Did you know it’s easy to make crispy oven baked bacon? If you love bacon, you know there’s nothing like a perfectly crispy slice alongside a hearty big breakfast, french toast, or even crumbled over a cobb salad. But frying bacon in a frying pan can be messy, uneven, and time-consuming.
That’s where the oven method comes in. Our favorite way to cook thick-cut bacon, regular bacon, or even turkey bacon with minimal effort and easy cleanup.
In fact, a Food & Wine test kitchen compared seven different ways to cook bacon, from skillet frying to air fryer. They found that oven baking was the clear winner. Producing evenly cooked, golden brown, and perfectly textured slices every time.
Whether you’re making a large batch for brunch or just a few slices for yourself, this hands-off way guarantees extra crispy bacon without the huge mess.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this method because it’s simple, reliable, and versatile.
- Stays flat. Unlike stovetop methods, the bacon will stay relatively flat without curling in the oven.
- Less mess. No grease splatters on your stove, and easy cleanup with foil-lined baking sheets.
- Big batch friendly. Cook a lot of bacon at a single time. Perfect for family breakfasts or meal prep.
- Consistent results. Every slice of bacon cooks evenly, whether you prefer chewy bacon or extra crispy bacon.
- Adaptable. Works with thick-cut bacon, regular bacon, turkey bacon, or flavored varieties like maple or peppered bacon.
- Hands-off. Just lay the bacon slices on the pan and slide it in the cold oven. No constant flipping or watching.
Once you try this, you’ll see why it’s our absolute best way to make bacon at home.
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Bacon the Easy Way
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Bacon 1 package of bacon (or as much as you need; works with thick-cut, regular, or turkey bacon)
- ¼ Cup Maple Syrup or brown sugar (optional). A brush of maple syrup or sprinkle of brown sugar the last few minutes adds extra flavor if you like.
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan. Line a large rimmed baking sheet or half sheet baking pan with tin foil or a sheet of parchment paper for easy clean up.
- For crispier bacon, place a wire rack, cooling rack, or baking rack on the pan so the bacon fat can drain away as it cooks.
- Lay the bacon slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This helps every piece cook evenly and achieve a perfect crispy texture.16 Ounces Bacon
- Start in a Cold Oven. Place your tray of bacon in a cold oven and set the temperature to 400°F. Starting cold allows the bacon grease to render slowly, creating golden brown, flavorful slices.
- Bake. Cook for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of bacon and your preference. Thin bacon: 12–16 minutes, Regular bacon: 15–20 minutes. Thick-cut bacon: 18–22 minutes.
- If you want a sweet-savory twist, brush a light layer of maple syrup or sprinkle some brown sugar over the top in the last 5 minutes of baking.¼ Cup Maple Syrup
- Check the last few minutes, as bacon can go from perfect to overdone quickly. The exact time will vary from oven to oven. You’ll notice it crisping and bubbling as it approaches perfection.
- Drain and serve. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess bacon grease. Let it cool slightly to reach room temperature, which also helps maintain crispiness.
Notes
How Much Bacon Per Person?
When planning a farmhouse-style breakfast, it’s always better to have a little extra bacon than not enough. As a general guideline, plan on:- 2–3 slices of bacon per person for a simple everyday breakfast
- 3–4 slices per person for a hearty big breakfast or brunch spread
- 1–2 slices per person when bacon is served alongside other dishes or used as an ingredient
- One package will comfortably serve 4–6 people
- For thick-cut bacon, plan on fewer slices per person since it’s meatier and more filling
- 8–10 people → plan for 2 packages of bacon
- 12–15 people → plan for 3–4 packages
Quick Reference Chart on Cooking Different Kinds of Bacon
| Type of Bacon | Best Setup | Oven Temp | Approx. Cook Time | Results & Tips |
| Thick-Cut Bacon | Wire rack on foil-lined pan | 400°F | 18–22 min | Meaty, flavorful, perfect for extra crispy bacon |
| Regular-Cut Bacon | Foil or parchment-lined pan | 400°F | 15–20 min | Consistent, easy to control chewy vs crisp |
| Thin-Cut Bacon | Direct on pan or rack | 400°F | 12–16 min | Watch closely to avoid overcooking |
| Turkey Bacon | Wire rack preferred | 400°F | 12–15 min | Less grease, lighter crisp, cooks fast |
| Maple/Sweet Bacon | Foil-lined pan | 400°F | 14–18 min | Sugar browns quickly, check early |
| Bacon Pieces/Bits | Single layer on pan | 400°F | 10–15 min | Stir once halfway, drain on paper towels |
Nutrition
Common Bacon Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Overlapping slices. The bacon steams instead of crisps. Arrange in a single layer.
