FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why Should You Bake Bacon?
• How To Cook Bacon In The Oven Recipe card
• My Tips For Crispy Results
• How Long To Cook Bacon in the Oven?
• Saving The Bacon Grease
• Ways To Use It
• My Favorite Pan & Rack Sets
• How To Cook Bacon In The Oven Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Simple tutorials are one of my favorite things here at Wholesome Yum, and today I want to show you one I use at least once a week: How to cook bacon in the oven! I’ve been cooking bacon this way for 5+ years, and while it’s super simple, I’ve got a few tips and tricks to help you get those perfectly uniform, crispy results every time. Make this oven baked bacon with me, and you might never cook it another way again!

Why Should You Bake Bacon?

• Crispy bacon every time – It’s wavy, it’s gorgeous, it’s perfect! I love the consistent results of this method.
• Quick and easy – Pop it in the oven and go do something else. Much better than standing at the stove.
• Can make a lot at once – Baking bacon in the oven is a great way to make large batches, and faster than a few slices at a time in a skillet. (I use this method for turkey bacon in the oven , too.) If you want a smaller batch, my methods for microwave bacon and air fryer bacon are your best bet.
• Less mess – The oven cooks more evenly than the stovetop, which means gentle sizzling instead of a splattering mess all over your stove. If you do get a few splatters inside the oven, most ovens have a self-cleaning cycle that makes them easy to wipe away.

How To Cook Bacon In The Oven

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Preheat your oven. This ensures even cooking. (See temp info below!)
2. Arrange the bacon strips. Place an oven-safe cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet , and arrange the strips of bacon on the rack in a single layer. You can line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper underneath the rack, for easier clean-up.
3. Bake bacon in the oven. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and let it do all the work! Don’t miss my tips below, too.

My Tips For Crispy Results

• My top tip for crispy bacon in the oven: Use a wire rack! I use and love this set . This means it doesn’t sit in the grease as it cooks (so the fat drips down) and there is more air flow, which gets you that perfect crispness. I discovered this method when making bacon wrapped asparagus , but the same concept works for baking bacon all by itself, too.
• But can you do it without a rack? Yes, you can. It’s just more crispy with the rack.
• Should you line the pan? Yes, I recommend lining the pan with aluminum foil underneath the rack, going over the edges of the pan. That way, you can fold it inward at the end for easy cleanup. Sometimes I use parchment paper (pictured above), though that doesn’t clean up as nicely, but looked better for my pictures (lol).
• Make sure the slices are not overlapping. However, they will shrink a little while cooking, so a tiny bit of overlap is okay. If I’m trying to fit in that extra piece and they are a little crowded, I spread them out with tongs halfway through baking once they shrink.
• Do you have to flip the pieces? I usually don’t, but you can if you like. I do recommend flipping if you don’t have a rack.
• Have a particularly sensitive smoke detector? Mine never goes off when I cook bacon in the oven, but if you’re worried about it, you can add a small amount of water to the bottom of the rimmed sheet pan (underneath the rack). You won’t really be able to save the bacon grease that way, though, since it will be mixed with water.
• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry. Your baked bacon will crisp up more as it cools, and you can improve its crispness by removing excess grease. Use tongs to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate after cooking, then blot the extra grease away on top.
• How do you know when it’s done? This is partially a matter of preference, but I look for the fatty part to shrink significantly and signs of crispness. It won’t be fully crisp until you blot it and it cools from hot to warm, though, which is the case with any cooking method.

How Long To Cook Bacon in the Oven?

The cooking time for oven baked bacon will vary depending on its thickness. I usually get average bacon and bake it for 18 to 23 minutes at 400 degrees F. Thin bacon will be faster, 15-19 minutes, while thick cut bacon will take longer, 22-26 minutes.

Saving The Bacon Grease

One of the reasons I love cooking bacon in the oven is that the bacon grease drips down, so it’s super easy to reserve for other uses.

