I love bacon and really who doesn't? That crisp, yummy food is good on just about anything. It's fantastic for breakfast or delicious on a salad. I think bacon makes just about anything better. But despite how much I love bacon I didn't cook it very often for years. I found that it just took too much time and made a huge mess. I felt like each time I made bacon I needed to really scrub the cabinets and countertops to get rid of all of the grease.
So when a friend mentioned that they loved making bacon in the oven I had to try it. I was amazed at how much easier it was! Not only do I spend way less time making it, but it saves me a huge amount of time in cleanup too. I feel like the bacon is really crispier this way too. This really is the easiest way to cook bacon.
To make the bacon in the oven you will need a large pan with a lip on it to keep the bacon grease from spilling over. I love this one that I picked up on Amazon. Lay the bacon on the pan making sure the pieces aren't touching.
Cook in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes depending on how crispy you like your bacon. If you buy the extra thick bacon you may need to let it cook for a little bit longer.
When the bacon is done quickly remove it from the pan and let cool on a plate with paper towels to absorb any grease. Let the pan cool for about 20 minutes and then you can dispose of the grease before you wash the pan.
I have found that this way really cuts down on all the grease in the kitchen and cooks quicker than making up bacon on the stove. Plus, I can spend my time doing other things while the bacon is in the oven.
Gina Elder says
Oh yeah! I've cooked mine in the oven for years. In fact, I broil it and it comes out perfect! That's how I've taught my kids to cook it, too. My Mom pan fries it. And you're right, it's messy that way!
We had BLTs for dinner on Monday. Mmmmmm ❤️
Jhc says
Have u tried lining a (jelly roll 11"x 17) pan with foil and putting the bacon strips on a cooling rack that fits in the pan?
When the grease cools carefully roll up the foil and dispose.......very easy to wash the pan if your foil did its job and didnt leak.
Janeen says
Yes! We discovered this method for cooking bacon too and will never go back. So much easier! I love that it's mostly hands off, although I end up sticking nearby for the last few minutes as my bacon slices finish off at slightly different times. Maybe that's because they end up rather crowded on my pans. Three pounds of bacon - bacon Saturdays, baby. Best tradition!
JOhn says
Great idea Julie
I've been using the oven for years ..with one twist.
I use a broiling pan. You know the two part slotted top and the bottom pan to catch all that delicious messy grease. If you use aluminum foil in the pan...aesy cleanup
Love your tips
JOHNNY D
Sarah @ The Teacher's Wife says
I'm right there with you on this! I've been hearing about people using the oven, but have never tried it out for myself! I'll have to give it a try this weekend! --Sarah 🙂
Cindy says
I do this too but I line the pan with foil for an even easier clean up!
Julie says
Great tip! I will have to try that next time. Thanks!
Lindsey Mozgai says
We make our bacon this way too!