Whether you’re adding it to a sandwich or enjoying it as part of a full English breakfast, many people love their bacon extra crispy. Streaky bacon, with its higher fat content and thinner shape, and back bacon, which is leaner and more popular in the UK, can both be cooked quickly without a frying pan, avoiding hot oil splatters. While oven-baked bacon takes a bit longer than frying or grilling, it’s a much more hands-off approach, offering a healthier alternative and producing excellent results.
To bake bacon on a tray in the oven, preheat your oven to 200°C or 180°C. Lightly oil a non-stick tray and lay your chosen bacon, either streaky or back, in a single layer. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through using tongs. After this time, you’ll notice the fat nicely crisping around the edges, perfectly ready to add to your sandwich or pancakes.
For an even cook, you can use an ovenproof rack, placing it on a tray and laying the bacon in a single layer. According to BBC Good Food, this method allows the fat to drip off, making it a slightly healthier option.
Here’s another method for achieving perfectly crispy bacon: Preheat your oven to 200°C or 180°C. Line a non-stick baking sheet with greaseproof paper, lay your streaky bacon in a single layer, top it with another sheet of greaseproof paper, and finally place a second baking sheet on top. For optimal results, add a heavy casserole dish or ovenproof frying pan on top to weigh it down. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until very crisp. You can store leftover bacon in a plastic container with a lid for up to two days.
If you’re aiming for ‘super crispy’ results, the experts recommend opting for streaky bacon. It can be used in salads, crumbled over pasta like macaroni cheese, or sprinkled on soups, adding a delicious, crispy touch to your dishes. Enjoy!
