How To Bake Bacon In The Oven

There’s nothing quite like the smell of sizzling bacon in the morning. If you’ve ever struggled with stovetop splatters or unevenly cooked strips, you will want to learn how to bake bacon in the oven. It’s a total game-changer. It’s easy, mess-free, and delivers perfectly crispy bacon every time. 

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Whether you’re prepping for a big family breakfast or just making a quick batch for yourself, this method will save you time and effort.

Crispy strips of cooked bacon stacked on a white paper towel, showcasing a golden-brown texture with edges slightly curled. Perfect results are easy when you know how to make bacon in the oven—each piece freshly cooked, some showing darker, caramelized areas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No Mess: No Fuss Say goodbye to greasy stovetops. 
  • Even Cooking: The oven ensures all strips cook evenly without flipping. 
  • Perfect for a Crowd: Easily make large batches without standing over a pan.
  • Crisp or Rubbery: It’s easy to get all your bacon crisp or rubbery when you bake it in the oven. 
  • Customizable: Add a sprinkle of black pepper and brown sugar for extra sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make crispy, delicious bacon:

A package of Oscar Mayer original naturally hardwood smoked bacon sits above two small bowls. One bowl contains ground black pepper and the other contains brown sugar, labeled respectively. The background is white.
  • 12 strips bacon: Regular or thick-cut (adjust cooking time for thicker slices).
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional): Adds a hint of spice.
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional): Enhances the caramelized flavor.

Before You Get Started

  • Use a Rack for Even Cooking: Placing bacon on an oven-safe rack allows fat to drip away, making the bacon crispier.
  • Line the Baking Sheet: Use foil or parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
  • Start with a Cold Oven: This helps the bacon render slowly for maximum crispiness.

How to Bake Bacon in the Oven

Strips of uncooked bacon are neatly arranged side by side on a metal rack placed over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The bacon is ready for baking.

Step 1: Prep the Bacon (Plain Bacon)

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe rack on top of the baking sheet. Lay bacon strips in a single layer on the rack (no overlapping).

Eight crispy strips of bacon are lined up on a black wire rack placed on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. The bacon is evenly spaced and golden brown.

Step 2: Bake the Bacon

Place the baking sheet in a cold oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Check at 15 minutes, as cooking time varies based on bacon thickness and oven differences.

Step 3: Drain and Cool

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Let it cool slightly. It will continue to crisp up as it sits. Bonus Tip: Save the bacon grease for cooking eggs, veggies, or roasting potatoes.

Crispy strips of bacon are evenly spaced on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. The bacon appears well-cooked with a golden-brown texture.

How to Bake Sweet and Spicy Bacon In The Oven

Strips of bacon seasoned with black pepper and spices are arranged in neat rows on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 1: Prep the Bacon (Sweet and Spicy Bacon Option)

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe rack on top of the baking sheet. Sprinkle with black pepper and brown sugar for extra flavor.

Seven strips of crispy bacon are laid out evenly on a metal rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The bacon appears well-cooked and is spaced apart.

Step 2:  Bake the Bacon

Place the baking sheet in a cold oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Check at 15 minutes, as cooking time varies based on bacon thickness and oven differences.

Step 3: Drain and Cool

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Let it cool slightly. It will continue to crisp up as it sits. Bonus Tip: Save the bacon grease for cooking eggs, veggies, or roasting potatoes.

Crispy bacon strips cooling on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The bacon is evenly cooked, with a slightly charred appearance and pepper seasoning visible on the surface.
Illustration of a caramel syrup bottle with a brown label. The label includes the words "Caramel Syrup" and features an image of caramel cubes. The bottle has a handle and a screw cap.

Tips and Variations

  • Thick-Cut Bacon: Add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Extra Crispy: Bake the bacon for an extra few minutes or until you achieve your perfect crispness. 
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with cayenne pepper before baking.
  • Maple Glaze: Brush with maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of baking.
A hand holding a crispy strip of cooked bacon over a white plate stacked with more bacon strips. The bacon appears golden-brown and is arranged on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake bacon without a rack?

Absolutely. Just place the bacon directly on a foil-lined baking sheet. It may be slightly greasier but will still be delicious.

How do I make bacon chewy instead of crispy?

 Bake at a lower temperature (350°F) for a shorter time and check frequently.

Can I bake bacon ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes for the best texture.

A close-up of several crispy, cooked bacon strips stacked on a white plate. One strip is lifted above the rest, showcasing its golden-brown color and textured surface.

Serving Ideas

Pairing Suggestions: Pair your crispy bacon with Moist Pineapple Bread with Pineapple Glaze to add a tropical twist to your breakfast or a warm Applesauce Fritte.

Drink Pairings: Complement your meal with a Healthy Spirulina Smoothie for a refreshing and nutritious beverage.

Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re planning for a busy week, double the batch and freeze extras for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. Pop a few pieces in the microwave for 30 seconds and you have warm bacon. 

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store cooked bacon in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked bacon in a single layer or between parchment paper. It will remain fresh for several months. 
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds or crisp up in the oven.  It’s going to smell so good in your kitchen! 

How To Bake Bacon In The Oven

A plate of crispy cooked bacon strips is arranged on a white rectangular dish with a yellow napkin underneath. The bacon is golden brown with a slightly charred texture, suggesting it's well-cooked and seasoned.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of sizzling bacon in the morning. If you’ve ever struggled with stovetop splatters or unevenly cooked strips, you will want to learn how to bake bacon in the oven. It’s a total game-changer. It’s easy, mess-free, and delivers perfectly crispy bacon every time. 
Gina Dickson
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serving Size 12 strips

Ingredients

  • 12 strips bacon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper optional
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar optional

Instructions

Prep the Bacon

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe rack, on top of the baking sheet (this helps the bacon cook evenly).
  • Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the rack. Do not overlap.
    12 strips bacon
  • (Optional) Sprinkle one side of the bacon with black pepper and brown sugar if desired.
    1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons brown sugar

Bake the Bacon

  • Place the bacon in a cold oven (this helps render the fat slowly).
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Check at 15 minutes, as cooking time varies based on bacon thickness, fat content and ovens.

Drain and Cool

  • Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
  • Let cool slightly, it will crisp up as it sits.
  • Optional: Save the bacon grease for cooking eggs, veggies, or roasted potatoes!

Notes

Tips & Variations
  • Thick-Cut Bacon: Add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Extra Crispy: Bake the bacon for an extra few minutes or until you achieve your perfect crispness. 
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with cayenne pepper before baking.
  • Maple Glaze: Brush with maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of baking.
A pile of crispy cooked bacon strips on a white rectangular plate with a paper towel underneath, set on a light yellow cloth. The bacon has a golden brown color with some areas showing seasoning.

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