At Simple and Flavorful, we’re all about making cooking a breeze, and today, we’re diving into the delicious world of oven-baked bacon. As part of our mission to empower home cooks, we believe that mastering simple yet flavorful recipes like this one can boost confidence and make every mealtime a joy. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to tantalize our taste buds with this crispy, savory treat!
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 2-3
Oven Baked Bacon
Who knew that achieving perfectly crispy bacon could be so easy? With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to bacon bliss. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6-9 slices, thick cut bacon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispness.
- If using thinner bacon, the cooking time could be as early as 12 minutes and like it less crisp or 20 minutes or more if you using a thicker cut and like your bacon really crispy.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistible crunch of oven-baked bacon!
Cooking Confidence Boosters:
- Start with quality ingredients: Using high-quality bacon will ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish.
- Experiment with different seasonings: Try sprinkling your bacon with black pepper, brown sugar, or smoked paprika before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust cooking times: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bacon and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness..
Why We Love This Recipe:
Easy and Convenient: Say goodbye to messy stovetops and splattering grease! With oven-baked bacon, there’s no need to stand over a hot pan or worry about flipping strips – just pop it in the oven and let it do its thing.
Consistently Crispy Results: One of the best things about oven-baked bacon is that it comes out perfectly crispy every single time. Say goodbye to soggy or unevenly cooked bacon – with this method, each slice is golden brown and delicious.
Unbeatable Flavor: The secret to our oven-baked bacon’s mouthwatering flavor lies in its simplicity. By cooking the bacon slowly in the oven, it has plenty of time to develop that irresistible crispy texture and rich, smoky taste that we all know and love.
So, whether you’re whipping up breakfast for the family or adding a savory touch to your favorite dishes, our oven-baked bacon recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Easy, no-splatter, and consistently delicious – what more could you ask for?
Different types of bacon and how to choose the best option for your dish:
When it comes to bacon, not all strips are created equal! Understanding the different types of bacon and how they can impact the flavor and texture of your dish is essential for culinary success. Here’s a quick overview to help you make the best choice:
- Regular Bacon: This is your classic bacon – thinly sliced and typically made from pork belly. It’s versatile and perfect for everyday cooking.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: As the name suggests, thick-cut bacon is sliced thicker than regular bacon, resulting in a meatier texture and richer flavor. It’s ideal for dishes where you want a more substantial bite.
- Turkey Bacon: For those looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon is a popular alternative made from turkey meat. It has a milder flavor compared to traditional bacon but can still add a delicious touch to your dishes.
- Maple Bacon: Maple bacon is infused with the sweet and smoky flavor of maple syrup, adding a hint of sweetness to your savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with breakfast classics like pancakes and waffles.
- Applewood-Smoked Bacon: Applewood-smoked bacon is cured with applewood chips, giving it a subtly sweet and smoky flavor profile. It’s perfect for adding depth to soups, salads, and sandwiches.
When choosing bacon for your recipes, consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for and the dish you’ll be preparing. Experimenting with different types of bacon can add a new dimension to your cooking and take your dishes to the next level.
Dishes using Oven Baked Bacon:
Oven-baked bacon isn’t just a one-hit wonder – it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes throughout the week. Here’s how to incorporate it into your meal plan for delicious and hassle-free meals:
- Breakfast Bliss: Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast featuring oven-baked bacon. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, or avocado toast for a satisfying morning meal that’ll keep you fueled until lunchtime.
- Lunchtime Delights: Take your midday meal to the next level with a bacon-packed salad or sandwich. Crumble oven-baked bacon over a crisp Caesar salad or layer it between slices of bread with lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a mouthwatering BLT.
- Dinner Wins: Bring bold flavor to your dinner table with dishes featuring oven-baked bacon. Use it to add depth to pasta dishes, stir-fries, or even homemade pizzas. Or, serve it as a savory side dish alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
By incorporating oven-baked bacon into your weekly meal plan, you’ll add a delicious touch to every meal while keeping things quick and easy in the kitchen. It’s the secret ingredient that’ll have your family coming back for more, meal after meal!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making oven-baked bacon before? What are your favorite tips and tricks for achieving the perfect crispy texture? Share your thoughts, questions, and feedback in the comments below. Let’s continue our culinary journey together!
Oven Baked Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6-9 slices thick cut bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispness.
- If using thinner bacon, the cooking time could be as early as 12 minutes and like it less crisp or 20 minutes or more if you using a thicker cut and like your bacon really crispy.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistible crunch of oven-baked bacon!