How to Cook Crispy Bacon in the Oven
- PREP 5min
- COOK 15min
- TOTAL 20min
You’ll need a rimmed baking sheet to cook bacon in the oven. If you have one, insert a metal (oven-safe) rack inside your baking sheet so the bacon sits on top of the rack and any fat drains underneath. Thin-cut bacon works, but I prefer to use thick-cut bacon (⅛-inch thick), which usually means there are 12 to 14 slices per pound.
You Will Need
1 pound bacon, preferably thick cut (450g)
Pepper, optional
Directions
1Prep: Place an oven rack in the center of your oven and heat to 400°F (204°C). If you’re cooking a large batch, position two racks, one in the upper third and one in the lower third of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet (or two) with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2For extra crispy bacon (optional): Place a baking rack inside the lined sheet pan if you have one. It helps the bacon cook more evenly and stay crisp as it bakes.
3Arrange the bacon: Lay the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet (or on top of the rack). They can be close together, but try not to overlap them completely. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, if using.
4Bake the bacon: Cook for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices and how crispy you like them. Start checking around the 8-minute mark, then keep an eye on it as it finishes. If you’re baking on two racks, rotate the sheets halfway through for even browning.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Equipment note: I love using an oven-safe rack that fits inside a rimmed baking sheet for this. If you don’t have a rack that will fit inside a baking sheet, line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place the bacon slices directly onto the foil (make sure they are in one layer). The fat won’t drip away from the bacon but will crisp up nicely anyway.
- The nutrition facts below are estimates and assume about 14 slices of bacon equals 1 pound.