• Save it: Tilt the pan over a container or jar, so that the bacon fat collects at the corner and drips down. Do this while the pan is still hot, before the bacon grease becomes solid. I just use an oven mitt to hold the pan.
• Store it: Keep the reserved grease in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last at least 3 months. It will solidify, but will melt if you heat it later. You can also freeze it, pretty much forever.
• What to do with it: Bacon grease can add flavor to savory dishes instead of butter or oil, as long as the heat isn’t too high. I use it to fry eggs, or add it to stir fry vegetables (or simply sauteed veggies ) toward the end.

Ways To Use It

I love making a big batch of oven bacon to use in different ways throughout the week. Here are some serving ideas for both now and later:

• Breakfast – My favorite simple breakfast is bacon, fried eggs, and sliced avocado, pictured above, or you can turn them into my breakfast salad if you want something more special. You can also serve it on the side with almond flour pancakes (or banana oat pancakes — my kids’ favorite!), oven baked eggs , my build-your-own omelette recipe , or even a fritatta .
• Casseroles – My most popular ones are chicken bacon ranch casserole and cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole .
• Soups – While you can saute the bacon before adding the liquid, adding it pre-cooked is more convenient if you have some on hand. My fave is bacon cheeseburger soup , but many readers told me they add it to my broccoli cheese soup as well.
• Salads – Cooking bacon in the oven is particularly convenient for salads, since you’re not usually cooking other parts of the dish, and can do it ahead. It’s a classic in my Cobb salad and wedge salad .
• Appetizers – My bacon deviled eggs , jalapeno poppers , and cheese ball are always crowd pleasers when I set them out at a gathering.
• Side Dishes – Amp up crispy pan fried brussels sprouts , fried cabbage , or even rice or cauliflower rice by adding crumbled bacon to the pan.
• Sandwiches – Grab your favorite bread and make a BLT!

My Favorite Pan & Rack Sets

I have and recommend this large rack or this medium rack , depending on the size you need. Both come with the sheet pan included. They are sturdy, oven safe, don’t stick easily, and made in the USA!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 12 slices Bacon ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line an extra-large baking sheet (at least 14 x 20) with foil for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe rack that fits inside over the baking sheet. ( Get the perfect pan + rack here! )
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack.
4. Place bacon in the oven on the middle rack, and bake for 18 to 23 minutes for average bacon, 15-19 minutes for thin bacon, or 22-26 minutes for thick cut bacon, until done to your liking.
5. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain and pat the top with more paper towels to help it get crisp. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to get more crispy.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 slice, cooked

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System and Keto Cheat Sheet System !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

How To Cook Bacon in the Oven

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

How To Cook Bacon In The Oven

Get my fast, easy method and tips for how to cook bacon in the oven! Baking makes it perfectly crispy every time, without the mess.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/how-to-cook-bacon-in-the-oven/

Ingredients

• 12 slices Bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line an extra-large baking sheet (at least 14 x 20) with foil for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe rack that fits inside over the baking sheet. ( Get the perfect pan + rack here! )
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack.
4. Place bacon in the oven on the middle rack, and bake for 18 to 23 minutes for average bacon, 15-19 minutes for thin bacon, or 22-26 minutes for thick cut bacon, until done to your liking.
5. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain and pat the top with more paper towels to help it get crisp. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to get more crispy.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 slice, cooked

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System and Keto Cheat Sheet System !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why Should You Bake Bacon?
• How To Cook Bacon In The Oven Recipe card
• My Tips For Crispy Results
• How Long To Cook Bacon in the Oven?
• Saving The Bacon Grease
• Ways To Use It
• My Favorite Pan & Rack Sets
• How To Cook Bacon In The Oven Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Simple tutorials are one of my favorite things here at Wholesome Yum, and today I want to show you one I use at least once a week: How to cook bacon in the oven! I’ve been cooking bacon this way for 5+ years, and while it’s super simple, I’ve got a few tips and tricks to help you get those perfectly uniform, crispy results every time. Make this oven baked bacon with me, and you might never cook it another way again!

Why Should You Bake Bacon?

