Step 3: Arrange the Bacon

Lay the bacon strips out in a single layer on the foil (or rack). Don’t overlap them—they need space to crisp up properly. It’s okay if they touch a little; they’ll shrink as they cook.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the tray on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for:

Thin-cut bacon: 12–15 minutes
Regular bacon: 15–18 minutes
Thick-cut bacon: 18–22 minutes

Keep an eye on the bacon during the last few minutes—it goes from crispy to burnt quickly!

Step 5: Remove and Drain

Once the bacon reaches your desired crispiness, use tongs to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. This absorbs any excess grease and helps maintain the crunch.

Step 6: Let the Grease Cool (Optional but Smart)

After the pan cools a bit, you can pour the leftover bacon grease into a jar for future use—perfect for cooking eggs, sautéing vegetables, or seasoning cast iron. Just don’t pour it down the drain!

Cleanup Made Easy

When the grease has solidified, you can simply gather up the foil or parchment paper and toss it away. No scrubbing, no mess, no stress.

Why This Method Works So Well

Even cooking: The oven surrounds the bacon with heat, ensuring every strip is cooked evenly.
Less mess: No grease splatter on your stovetop, counter, or clothes.
Hands-free: No flipping or babysitting—just pop it in the oven and relax.
Scalable: Cook a few strips or a whole pound with the same effort.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a crowd at brunch or just craving the ultimate BLT, this oven-baked bacon method is your new best friend. It’s simple, reliable, and leaves you with crispy, golden strips every single time—without the chaos of pan-frying. So next time you’re craving bacon, skip the stovetop and give your oven the spotlight. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you.

Happy cooking!