Bacon lovers rejoice! Cooking bacon in the oven is a game-changer. It eliminates the mess and splatter that usually comes with cooking bacon on the stovetop and makes it easier to cook large batches of bacon at once. Plus, it results in perfectly crispy bacon every time. Here’s everything you need to know about how to cook baked bacon.

Recommended Temperature and Time

The recommended temperature for cooking baked bacon is 400°F (205°C). This temperature ensures that the bacon gets crispy without burning. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon slices, but it usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Best Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper

To cook baked bacon, you’ll need a baking sheet and parchment paper. The best baking sheet for cooking bacon is a rimmed baking sheet, which prevents the bacon grease from spilling over the edges. Parchment paper is also a must-have because it prevents the bacon from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Cook Baked Bacon

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the bacon slices on the parchment paper, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Bacon

• For even crispiness, flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time.
• If you’re cooking thick-cut bacon, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can broil it for the last minute or two of cooking time.
• Save the bacon grease for cooking other dishes or for adding flavor to soups and stews.

Now that you know how to cook perfectly crispy baked bacon, you can enjoy this breakfast favorite without the mess and hassle of stovetop cooking. Stay tuned for our next section, where we’ll explore different variations and recipes for baked bacon.

Variations and Recipes for Baked Bacon

Now that you know the basics of how to cook perfect baked bacon, let’s explore some variations and recipes to make your bacon even more delicious.

Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy bacon, try baking it wrapped around asparagus spears. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Trim the ends of the asparagus spears and wrap each spear with a slice of bacon.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken or Shrimp

Bacon-wrapped chicken or shrimp is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cut chicken breasts or large shrimp in half lengthwise.
4. Wrap each piece with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken or shrimp on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken or shrimp is cooked through.

Spicy Baked Bacon

If you like a little heat, try adding some spice to your baked bacon. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Place bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the spice mixture over the bacon.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.

Baked Bacon and Eggs

Baked bacon and eggs is a classic breakfast dish that’s easy to make. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a spoon to make a small well in each slice of bacon.
5. Crack an egg into each well and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your liking.

Low Carb Baked Bacon

If you’re following a low carb diet, you can still enjoy baked bacon. Here’s a recipe that’s low in carbs and high in flavor:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together grated parmesan cheese and black pepper.
4. Place bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the parmesan cheese mixture over the bacon.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.

Substitute for Parchment Paper

If you don’t have parchment paper on hand, you can use aluminum foil instead. Just be sure to spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the bacon from sticking.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking with Bacon

Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to a wide range of dishes, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between. Here are some tips and tricks for cooking with bacon:

Bacon Fat

Don’t throw away the bacon fat! Bacon fat is a flavorful and versatile cooking oil that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sautéing vegetables to frying eggs. To collect bacon fat, simply pour it into a heat-safe container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Bacon in the Air Fryer

If you have an air fryer, you can cook bacon quickly and easily without the mess of stovetop cooking. Simply place the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (205°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy.

Bacon-Wrapped Anything

Bacon-wrapped anything is a crowd-pleaser, but it can be tricky to get the bacon evenly cooked without overcooking the filling. To ensure even cooking, partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the filling. This will help the bacon cook evenly without overcooking the filling.

Sweet and Savory Combinations

Bacon is a perfect ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. For a sweet and savory combination, try drizzling maple syrup over baked bacon or adding bacon to a breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When cooking bacon on the stovetop, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will cause the bacon to cook unevenly and may result in splattering. Cook the bacon in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Bacon in the Oven for a Crowd

If you’re cooking bacon for a crowd, baking it in the oven is the way to go. Simply line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. This method allows you to cook large batches of bacon at once and eliminates the mess of stovetop cooking.

Now that you have some tips and tricks for cooking with bacon, you can take your dishes to the next level with this delicious ingredient. Whether you’re making breakfast, appetizers, or main dishes, bacon is sure to add flavor and texture to your creations. Don’t forget to share your favorite bacon recipes with us at townandcountrymeat.com. Happy cooking!