There are almost as many ways to cook bacon as there are strips in a pack. Some people prefer to use an air fryer or deep fryer, while others are loyal to their cast iron pans. If you’re in a rush, microwaving bacon might be your go-to, and if you’re feeling fancy, you might even try sous vide. With so many options, how do you choose the best one?
To settle this, we turned to four expert chefs and asked them: What’s the best way to cook bacon? Their answer was unanimous, and it’s both simple and foolproof. Read on to find out how to avoid common mistakes and how to get the crispiest, most delicious bacon, every single time.
Meet the Bacon Experts
Before we dive into their tips, let’s introduce the chefs who gave us their bacon wisdom:
- Erin Clarke, recipe developer, and author of The Well Plated Cookbook and the upcoming Well Plated Everyday.
- Kathleen Day, owner and founder of Katalina’s Cafes in Columbus, Ohio.
- Jon Kung, a chef, recipe developer, podcast host, and author of Kung Food.
- Peter Som, a New York City-based fashion designer turned culinary expert and author of Family Style, an upcoming cookbook.
The Biggest Bacon Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even though bacon seems simple, there are a few common mistakes people make when cooking it.
1. Cooking at Too High Heat
Jon Kung warns that turning the heat up too high is one of the most common errors. “High heat causes the bacon to curl and lose contact with the pan,” he explains. When that happens, it doesn’t cook evenly, leading to some parts burning while others stay chewy.
Peter Som agrees: “If you use high heat, the bacon burns before the fat has a chance to render and the meat can cook through.”
2. Overcrowding the Pan
The second major mistake is overcrowding. “When you pile too many slices into the pan, they steam instead of crisping up,” says Som. “No one wants soggy bacon.”
To avoid this, leave some space between the slices. Bacon needs room for air to circulate to get crispy.
The Best Way to Cook Bacon, According to Chefs
While you can cook a strip or two in a skillet, all four chefs agree that the best way to cook bacon is in the oven. It’s easy, requires minimal cleanup, and results in consistently crispy strips without the greasy mess.
“I’ve always used the oven to cook bacon at my cafes,” says Kathleen Day. “Once you learn how easy it is to cook and what a consistent product it produces, you won’t go back.”
Erin Clarke is also a huge fan of oven-cooked bacon. “I’m an evangelist for baking bacon,” she says. “You get perfectly crisp, uniform pieces every time, and it’s a breeze to clean up. Plus, you don’t have to stand over a hot stove or deal with splattering grease.”
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Bacon Like a Pro
Ready to try the chef-approved method? Here’s the step-by-step guide for baking bacon.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup easy. Then, place a wire rack on top of the foil. The rack allows air to circulate around the bacon, ensuring it cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
3. Arrange the Bacon
Lay your bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure to leave a little space between each slice. This helps the fat render and prevents the bacon from steaming.
4. Bake the Bacon
Bake the bacon for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices and how crispy you like it. If you want to level up your bacon, try Peter Som’s temperature trick: Start at 400°F (205°C), and for the last 5 minutes of cooking, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the fat renders properly and gives the bacon an extra crispy finish.
5. Drain the Bacon
Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the slices to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps absorb any excess grease and keeps the bacon from overcooking on the hot pan.
6. Dispose of (or Save) the Bacon Grease
Don’t forget to safely dispose of the bacon grease, or save it for later! Bacon grease adds incredible flavor to dishes like gravies, greens, or even scrambled eggs.
What If You Don’t Have a Wire Rack?
If you don’t have a wire rack, don’t worry. You can still achieve crispy bacon. Here’s a quick hack: Line your pan with foil, then fold it in 1-inch intervals to create ridges. These ridges allow the bacon to sit above the grease as it cooks, reducing sogginess.
Why the Oven is the Best Method for Bacon
Why is the oven method so popular with chefs? Here are a few reasons:
- Even cooking: The heat in the oven is consistent, ensuring that every part of the bacon is cooked to perfection.
- Hands-off: Unlike cooking bacon on the stovetop, you don’t have to babysit it. Pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing.
- Less mess: No more grease splattering all over your stove. When you cook bacon in the oven, the mess is contained on the baking sheet.
- Easy cleanup: With foil lining your pan, cleanup is a breeze. Just let the grease cool, then toss the foil in the trash.
Bacon Recipes to Try with Your Oven-Cooked Strips
Now that you’ve mastered oven-cooked bacon, why not use it in some delicious recipes? Here are a few ideas:
- BLT Sandwich: Layer your crispy bacon with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo on toasted bread for a classic.
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap bacon around asparagus spears and roast until crispy.
- Bacon and Cheddar Omelet: Chop your oven-cooked bacon and add it to an omelet with cheddar cheese.
- Bacon-Topped Mac and Cheese: Sprinkle crispy bacon over your favorite mac and cheese recipe for a crunchy twist.
Conclusion:
Cooking bacon in the oven is the easiest, most reliable way to achieve crispy, delicious strips every time. Whether you’re a bacon aficionado or a weekend breakfast warrior, this chef-approved method will elevate your bacon game. Give it a try, and you may never go back to stovetop bacon again!
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