The Easiest Way to Cook Bacon at Home – No More Greasy Pans!

Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon, but cooking it on the stovetop is another story. Between the splattering grease and uneven cooking, frying bacon in a pan can turn into a frustrating, messy process. That’s why the best method is baking it. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook bacon in the oven, the process is surprisingly simple, with fewer messes and consistently delicious results.

When you bake bacon, you eliminate the constant flipping and grease splatter that comes with pan-frying. It also allows you to cook an entire batch at once, so everyone can enjoy hot, crispy bacon at the same time. Rachel Farnsworth, chef and creator of The Stay at Home Chef, says it best: “This is my favorite way to cook bacon because it’s so easy and so convenient, you’ll never go back to making bacon in the frying pan ever again.” 

Why Baking Bacon is Better Than Frying

There’s a reason professional chefs and home cooks alike swear by baking bacon instead of frying. First, it ensures an even cook without the need to constantly monitor and flip each strip. The oven distributes heat more consistently, so every slice turns out perfectly cooked, without some pieces burning while others stay undercooked.

Another benefit is the cleanup. With the stovetop method, you’re left with grease splattered across your counters and stovetop. Baking, on the other hand, contains the mess on a lined baking sheet, making disposal much easier. If you use a wire rack, the excess grease drips away, reducing the amount of fat on each piece. Plus, when you’re cooking for a crowd, baking allows you to cook multiple slices at once—no more waiting in batches.

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

If you’re ready to ditch the pan, here’s how to cook bacon in the oven for perfectly crispy, evenly cooked results every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for bacon that’s crispy on the outside and just the right amount of chewy in the middle.

Step 2: Line Your Baking Sheet

You have two options when setting up your pan: parchment paper or aluminum foil. Both work well for minimizing cleanup, but parchment paper helps keep the bacon from sticking. 

If you prefer a slightly healthier option, place a wire rack over the lined sheet. This allows the grease to drip off while the bacon cooks. Rachel explains, “The parchment paper method gives you a lovely, perfect piece of bacon, while the wire rack method is great if you want to avoid excess grease.”

Step 3: Arrange the Bacon Strips

Lay out your bacon slices in a single layer and make sure they touch but don’t overlap. Bacon shrinks as it cooks, so placing them close together helps maintain even cooking. If your pan is too small to fit all the slices, it’s better to use two pans rather than layering the bacon.

Step 4: Bake the Bacon

Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and let it bake for 15-20 minutes. Cooking time depends on how crispy you like your bacon. For extra thick-cut bacon, you may need to extend the time to 25-30 minutes. Rachel shares a key tip: “At 15 minutes, your bacon will be fully cooked but still soft. If you like it crispier, just leave it in longer.” Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to hit your perfect level of crispiness.

Step 5: Drain the Grease and Serve

Once your bacon reaches the desired crispiness, use tongs to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any remaining grease. If using a wire rack, you’ll notice that the bacon isn’t sitting in its own fat, resulting in a slightly different texture than the parchment paper method.

How Long to Cook Different Types of Bacon

Bacon comes in a variety of cuts, and each one needs a slightly different cooking time:

• Regular-cut bacon: 15-20 minutes
• Thick-cut bacon: 20-30 minutes
• Turkey bacon: 12-15 minutes

The best way to know when your bacon is done is to watch it. Everyone’s oven is a little different, and personal preference plays a huge role. Check it around the 15-minute mark and adjust as needed.

The Easiest Cleanup Ever

One of the biggest advantages of baking bacon is how easy it is to clean up. If you used parchment paper or aluminum foil, simply let the grease cool, fold up the liner, and toss it in the trash. No scrubbing, no greasy pan to deal with.

If you want to save the bacon grease, let it cool slightly, then pour it into a glass jar. It’s packed with flavor and can be used for cooking eggs, sautéing vegetables, or even making cornbread. It’s liquid gold in the kitchen.