Bacon is a popular breakfast choice. However, the stovetop preparation method can be messy and time-consuming. The splattering grease can leave your kitchen in disarray and even cause burns. If you’ve been wondering how to cook bacon in the oven without splattering, there’s a simple and effective method. A secret to perfectly crispy bacon without the mess is cooking it in the oven! In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to achieve delicious, splatter-free bacon using your oven.
How to cook bacon in the oven without splattering?
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lay the bacon strips on it without overlapping. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. For even crispier bacon, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This method will give you perfectly crispy bacon with minimal cleanup.
Why Cook Bacon in the Oven?
- Cleaner Kitchen: Cooking bacon in the oven contains the grease within the baking sheet, preventing it from splattering all over your stovetop and counters.
- Even Cooking: Oven-baked bacon cooks more evenly, resulting in consistently crispy strips without burnt edges or undercooked centers.
- Hands-Free: After placing the bacon in the oven, you can use that time to prepare other meal components, making it a convenient choice for hectic mornings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Oven-Baked Bacon
What You’ll Need
- Bacon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to trap grease and simplify cleaning afterward.
- Place the bacon strips on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not overlap. If necessary, use a second baking sheet to avoid crowding.
- Place the baking sheet(s) in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the bacon is as crispy as you like.
- Using oven mitts, remove the baking sheet(s) from the oven and Carefully lay the bacon on a plate covered with paper towels. Allowing the excess grease to drain.
- Let the bacon entirely before serving.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Bacon
- Place a wire rack on the lined baking sheet and lay the bacon strips on the rack for even crispier bacon. This allows the grease to drip down and keeps the bacon elevated.
- Thick-cut bacon may need to be cooked in the oven for a few additional minutes. While thin-cut bacon may cook faster. Keep an eye on your bacon to avoid burning.
- Save the bacon grease for later use in cooking. Let it cool, pour it into a jar, and store it in the refrigerator.
- Before baking, experiment with different flavors by brushing the bacon with maple syrup, brown sugar, or your favorite spices.
Enjoy Your Splatter-Free Bacon!
Experience a game-changing way to cook bacon by using the oven. This method enables you to savor deliciously crispy bacon without the inconvenience and cleanup of cooking it on the stovetop. Give it a try and take your breakfast to the next level!
Conclusion:
Oven-baked bacon simplifies the cooking process and always delivers consistent and delicious results. Following these steps and tips can make your breakfast experience more enjoyable and more accessible to clean up. Whether serving it alongside eggs for a traditional breakfast, adding it to a BLT for lunch, or crumbling it over a salad for dinner, bacon from the oven will elevate your dishes with its perfect crispiness. Say goodbye to splattering grease with how to cook bacon in the oven without splattering and hello to effortless, perfect bacon every morning.
FAQs
Yes, you can use any bacon you prefer, whether it’s traditional pork bacon, turkey bacon, or vegetarian bacon alternatives.
Parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the baking sheet can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Yes, you can adjust the cooking temperature and time to achieve your desired level of crispiness. Lower temperatures and longer cooking times may result in slightly chewier bacon.
Leftover bacon grease can be saved and used for cooking or discarded in a heatproof container once cooled. Avoid pouring it down the drain, as it can solidify and cause clogs.
Yes, you can freeze cooked bacon for later use. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Use a low to medium heat setting on the stove.
Ensure the bacon is placed in a single layer in the pan and flip it occasionally for even cooking.
Remove the bacon from the heat when it reaches your desired crispiness to prevent burning.
Chefs cook bacon in the oven because it ensures even cooking and crispiness. Oven baking also reduces splattering and mess compared to stovetop methods. Additionally, baking bacon allows larger batches to be cooked simultaneously, making it efficient for restaurant kitchens.
