The Best Way to Make Bacon in the Oven
Are you a bacon aficionado looking for a hassle-free method to cook your favorite breakfast treat? Look no further! Baking bacon in the oven is not only easy, but it also yields consistently delicious results. Let’s go over why this method rocks and how to do it.
First, why use the oven? Well, cooking bacon in the oven is convenient and allows you to prepare large batches all at once. It also cooks the strips evenly, minimizing the chances of having some pieces burnt while others remain undercooked. Another benefit is that it keeps your stovetop clean from grease splatters.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly oven-baked bacon:
1. Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). This temperature is hot enough to cook the bacon thoroughly and render the fat without burning.
2. Line a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will catch the grease and make cleaning up a breeze.
3. Arrange Bacon Strips: Lay out your bacon strips on the lined baking sheet. You can place them close together because they will shrink as they cook, but make sure they’re not overlapping.
4. Optional Seasoning: If you like, add some extra flavor by sprinkling your bacon with black pepper or brown sugar before baking.
5. Bake Time: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on your preferred level of crispiness and the ticker of the slices.
6. Monitor: Check on your bacon around the 12-minute mark to gauge its progress. From there, watch closely to achieve your perfect level of doneness.
7. Drain Bacon: Once cooked to your liking, use tongs to transfer the bacon strips onto a plate lined with paper towels. This will soak up any excess fat.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm and crispy!
For added convenience, consider cooking an extra batch as oven-baked bacon stores well in the refrigerator and reheats nicely.
By following these steps, you’ll have scrumptious bacon with minimal fuss and maximum flavor – all thanks to your trusty oven!