Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe

There are surely outliers, but around here crispy bacon reigns superior to any other type. Nonetheless, if you're frying it up in a pan it can take awhile to reach that perfectly crunchy consistency. It often entails extra grease which means the bacon strips risk becoming soggy if they're sitting in it for too long. Enter the oven-baked method which guarantees crispy bacon every time. 

Tasting Table recipe developer Susan Olayinka from The Flexible Fridge assures readers that this recipe "is so easy to make and the results are always perfect." By perfect she means that "the bacon comes out nice and crispy," which she raves is "just the way I like it." If you're looking at a recipe for crispy bacon, chances are you're a fan too. The best part about this simple fuss-free recipe is that it can be made a few days ahead of time so you can meal prep some bacon for the start of your week.

Simplicity is the foundation of this recipe, and as Olayinka describes, "[it's] just good ol' fashion[ed] bacon cooked in the oven." You'll just need 12 strips of bacon from the supermarket or local butcher. If that quantity won't cut it, our recipe developer notes that "this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled." Optionally, you can also sprinkle on a little bit of black pepper at the end.

Start by preheating the oven to 400 F which will help the fat render, leaving the bacon delightfully crispy. Grab a large baking tray and lay the bacon strips side by side, avoiding too much overlap. If you're using more bacon, just add those that fit to the baking sheet or cook them in batches so that the cooking time remains the same. 

Set your timer for 18 minutes while the bacon crisps up perfectly. Olayinka notes, "You may need to adjust the cooking time if you're cooking a large batch." When you've achieved the desired result, pull the tray out of the oven and give the bacon a few minutes to cool down (these few moments are the ultimate temptation). Also, you may want to blot off some excess oil with a paper towel.

According to our developer, "This recipe will keep for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container."

Obviously bacon is already delicious, and crispy bacon is even more snackable. If you're looking to incorporate it into a meal though, Olayinka suggests, "it's also great as a topping for salads, burgers, or even wrapped around some fresh vegetables." Don't stop there, she adds: "Reader[s] should get creative and enjoy!"

Aside from what you're serving it with, the experimentation has "endless possibilities." Start with the classic recipe then follow Olayinka's recommendations: "You could try adding some different herbs or spices to the bacon before cooking, or top it with a sauce or topping of your choice." Whatever you do, this crispy oven-baked bacon is sure to win you over.