Perfect Crispy Bacon

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb bacon slices (thick or regular cut)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the pan
   Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top (optional but recommended for extra crispiness).

3. Arrange bacon
   Lay bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping. They can touch slightly but shouldn’t stack.

4. Bake
   Place the pan on the center rack and bake for 15–20 minutes.

   • Thin bacon: 15–17 minutes

   • Thick bacon: 18–22 minutes

5. Check doneness
   Remove when bacon is deep golden and crisp (it will crisp more as it cools).

6. Drain & serve
   Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease. Serve hot.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Do I need to flip the bacon?
No — oven heat circulates evenly, so flipping isn’t necessary.

Q2: Why use a wire rack?
It allows fat to drip away, making bacon crispier and less greasy.

Q3: Can I cook bacon without a rack?
Yes. It will still be crispy but slightly more fried in its fat.

Q4: How do I store cooked bacon?
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Q5: Can I reheat bacon?
Yes. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or in an air fryer for 2–3 minutes.

Q6: Can I freeze cooked bacon?
Absolutely. Freeze up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Start with a cold oven for extra-even rendering (optional method)

• Sprinkle black pepper or brown sugar before baking for flavor

• Save bacon grease for cooking eggs or veggies