• Crispy bacon every time – It’s wavy, it’s gorgeous, it’s perfect! I love the consistent results of this method.
• Quick and easy – Pop it in the oven and go do something else. Much better than standing at the stove.
• Can make a lot at once – Baking bacon in the oven is a great way to make large batches, and faster than a few slices at a time in a skillet. (I use this method for turkey bacon in the oven , too.) If you want a smaller batch, my methods for microwave bacon and air fryer bacon are your best bet.
• Less mess – The oven cooks more evenly than the stovetop, which means gentle sizzling instead of a splattering mess all over your stove. If you do get a few splatters inside the oven, most ovens have a self-cleaning cycle that makes them easy to wipe away.

How To Cook Bacon In The Oven

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Preheat your oven. This ensures even cooking. (See temp info below!)
2. Arrange the bacon strips. Place an oven-safe cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet , and arrange the strips of bacon on the rack in a single layer. You can line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper underneath the rack, for easier clean-up.
3. Bake bacon in the oven. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and let it do all the work! Don’t miss my tips below, too.

My Tips For Crispy Results

• My top tip for crispy bacon in the oven: Use a wire rack! I use and love this set . This means it doesn’t sit in the grease as it cooks (so the fat drips down) and there is more air flow, which gets you that perfect crispness. I discovered this method when making bacon wrapped asparagus , but the same concept works for baking bacon all by itself, too.
• But can you do it without a rack? Yes, you can. It’s just more crispy with the rack.
• Should you line the pan? Yes, I recommend lining the pan with aluminum foil underneath the rack, going over the edges of the pan. That way, you can fold it inward at the end for easy cleanup. Sometimes I use parchment paper (pictured above), though that doesn’t clean up as nicely, but looked better for my pictures (lol).
• Make sure the slices are not overlapping. However, they will shrink a little while cooking, so a tiny bit of overlap is okay. If I’m trying to fit in that extra piece and they are a little crowded, I spread them out with tongs halfway through baking once they shrink.
• Do you have to flip the pieces? I usually don’t, but you can if you like. I do recommend flipping if you don’t have a rack.
• Have a particularly sensitive smoke detector? Mine never goes off when I cook bacon in the oven, but if you’re worried about it, you can add a small amount of water to the bottom of the rimmed sheet pan (underneath the rack). You won’t really be able to save the bacon grease that way, though, since it will be mixed with water.
• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry. Your baked bacon will crisp up more as it cools, and you can improve its crispness by removing excess grease. Use tongs to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate after cooking, then blot the extra grease away on top.
• How do you know when it’s done? This is partially a matter of preference, but I look for the fatty part to shrink significantly and signs of crispness. It won’t be fully crisp until you blot it and it cools from hot to warm, though, which is the case with any cooking method.

How Long To Cook Bacon in the Oven?

The cooking time for oven baked bacon will vary depending on its thickness. I usually get average bacon and bake it for 18 to 23 minutes at 400 degrees F. Thin bacon will be faster, 15-19 minutes, while thick cut bacon will take longer, 22-26 minutes.

Saving The Bacon Grease

One of the reasons I love cooking bacon in the oven is that the bacon grease drips down, so it’s super easy to reserve for other uses.

• Save it: Tilt the pan over a container or jar, so that the bacon fat collects at the corner and drips down. Do this while the pan is still hot, before the bacon grease becomes solid. I just use an oven mitt to hold the pan.
• Store it: Keep the reserved grease in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last at least 3 months. It will solidify, but will melt if you heat it later. You can also freeze it, pretty much forever.
• What to do with it: Bacon grease can add flavor to savory dishes instead of butter or oil, as long as the heat isn’t too high. I use it to fry eggs, or add it to stir fry vegetables (or simply sauteed veggies ) toward the end.

