Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe for Perfectly Even Slices

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the irresistible aroma of bacon baking in the oven. Over the years I’ve tried many methods, but baking bacon in the oven consistently delivers the crispiest results with the least fuss. No more splattering grease on the stovetop or standing over a pan—this simple technique gives you perfectly cooked bacon every time.

(Blue’s Best Life participates in affiliate programs. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links, which helps keep the blog running.) — Bobbie

Oven baked bacon

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe!

This oven-baked bacon method is a game-changer for breakfast lovers. Key benefits include:

  • Crispy edges and tender centers every time.
  • Hands-off cooking—just place in the oven and come back when it’s done.
  • Minimal cleanup thanks to the baking tray and rack.
  • Works equally well with thin- or thick-cut bacon.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or prepping breakfast ahead of time.

Equipment Needed

  • Oven
  • Baking tray
  • Oven-proof rack (for even cooking and to drain fat)
  • Tongs or a spatula
  • Paper towels

Key Ingredients

Bacon — Use thin or thick cut depending on your preference. One pound is an easy quantity to start with and scales up well.

Bacon on a rack

Step-By-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Position an oven-proof rack over a baking tray to allow fat to drip away and to promote even cooking.

Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack so the strips do not overlap.

Bacon baking in oven

Bake thin-cut bacon for about 15–18 minutes and thick-cut bacon for 20–25 minutes. Cooking time will vary based on thickness and personal preference, so start checking near the lower end of the range if you like it extra crispy.

When the bacon reaches your desired crispness, remove the tray from the oven and transfer the slices to paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Did you try this recipe? Please leave a comment and a 5-star rating to let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear from you! Subscribe to get new recipes delivered to your inbox.

Oven Baked Bacon

Print Recipe

Oven Baked Bacon

This oven-baked method produces crisp, evenly cooked bacon with minimal effort and easy cleanup. Ideal for busy mornings or feeding a group.
Prep Time
1
Cook Time
15
Total Time
16
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: oven baked bacon, baked bacon, how to bake bacon in the oven
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Bobbie Blue

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bacon, thin or thick cut

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an oven-proof rack over a baking tray.
  • Arrange bacon in a single layer on the rack without overlapping.
  • Bake thin-cut bacon 15–18 minutes or thick-cut bacon 20–25 minutes, adjusting time to reach your preferred level of crispiness.
  • Remove cooked bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat before serving.