A buttery bacon roll is a delicious way to start the day, but many of us avoid cooking bacon because of the messy oil splattering and greasy pan cleanup. While it seems logical to cook bacon in a pan, I discovered that this method often results in less crispy bacon as it sits in oil for too long, leaving it soggy and charred. However, through some experimentation, I found the best way to cook bacon is to skip the frying pan altogether and bake it in the oven.
Baking bacon in the oven ensures the heat is evenly distributed, allowing the natural sugars in the meat to caramelize. This process creates a beautifully golden slice of bacon with a sweet, smoky flavor that isn’t overwhelmed by oil. Plus, it’s far less messy and much easier than standing over a hot stove, especially when cooking breakfast for a crowd.
My love affair with oven-baked bacon began when I had my family over for a morning move-in. I wanted to whip up a quick but tasty breakfast before we got started. Here’s how I do it:
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange your bacon strips on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven and set a timer for 15 minutes. The bacon will be sizzling and golden brown when it’s done.
4. Remove the bacon from the oven and place it on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
The result? Perfectly crispy, delicious bacon that’s ready for your breakfast sandwiches, salads, or just to enjoy on its own. Cleaning up is a breeze, simply remove the parchment paper and toss it in the trash.
From now on, I’ll be ditching the pan for good. Oven-baked bacon is undeniably easier, cleaner, and produces a superior result. It’s truly the best way to enjoy crispy, flavorful bacon for any occasion.
