guide on cooking bacon so that your results are perfect every single time. Finally, we'll offer some finishing touches, so your oven-baked bacon tastes even better!
Are you searching for an easier way to cook bacon or want to explore something different? Then, read on for all the information necessary about baking bacon in an oven!
Understanding The Basics: Everything You Need to Know About Cooking Bacon in an Oven
To cook bacon in the oven, you'll need several essential items:
- Baking sheet: This will be used to cook the bacon. Line it with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Oven-safe wire racks: elevate the bacon so heat can circulate evenly and guarantee crispiness. If you don't have access to wire racks, foil-lined cooling racks or crumpled foil may work just as well.
- Bacon: Of course! Choose your favorite kind - thick or thin, smoked or unsmoked.
Selecting the Right Bacon
Not all bacon is created equal, and different types will produce slightly different final products.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting bacon for baking:
- Thickness: Thick bacon requires more cooking time and will be less crispy than thin slices.
- Smoked vs. Unsmoked: Smoked bacon has already been enhanced with flavor, while unsmoked bacon remains more neutral in taste.
- Cured vs. Uncured: Cured bacon has been treated with nitrates/nitrites, which some people prefer not to consume. Uncured bacon is usually labeled either "nitrate-free" or "nitrite-free."
Video showing how to cook it crispy in the oven:
Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon in the Oven
Before beginning to cook your bacon, you must preheat your oven. Doing so will guarantee even cooking and help make cleanup a breeze. You might also line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
When you're ready to cook, trim any excess fat from your bacon. Then cut it into 1-inch wide strips. If cooking for a larger group, consider cutting these in half, so they fit onto a baking sheet more easily.
Place Bacon in the Oven
After trimming and cutting your bacon into strips, it's time to arrange it on a prepared baking sheet in an even layer without touching each other. If needed, you may use another baking sheet for extra space.
Baking the Bacon
When cooking bacon, it's best to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before beginning. Then, place the bacon into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it towards the end, so it doesn't overcook or burn.
If you're cooking a large quantity of bacon, it may be necessary to cook it in batches. Keep any cooked bacon warm on a paper towel-lined plate while you finish cooking the remainder.
Finishing Touches for Perfect Oven Baked Bacon
Once the bacon has been cooking for its allotted time, it is essential to check its temperature to make sure it has reached your desired doneness. The best way to do this is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the bacon and checking that its internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, place back into the oven for several more minutes until satisfied.
Removing Bacon From the Oven
Once the bacon has cooked, carefully remove it from the oven using tongs or an oven mitt. Be careful not to burn yourself; hot grease may splash when moving it around. Place the cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack to drain any fat.
Allowing Bacon to Cool
It is best to allow the bacon to cool slightly before eating it, as it will be scorching straight from the oven. If you need to cool it down quickly, blot it with a paper towel to remove some grease and speed up the cooling time. Enjoy your oven-baked bacon once it has cooled!
Conclusion
For perfectly cooked bacon, opt for the oven. With this method, you can control the temperature and cook your bacon to your preference. Plus, making a large batch at once is simple - follow these simple steps, and you'll be enjoying delicious oven-baked bacon in no time!
