Cooking bacon can often be messy and time-consuming, but there’s a method that ensures crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the hassle of grease splatters or constant flipping. Here’s the easiest, most hassle-free way to cook bacon:
The Oven Method: The Best Way to Cook Bacon
Cooking bacon in the oven is hands-down the easiest and most efficient way to achieve perfectly cooked bacon every time. Here’s how to do it:
What You’ll Need:
- Bacon strips (any type, thick-cut or regular)
- Baking sheet with raised edges
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Cooling rack (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for evenly cooked bacon without smoking.
- Prepare your baking sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will catch the grease and make cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange the bacon:
- Lay the bacon strips flat on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. For extra crispiness, place a cooling rack on the baking sheet and lay the bacon on top of the rack. This allows the fat to drip off as it cooks.
- Bake the bacon:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you like it. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Drain the bacon:
- Once cooked to your desired crispiness, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess grease.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve your perfectly cooked bacon hot and crispy! Save the rendered bacon grease for cooking or discard it once cooled.
Why the Oven Method Works:
- Even Cooking: The heat surrounds the bacon, ensuring consistent cooking on both sides without the need to flip.
- No Splatter: Unlike stovetop methods, the oven contains the grease, preventing messy splatters.
- Set It and Forget It: You don’t need to babysit the bacon. Just set a timer and check periodically.
- Easy Cleanup: Simply toss the parchment paper or foil when you’re done.
This method makes cooking bacon quick, easy, and mess-free, so you can focus on enjoying your breakfast rather than cleaning up the kitchen!
