The Crispiest Bacon Recipe Ever (Oven Method)
Why This Works:
- Even Cooking: No curled-up edges or half-burnt, half-raw strips.
- Less Mess: Grease stays on the tray, not your stovetop.
- Maximum Crisp: Proper air circulation and draining = shatteringly crisp bacon.
Ingredients (for a big batch – serves 6–10)
- 2 pounds thick-cut bacon (about 24–30 slices)
- Optional: Freshly cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, or maple syrup for flavor variations
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
- Paper towels for draining
Equipment
- 2 large rimmed baking sheets
- 2 cooling racks (oven-safe wire racks)
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for perfectly crispy bacon.
2. Prep Your Pans
- Line your baking sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easier cleanup).
- Place a cooling rack on top of each sheet. This lets the fat drip off and makes the bacon extra crispy all over.
3. Arrange the Bacon
- Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the racks. Don’t let them overlap — give them breathing room to crisp up.
- If adding flavor: Sprinkle brown sugar, pepper, or spices now.
4. Bake
- Place trays in the oven (one on the top third rack, one on the bottom).
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, switching trays halfway through. Keep a close eye after 18 minutes — crispiness happens fast!
- Regular-cut bacon: 16–20 min
- Thick-cut bacon: 20–25 min
5. Drain and Rest
- Use tongs to transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Let drain for 5 minutes — this crisps it even more.
Pro Tips for Peak Crispy Bacon
- Use a rack – It’s the key to all-over crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd – Airflow = crunch.
- For sweet bacon, brush with maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Save that bacon fat! Pour into a jar and refrigerate for cooking eggs, veggies, or even cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Pop in a hot skillet or 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Or microwave between paper towels for 15–20 seconds.
Bonus Uses for Crispy Bacon
- Crumble over mac & cheese, deviled eggs, or soups
- Layer in BLTs, wraps, or burgers
- Add to pasta, baked potatoes, or breakfast tacos
Conclusion
This is the ultimate big-batch bacon recipe: crispy, easy, and no stovetop grease explosions. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking brunch for a crowd, or making bacon your love language, this method delivers every single time.