Ways To Use It

I love making a big batch of oven bacon to use in different ways throughout the week. Here are some serving ideas for both now and later:

• Breakfast – My favorite simple breakfast is bacon, fried eggs, and sliced avocado, pictured above, or you can turn them into my breakfast salad if you want something more special. You can also serve it on the side with almond flour pancakes (or banana oat pancakes — my kids’ favorite!), oven baked eggs , my build-your-own omelette recipe , or even a fritatta .
• Casseroles – My most popular ones are chicken bacon ranch casserole and cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole .
• Soups – While you can saute the bacon before adding the liquid, adding it pre-cooked is more convenient if you have some on hand. My fave is bacon cheeseburger soup , but many readers told me they add it to my broccoli cheese soup as well.
• Salads – Cooking bacon in the oven is particularly convenient for salads, since you’re not usually cooking other parts of the dish, and can do it ahead. It’s a classic in my Cobb salad and wedge salad .
• Appetizers – My bacon deviled eggs , jalapeno poppers , and cheese ball are always crowd pleasers when I set them out at a gathering.
• Side Dishes – Amp up crispy pan fried brussels sprouts , fried cabbage , or even rice or cauliflower rice by adding crumbled bacon to the pan.
• Sandwiches – Grab your favorite bread and make a BLT!

My Favorite Pan & Rack Sets

I have and recommend this large rack or this medium rack , depending on the size you need. Both come with the sheet pan included. They are sturdy, oven safe, don’t stick easily, and made in the USA!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 12 slices Bacon ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line an extra-large baking sheet (at least 14 x 20) with foil for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe rack that fits inside over the baking sheet. ( Get the perfect pan + rack here! )
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack.
4. Place bacon in the oven on the middle rack, and bake for 18 to 23 minutes for average bacon, 15-19 minutes for thin bacon, or 22-26 minutes for thick cut bacon, until done to your liking.
5. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain and pat the top with more paper towels to help it get crisp. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to get more crispy.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 slice, cooked

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System and Keto Cheat Sheet System !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

How To Cook Bacon in the Oven

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why Should You Bake Bacon?
• How To Cook Bacon In The Oven Recipe card
• My Tips For Crispy Results
• How Long To Cook Bacon in the Oven?
• Saving The Bacon Grease
• Ways To Use It
• My Favorite Pan & Rack Sets
• How To Cook Bacon In The Oven Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Simple tutorials are one of my favorite things here at Wholesome Yum, and today I want to show you one I use at least once a week: How to cook bacon in the oven! I’ve been cooking bacon this way for 5+ years, and while it’s super simple, I’ve got a few tips and tricks to help you get those perfectly uniform, crispy results every time. Make this oven baked bacon with me, and you might never cook it another way again!

Why Should You Bake Bacon?

• Crispy bacon every time – It’s wavy, it’s gorgeous, it’s perfect! I love the consistent results of this method.
• Quick and easy – Pop it in the oven and go do something else. Much better than standing at the stove.
• Can make a lot at once – Baking bacon in the oven is a great way to make large batches, and faster than a few slices at a time in a skillet. (I use this method for turkey bacon in the oven , too.) If you want a smaller batch, my methods for microwave bacon and air fryer bacon are your best bet.
• Less mess – The oven cooks more evenly than the stovetop, which means gentle sizzling instead of a splattering mess all over your stove. If you do get a few splatters inside the oven, most ovens have a self-cleaning cycle that makes them easy to wipe away.

How To Cook Bacon In The Oven

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Preheat your oven. This ensures even cooking. (See temp info below!)
2. Arrange the bacon strips. Place an oven-safe cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet , and arrange the strips of bacon on the rack in a single layer. You can line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper underneath the rack, for easier clean-up.
3. Bake bacon in the oven. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and let it do all the work! Don’t miss my tips below, too.

