Wondering how to cook bacon in the oven? It's super easy and fast! This method is fuss-free. It only takes about 20 minutes!
If you haven't tried oven baked bacon, you're missing out. It's way less messy than frying it on the stove. You also don't have to worry about being splattered with the hot bacon fat while it's cooking. It's also great if you want to cook a lot of bacon in one go. Everything is better with bacon.
Some recipes for cooking bacon in the oven call for a wire rack (like you set it on top of the baking sheet), and I've done it myself before, but I really don't see any major differences in the two methods. If you want your bacon extra crispy, the wire rack can be helpful, but I like my bacon to have a little bit of chew to it. Also, laying the bacon directly on the foil-lined baking sheet means one less thing to wash up. Fine with me!
How long to cook bacon at 400F?
Depending on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you like it, anywhere from 10-25 minutes (most bacon will be done within 15-20 minutes).
How long does cooked bacon keep?
About 5-7 days in the fridge, or you can freeze it.
How to reheat bacon?
Pop it in the microwave (put paper towel on the bottom of a plate and on top of the bacon as well) and reheat it in 10-second intervals until it's warmed to your liking.
More bacon recipes to try:
Have you ever tried cooking bacon in the oven?
Questions? Made this recipe? Leave me a comment below!

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Ingredients
- 12 strips bacon see note
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position. Line a large baking sheet with tin foil for easier clean-up.
- Spread the bacon out on the baking sheet (do not overlap). Most bacon will take 15-20 minutes to cook. If you have thicker bacon and like it very crispy, it may take up to 25 minutes. For very thin bacon, check after 10 minutes.
- Remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate and enjoy.
Notes
- Cooking time will vary depending on how thick the bacon is and how hot your oven is (ovens vary and often aren't accurate), so I recommend keeping an eye on the bacon the first couple times you try this method.
- If you need to do a larger quantity than the 12 strips I suggest, you may be able to fit more than 12 strips on the baking sheet, or you can definitely do two baking sheets at once (one rack closer to the top of the oven and one rack closer to the bottom).
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Honeyybabee says
Oh oh Yum
Natasha says
🙂
Rose says
My husband says its the best way and his new favorite way to have bacon - mine too - no mess...no pans to wash...I sprinkle a little black pepper on the bacon before putting them in the oven...yummy!
Natasha says
Yes! Isn't it a great method?! I'm so happy to hear that. 🙂
Georgia A Ipsen says
This is the only way to cook bacon!
Natasha says
Yay!
joo hye tincher says
my hubby say it is V good
Natasha says
Awesome!!
Chris says
The only way I cook bacon now.
Natasha says
That's great!!
joohye tincher says
my hubby love it
Natasha says
Awesome!
Lorie Tobik says
I use parchment paper and there is really no cleanup!!
Natasha says
Awesome!
Catherine says
This is the best way to cook bacon! I used the rack at first, too, but it's not necessary as you said - just one more thing to clean. I've also tried it at 425 instead of 400 and it works well, but I like mine pretty crispy. Thanks for posting this!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! Love that you found the same w. the rack. 🙂
Barb G says
The only way I cook bacon! Easy, fast, and no mess!
Natasha says
🙂 🙂
E Barrett Anderson Sr. says
Looks like it is worth a try. Like idea you can freeze
And warm up a portion....
Natasha says
Thank you!! Let me know if you do try it!