- Skipping cold oven start. Hot oven can curl and cook unevenly. Always start cold.
- Walking away at the end. Bacon can burn quickly. Keep a close eye near the last few minutes.
- Not using a rack. Trapped grease makes bacon soggy. Use a wire or baking rack for crispier bacon.
- Throwing away the grease. Save it in an airtight container for cooking eggs, vegetables, and more.
- Improper storage of leftovers. Cool to room temperature, then store in a zip-top bag or container with excess air removed.
- Expecting all bacon to cook the same. It’s a good idea to adjust baking time based on thickness of bacon, fat content, and type.
How to Reheat Bacon
Oven or Toaster Oven
- Preheat to 350°F
- Lay bacon on an aluminum foil lined pan or cooling rack
- Heat 5–8 minutes until warmed through
Skillet
- Low heat on the stovetop
- Heat slices of bacon 1–2 minutes per side
Microwave
- Place bacon between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave in 15–20 second intervals until warm
Storing leftover bacon in an airtight container ensures you always have ready-to-use bacon bits for salads, breakfast, or sandwiches.
Tips for Success
- Use a large rimmed baking sheet to cook a lot of bacon at once
- Adjust baking time for different types of bacon
- Try adding a light brush of maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist
- Always drain on paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess grease
This oven-baked bacon method delivers perfect bacon every time; crispy, flavorful, and hassle-free.
How Much Bacon Fits on a Baking Sheet?
A large rimmed baking sheet can usually hold about 10–12 bacon strips in a single layer without overlapping. If you’re using thick-cut bacon or cooking a large batch, you may need two pans or cook in batches to ensure every slice cooks evenly.
Tip: For crispier bacon, use a wire rack so the bacon fat drips away instead of pooling under the slices.
Can I Make Bacon Ahead of Time?
Yes! Oven-baked bacon keeps beautifully and can save you prep time for big breakfasts, brunch, or meal prep.
Refrigerate cooked bacon. Let the bacon cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag with excess air removed. It stays good for up to 4–5 days.
Reheat easily. Use the oven, skillet, or microwave (see our reheating tips) to enjoy perfect bacon again.
Freeze bacon. Layer slices between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or oven for a quick, crispy treat.
Does the Type of Bacon Affect Baking Time?
Yes! Different types of bacon cook differently:
- Thick-cut bacon. Longer cook time, usually 18–22 minutes
- Regular bacon. 15–20 minutes
- Turkey bacon. Cooks faster, usually 12–15 minutes
- Sweet or flavored bacon. Sugar can burn, so check a few minutes early
Always adjust the baking time based on thickness, fat content, and how crispy you like your bacon.
Should I Use a Rack or Bake Directly on Foil?
- Wire rack / baking rack. Ideal for extra crispy bacon, lets bacon grease drip away
- Direct on foil or parchment. Slightly chewier bacon, easier cleanup, good for big batches
Both methods work, and your preference depends on whether you like your bacon crispy or chewy.
Can I Cook a Lot of Bacon at Once?
Absolutely! The oven method is perfect for large batches. Just make sure not to overlap slices. If you have a lot of bacon, use two baking sheets on separate racks or cook in multiple batches for the most even cooking.
Making crispy oven-baked bacon is truly the easiest way to enjoy perfect bacon at home, whether you’re cooking thick-cut bacon, regular bacon, or turkey bacon.
This hands-off method produces evenly cooked, golden brown slices with minimal mess and easy cleanup, making it ideal for big breakfasts, meal prep, or a large batch for friends and family. With tips for different types of bacon, reheating, and even making bacon ahead of time, this recipe ensures consistently delicious results every time. Say goodbye to splatters on the stovetop and hello to your favorite way to cook bacon that’s crispy and flavorful.
References
Food & Wine Test Kitchen. Best Way to Cook Bacon Tested.
