Are you tired of the relentless splatter and mess that comes with frying up a batch of bacon? We've all been there, haven't we? But let me tell you, there's a better way. A way to achieve crispy bacon without the fuss. If you're craving a slice or two of that smoky goodness, but want to skip the clean-up, then oven baked bacon is the way to go.
This is, hands down, the best way to cook bacon, especially if you're cooking for a crowd or love your thick cut bacon. So, say goodbye to the stovetop splatter and hello to an easier, cleaner method. Trust me, once you learn how to cook your bacon in the oven, you'll never go back to the old ways.
Curious? Stick around, and I'll show you just how simple it can be. You'll want to see the magic of the oven turn bacon slices into crispy, irresistible strips of joy.
Oven Baked Bacon - Step-by-Step Guide
Let's dive into the delicious world of oven baked bacon. This step-by-step guide will make this oven method as simple as pie, ensuring you get that crispy finish every time.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's warming up, let's get the bacon ready. Grab a rimmed baking sheet - you're going to need it to catch all those tasty drippings and keep your oven clean. For easy cleanup later, line the baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. This will catch any extra grease and make your life a whole lot easier when it comes time to clean up.
- Next, set a cooking rack on top of the lined baking sheet. This is a crucial step in the process as it allows the hot air to circulate around the bacon pieces, ensuring they cook evenly and turn out perfectly crispy. If you don't have a cooking rack, don't worry! You can lay the bacon directly on the parchment paper, but remember to turn the slices halfway through the cook time to get an even crispness.
- Now comes the fun part - arranging the bacon slices on the cooking rack. Whether you're using thick-cut bacon or regular, make sure the slices don't overlap. They need space to breathe and crisp up nicely.
- Once your oven is preheated, it's time to bake the bacon. The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon, but generally, you're looking at about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, though. The transformation from perfectly crispy to burnt can happen quickly!
- When your bacon reaches its desired level of crispiness, it's time to transfer the bacon. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven (don't forget the oven mitts!) and, using tongs, place the bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate. The paper towel will absorb any excess grease, leaving you with nothing but crispy, delicious bacon.
And there you have it! With this oven method, you can say goodbye to splatter, burnt bacon, and messy cleanups. Plus, you can easily cook a big batch of bacon all at once.
Just remember, the key to perfect oven baked bacon lies in the details: a good rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper, and the right cook time. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and let's get cooking!
Trust me, once you've tried oven baked bacon, you'll wonder why you ever did it any other way.
Benefits of Cooking Bacon in the Oven
Still hesitant to swap your frying pan for the oven? Let's delve into the multitude of benefits this method offers when you decide to make bacon the oven-baked way.
- First off, cooking bacon in the oven reduces the mess significantly. No more dodging hot bacon fat splatters or wiping down grease-covered stovetops. With a piece of foil or parchment paper under your cooking rack, clean-up becomes a breeze. Just carefully gather the foil or paper with the cooled bacon fat and discard it. Simple as that.
- Secondly, the oven method allows you to cook a large amount of bacon all at once. If you've ever tried to cook more than a few bacon strips on the stove, you know it can be a bit of a juggling act. The oven solves this problem. You can lay out a dozen or more slices on your baking sheet and cook them all simultaneously. This is especially handy if you're cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Thirdly, the oven gives you super crispy bacon every time, whether you're a fan of regular bacon or leaner turkey bacon. With the hot air circulating evenly in the oven, each piece gets cooked uniformly. You can say goodbye to the frustration of undercooked spots on your bacon strips. And the best part? You can easily check when your bacon is done without having to flip or move it around. Just take a quick peek in the oven, and you'll see when it's reached your desired level of crispiness.
Some More Tips to Help You Get Started
Alright, bacon enthusiasts, let's talk about some additional tips to help you master baking bacon in the oven. These nuggets of wisdom are sure to take your bacon game to the next level.
Use Cooling Rack
Firstly, consider investing in a cooling rack, also known as a wire rack. This tool is your secret weapon for achieving perfectly cooked, crisp bacon every time. Placing the bacon on a rack allows for the heat to circulate evenly around each slice, ensuring that every bit of the bacon is exposed to the heat.
Line Your Baking Sheet With Foil
Secondly, don’t forget to line your baking sheet with foil before placing your wire rack on top. This is an essential step in the baked bacon recipe. It catches all the drippings, making cleanup quick and easy. You'll appreciate this tip when you're not spending ages scrubbing a greasy pan!
Know How Long To Cook Your Bacon
If you like your bacon extra crispy, it's all about how long to cook it. Keep a close eye on the bacon this way, as the line between extra crispy and burnt can be thin. Remember, because bacon may continue to cook from residual heat after being removed from the oven, it's best to take it out just before it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Lay in a Single Layer
When placing your bacon on the rack, be sure to lay the bacon in a single layer, without overlapping the slices. This helps the heat distribute evenly, ensuring each slice is cooked perfectly.
Cook Your Bacon Straight from the Fridge
Lastly, did you know you can cook the bacon straight from the fridge? There's no need to bring it to room temperature before cooking, making this method even more convenient.
So, next time you're thinking about cooking bacon on the stove, give these tips a try and bake it in the oven instead. I guarantee that once you taste the perfectly cooked, crispy goodness of oven-baked bacon, you'll never look back.
What To Do With Leftover Bacon Grease?
Oh! Before we end, let's not forget about the leftover bacon grease. You can absolutely save the bacon grease after your bacon is cooked. It's a flavorful addition to many dishes, perfect for sautéing vegetables or frying eggs. Just strain it into a heatproof container, cover it, and store it in the fridge. The easiest way to cook with it? Just scoop a spoonful and put it in the pan before you cook. It's that simple!
Conclusion
Cooking bacon in the oven is a game-changer. It's the easiest way to cook a large amount of bacon without the mess. Whether you're cooking a few slices or a whole pack, this oven baked bacon recipe guarantees perfectly cooked, crispy bacon every time.
Just remember to keep an eye on your bacon as it may cook faster depending on the thickness and your preferred level of crispiness.
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Related Products You Might Like
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At Mevell, we offer a selection of high-quality wooden cutting boards designed to withstand even the heaviest kitchen use. Pair it with our oven bacon cooking guide for a truly fantastic cooking experience.
