Let’s be honest, cooking bacon can be a messy, stressful affair. The constant flipping, the fear of burning, the splatter… it’s enough to make you order takeout. But what if I told you there’s a better way? A hands-off method so ridiculously easy, so perfectly crispy, that you’ll never go back to the old way?
I’m talking about baking your bacon. Yes, baking. It sounds strange, I know, but trust me on this. This method delivers perfectly crisp bacon, every single time, with minimal effort and cleanup.
Why Baking Bacon is the Best
Forget the splattering grease and uneven cooking. Baking bacon offers several key advantages:
- Even Cooking: Every slice cooks evenly, resulting in consistent crispiness.
- Hands-Off: Pop it in the oven and forget about it – no flipping required!
- Less Mess: Minimal grease splatter means easier cleanup.
- Crispier Bacon (Seriously!): The oven’s even heat helps render out the fat perfectly, leading to wonderfully crispy bacon.
How to Bake the Perfect Bacon
It’s simpler than you think! Here’s what you need:
- Your favorite bacon (about 1 pound)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper (this is crucial for easy cleanup!)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the bacon is as crispy as you like. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your bacon. Start checking around the 12-minute mark.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess grease.
That’s it! Enjoy your perfectly cooked, crispy bacon without the hassle. You can serve it up with your favorite breakfast, add it to salads, or simply enjoy it on its own. This is the only way I’ll ever cook bacon again, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy bacon, broil for the last minute or two of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.