Bacon is always the right choice, and finding efficient ways to cook it makes the choice even easier.
I have never met anyone who doesn’t like bacon, though I am sure they are out there. It’s absolutely one of my favorite foods, and I find it enjoyable in every form, including turkey bacon, pork, and vegan bacon, which is plant-based. I suppose it’s the irresistible saltiness and crispy texture that draws most of us to this delightful treat.
Pork belly, the piece of meat that bacon is cut from, has been dined on for thousands of years. Salting food was a primitive way to preserve it without refrigeration. Though we no longer have to do that, bacon has stuck around as one of America’s most desired breakfast foods and then some. And, of course, we have to mention the BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich. Where would the BLT be without bacon? (It would just be the LT sandwich, I presume.)
Still, bacon has a dark side—cooking it. I don’t know about you, but I grew up with mom frying it in a skillet on the stove. She would complain incessantly as the grease spat everywhere. As I came of age and tried it myself, I thoroughly understood the complaints. So I jumped at the opportunity to bake bacon in the oven.
I am all for setting it and forgetting it in the kitchen. Life is hectic enough, and any way I can save time is great. Since discovering how to cook bacon in the oven, my family have been enjoying a lot more of the delicacy. It’s not a hassle for me to make anymore. I am no longer standing over the frying pan, flipping pieces of splattering bacon every couple of minutes. I line a baking sheet with bacon, put it in the oven, and in 15 to 20 minutes, it’s done. Breakfast is served (and the occasional pancakes and bacon for dinner).
The Secret To Perfectly Crisp Bacon In The Oven
You could just throw the bacon onto a baking sheet and skip the aluminum foil; however, the results won’t be as good, and the cleanup would be dreadful. Using aluminum foil helps to get the bacon crispy on both sides and lets you dispose of all that remaining grease easily. Parchment paper is often used as well, and that is very helpful with cleanup, too. Still, it’s the aluminum foil that will help get your bacon crispier. Its shiny surface reflects the heat and ensures even cooking.
How do I store the bacon?
Never let good bacon go to waste. After cooking it, allow the bacon to cool. You can then place the bacon in a Ziploc bag then squeeze as much air out as possible. Seal the bag and store the bacon in the refrigerator for up to five days. Bacon is yummy eaten cold out of the fridge but you can also reheat it in a toaster oven if you prefer.
What if I don’t want crispy bacon?
If crispy bacon isn’t your thing, no worries! Skip the aluminum foil and use parchment paper instead. You want something to help you avoid having a pool of grease on your nice baking sheet after the bacon cooks. Let me tell you, nothing creates grease like baking bacon. A sheet of parchment paper will protect the pan and prevent the bacon from getting too crispy. Also, you will need to cut down the cooking time by five minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon goes fabulously with so many things! Our first thought is pancakes or waffles with syrup. There’s nothing like dipping that salty bacon into the sweet syrup. As I mentioned before, serving bacon on a BLT is one of life’s greatest luxuries. For a change in bacon sandwiches, give this chicken bacon cheddar sandwich a try. Or, for your next gathering, cook up some baking-sheet bacon and create this scrumptious blue cheese bacon dip. Full of blue cheese, bacon, and walnuts, it’s one of the richest and most irresistible dips.
One thing I like to do with leftover bacon is create a sweet and smoky homemade bacon jam. It’s wonderful on charcuterie boards or a piece of toast in the morning. For dinner, a favorite is spicy corn and bacon macaroni and cheese. Bacon is so useful and especially delicious all on its own!
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven with Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon thin or thick-cut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. It’s okay if they’re snug; just ensure they don’t overlap.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Thinner slices may need less time, while thicker slices may need the full 20 minutes.
- Once the bacon is golden brown and crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
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