I. Introduction
Bacon – the quintessential breakfast food that seems straightforward to cook, yet it manages to frustrate so many of us. From undercooked, floppy slices to burnt to a crisp, everybody has faced trouble cooking just the right bacon. Whether you’re cooking for many or meal prepping for one, you can’t go wrong by following this guide on how to bake bacon in the oven.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Baked Bacon
Before we start on baking bacon in the oven, let’s make sure that you have the ingredients needed. Here are the things you need:
- Bacon – of course!
- Aluminum Foil or Non-Stick Pan
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Tongs
Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready let’s dive into the steps to make the perfect oven-baked bacon.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400℉ (205℃) and let it preheat. This is essential to ensure an evenly cooked and crunchy bacon.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, which makes the cleanup easier. Make sure to crimp up the sides of the foil so that any grease won’t spill out and create a mess. You can use a nonstick pan to avoid using foil or parchment paper completely.
Step 3: Place the Bacon on the Sheet
Place the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared sheet, leaving ½ inch space between each strip. You can also use a rack placed inside the baking sheet to further prevent the bacon from sitting in the grease. Make sure that each piece of bacon has enough space to cook and crisp up evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon Evenly
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake the bacon for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon after 12 minutes of cooking time to make sure that it’s not overcooked. Baking time depends on the thickness of the bacon and the oven you’re using. When the bacon turns golden brown, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let sit for a minute before using tongs to transfer the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Blot the bacon with another paper towel to cool it off and to remove any excess grease.
Step 5: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bacon
The following tips can help make your bacon even crispier and more flavorful:
- Thin or thick-cut bacon? – Thin bacon usually cooks faster and is usually more ideal for baking. However, it also lacks the chew factor. So, if you want to really savor the flavor of the bacon, go for thick cuts that take longer to cook.
- Cooking on a rack – Placing the bacon strips on a rack and then placing it onto a baking sheet helps air circulate better and cook the bacon evenly on both sides. The bacon is also not sitting in the grease.
- Adding flavor – You can sprinkle some black pepper, garlic, or any other spices you prefer on your bacon for some added flavor. For a sweet taste, brush maple syrup on the bacon before putting it into the oven.
III. The Advantages of Baking Bacon
There are several benefits to baking bacon in the oven. Here are a few:
- Health Benefits – Baking bacon reduces the amount of oils and grease used in the cooking process.
- Perfectly Cooked Bacon – Baking bacon results in evenly cooked and crispy bacon, free of burnt edges or soggy centers.
- Cooking for Many – You can make a large batch of bacon with minimal effort using this method, making it ideal for cooking for a group.
IV. Different Flavors and Varieties of Baked Bacon
Baking bacon does not have to be a mundane, plain process. Get creative with it with these flavor variations:
- Honey glazed bacon – add honey to the bacon before baking it.
- Maple bacon – brush maple syrup on the bacon before baking.
- Peppered bacon -add freshly cracked black pepper on the bacon before baking
- Herbed Bacon – add dashes of herbs like rosemary or thyme on the bacon before baking.
V. Tips for Making the Best Bacon in the Oven
Here are some additional tips to make the best oven-baked bacon:
- Thick bacon tends to take longer to cook so adjust accordingly.
- Bacon that is too thin may burn faster so keep that in mind and watch it carefully.
- Use a rack for an even crispier bacon. This method reduces the amount of grease and oil involved during cooking.
- Try different types of bacon – there’s American, British, Canadian and even Irish bacon. Each type has its unique flavor so don’t be afraid to experiment!
VI. Comparing Baking Bacon to Other Cooking Methods
Here are some comparisons between baking bacon and other common cooking methods:
- Bacon in a Frying Pan – You need more grease for frying in a pan which means more calories. It also has a chance of making the bacon greasy which makes it less crispy.
- Microwaved bacon- While it’s quick and convenient, microwaved bacon tends to be chewy and less crispy than other forms of cooked bacon. Baked bacon is always a better option.
- Grilled bacon – While grilling bacon, you have to keep turning it over which makes it more time consuming than baking bacon. Grilled bacon also produces smoke which could cause the fire alarm to go off.
VII. Conclusion
Baking bacon in the oven is the perfect solution to make bacon that is evenly cooked, less greasy and perfectly crispy. Follow this simple step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect bacon that will leave you asking, “why didn’t I bake bacon before?” Not only is it easy and mess-free, it is also a healthier option because it results in less grease and more evenly cooked bacon.
