Forget Frying: This Hands-Off Bacon Method Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest, cooking bacon can be a messy affair. Splattering grease, uneven crispiness, and that lingering smell… there has to be a better way. And there is. For years, I’ve experimented with various methods, but one stands head and shoulders above the rest for its simplicity, delicious results, and – crucially – its hands-off nature. This is the only way I’ll ever cook bacon again.

The secret? Your oven. Yes, your trusty oven is the unsung hero of perfect bacon. Forget standing over a hot stove, flipping strips in a smoking pan. This method requires minimal intervention and delivers consistently crispy, evenly cooked bacon every single time. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the stovetop.

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the Bacon: Lay your bacon strips flat on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overlap them; give them a little breathing room for optimal crisping.
3. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon, but generally, 15-20 minutes is a good starting point. For extra crispy bacon, cook a few minutes longer.
4. The Magic Touch: The beauty of this method is you can largely ignore it. A quick check towards the end is all that’s needed to gauge your desired level of crispiness. Once it’s reached your perfect state, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
5. Drain and Enjoy: Carefully transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Then, simply dig in and marvel at your perfectly cooked, mess-free bacon.

Why does this work so well? The consistent heat of the oven circulates around each strip, ensuring even cooking and rendering the fat beautifully. The result is bacon that’s wonderfully crisp without being burnt, and the cleanup is a breeze. So, ditch the splatter guard and embrace the oven. Your bacon, and your kitchen, will thank you.