My Tips For Crispy Results

• My top tip for crispy bacon in the oven: Use a wire rack! I use and love this set . This means it doesn’t sit in the grease as it cooks (so the fat drips down) and there is more air flow, which gets you that perfect crispness. I discovered this method when making bacon wrapped asparagus , but the same concept works for baking bacon all by itself, too.
• But can you do it without a rack? Yes, you can. It’s just more crispy with the rack.
• Should you line the pan? Yes, I recommend lining the pan with aluminum foil underneath the rack, going over the edges of the pan. That way, you can fold it inward at the end for easy cleanup. Sometimes I use parchment paper (pictured above), though that doesn’t clean up as nicely, but looked better for my pictures (lol).
• Make sure the slices are not overlapping. However, they will shrink a little while cooking, so a tiny bit of overlap is okay. If I’m trying to fit in that extra piece and they are a little crowded, I spread them out with tongs halfway through baking once they shrink.
• Do you have to flip the pieces? I usually don’t, but you can if you like. I do recommend flipping if you don’t have a rack.
• Have a particularly sensitive smoke detector? Mine never goes off when I cook bacon in the oven, but if you’re worried about it, you can add a small amount of water to the bottom of the rimmed sheet pan (underneath the rack). You won’t really be able to save the bacon grease that way, though, since it will be mixed with water.
• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry. Your baked bacon will crisp up more as it cools, and you can improve its crispness by removing excess grease. Use tongs to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate after cooking, then blot the extra grease away on top.
• How do you know when it’s done? This is partially a matter of preference, but I look for the fatty part to shrink significantly and signs of crispness. It won’t be fully crisp until you blot it and it cools from hot to warm, though, which is the case with any cooking method.

How Long To Cook Bacon in the Oven?

The cooking time for oven baked bacon will vary depending on its thickness. I usually get average bacon and bake it for 18 to 23 minutes at 400 degrees F. Thin bacon will be faster, 15-19 minutes, while thick cut bacon will take longer, 22-26 minutes.

Saving The Bacon Grease

One of the reasons I love cooking bacon in the oven is that the bacon grease drips down, so it’s super easy to reserve for other uses.

• Save it: Tilt the pan over a container or jar, so that the bacon fat collects at the corner and drips down. Do this while the pan is still hot, before the bacon grease becomes solid. I just use an oven mitt to hold the pan.
• Store it: Keep the reserved grease in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last at least 3 months. It will solidify, but will melt if you heat it later. You can also freeze it, pretty much forever.
• What to do with it: Bacon grease can add flavor to savory dishes instead of butter or oil, as long as the heat isn’t too high. I use it to fry eggs, or add it to stir fry vegetables (or simply sauteed veggies ) toward the end.

Ways To Use It

I love making a big batch of oven bacon to use in different ways throughout the week. Here are some serving ideas for both now and later:

• Breakfast – My favorite simple breakfast is bacon, fried eggs, and sliced avocado, pictured above, or you can turn them into my breakfast salad if you want something more special. You can also serve it on the side with almond flour pancakes (or banana oat pancakes — my kids’ favorite!), oven baked eggs , my build-your-own omelette recipe , or even a fritatta .
• Casseroles – My most popular ones are chicken bacon ranch casserole and cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole .
• Soups – While you can saute the bacon before adding the liquid, adding it pre-cooked is more convenient if you have some on hand. My fave is bacon cheeseburger soup , but many readers told me they add it to my broccoli cheese soup as well.
• Salads – Cooking bacon in the oven is particularly convenient for salads, since you’re not usually cooking other parts of the dish, and can do it ahead. It’s a classic in my Cobb salad and wedge salad .
• Appetizers – My bacon deviled eggs , jalapeno poppers , and cheese ball are always crowd pleasers when I set them out at a gathering.
• Side Dishes – Amp up crispy pan fried brussels sprouts , fried cabbage , or even rice or cauliflower rice by adding crumbled bacon to the pan.
• Sandwiches – Grab your favorite bread and make a BLT!

My Favorite Pan & Rack Sets

I have and recommend this large rack or this medium rack , depending on the size you need. Both come with the sheet pan included. They are sturdy, oven safe, don’t stick easily, and made in the USA!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 12 slices Bacon ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line an extra-large baking sheet (at least 14 x 20) with foil for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe rack that fits inside over the baking sheet. ( Get the perfect pan + rack here! )
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack.
4. Place bacon in the oven on the middle rack, and bake for 18 to 23 minutes for average bacon, 15-19 minutes for thin bacon, or 22-26 minutes for thick cut bacon, until done to your liking.
5. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain and pat the top with more paper towels to help it get crisp. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to get more crispy.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 slice, cooked

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System and Keto Cheat Sheet System !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

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How To Cook Bacon in the Oven