Crispy bacon is a classic favorite, adding rich flavor and texture to everything from breakfast plates to salads and sandwiches. While stovetop cooking can be messy and uneven, the oven offers a cleaner, more reliable way to get perfectly crisp bacon every time.

The key is steady, even heat. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), which allows the fat to render slowly while crisping the meat. This prevents burning and helps the bacon cook evenly from edge to edge.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. For best results, place a metal cooling rack on top. This allows hot air to circulate and lets excess grease drip away, producing crispier bacon with less oil.

Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer without overlapping. Crowding causes uneven cooking, so give each slice space. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes for regular bacon or 20–24 minutes for thick-cut, checking near the end.

Once the bacon reaches a deep golden color, remove it from the oven. Transfer the strips to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess grease and allow them to crisp fully as they cool.

This method is also easy to customize. Add a sprinkle of brown sugar for sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup for warmth, or black pepper or chili flakes for subtle heat.

Oven-baked bacon is cleaner, more consistent, and far less hands-on than frying. There’s no splatter, no constant flipping, and minimal mess afterward.

Whether served on its own or added to your favorite dishes, oven-cooked bacon delivers dependable results with less effort—making it an easy upgrade to everyday cooking.