How to Bake Bacon in the Oven (and How Long Does It Last?)

Love bacon but hate the mess? Avoid the splatter and read on to learn how to bake bacon in the oven. It comes out perfectly every time!

There’s something special about the smell of fresh bacon sizzling in the morning. But dealing with splattering grease can be frustrating. That’s where cooking bacon in the oven comes in. It’s a no-fuss method that delivers crispy, evenly cooked bacon every time. Plus, it frees up your stovetop for other breakfast tasks.

Whether you’re making bacon for a big family breakfast or meal prepping for the week, this method is sure to become your go-to. Whether making an entire package of bacon or just a few slices, baking is the best way to go. 

Ingredients: Baked Bacon

1 pound bacon, such as Wright Brand Thick Cut Applewood Thick-Cut Bacon

Instructions: How to Bake Bacon in the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, pulling up the edges slightly (this will help to keep in the grease as it bakes).

3. Arrange slices of raw bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure the pieces don’t overlap.

4. Bake 25-35 minutes, depending on how you like your bacon. The longer it bakes, the crispier it becomes.

5. Using tongs, carefully transfer the bacon from the baking sheet to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease. 

Note: If you have leftovers, let the extra bacon cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Bacon

• Room Temperature Bacon: For even cooking, let the bacon come to room temperature before baking. This step helps the bacon cook evenly.
• Use a Wire Rack: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Lay the bacon strips on the rack. This allows the fat to drip off, resulting in crispier bacon.
• Watch the Time: The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon. Thin slices cook faster, while thick-cut bacon may need a few extra minutes.
• Save the Bacon Grease: After baking, carefully pour the bacon grease into a heatproof container. You can use it later for cooking or baking.
• Use regular bacon: I have found that turkey bacon or different types of bacon don’t fry or bake as well as regular bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can You Put Frozen Bacon in the Oven?
Yes, you can bake frozen bacon in the oven, but it requires a bit more time. Place the frozen bacon on the baking sheet. You may need to separate the slices with a spatula as they thaw. It helps to put the unopened package of bacon in cold water to help thaw it a bit as well. Bake as usual, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

2) How Long Does Unopened Bacon Last?
An unopened package of bacon can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly. Always check the sell-by or use-by date on the packaging. For best quality, store it in its original packaging. Ensure it’s kept at a consistent temperature. Never use bacon with a sour smell or slimy texture.

3) How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Freezer?
Cooked bacon can last up to three months in the freezer. To store it, let the bacon cool to room temperature. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bacon in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Label the container with the date for food safety purposes. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the bacon in the refrigerator. Use plastic wrap and a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

4) What’s the Best Way to Store Bacon?
For raw bacon, keep it in its unopened pack of bacon in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Once opened, wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its best quality until you’re ready to cook it. For cooked bacon, follow the same method or freeze it for longer storage. Bad bacon can lead to food poisoning, so always be safe. 

5) How Do You Know When Bacon Is Done?
Bacon is done when it reaches your desired crispiness. For softer bacon, remove it from the oven when the edges start to brown. For crispier bacon, bake until it’s deep golden brown all over. Remember, bacon will continue to crisp up slightly as it cools.

6) Can You Reheat Cooked Bacon?
Yes, reheating cooked bacon is easy. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave oven, or on the stovetop. To reheat in the oven, place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. In the microwave, place the bacon between paper towels and heat in 20-second increments.

7) Can You Bake Bacon Without Foil or Parchment Paper?
Yes, you can bake bacon directly on a baking sheet. However, using foil or parchment paper makes cleanup easier. The bacon grease will be easier to dispose of, and your baking sheet will be less greasy.

8) Is It Safe to Eat Bacon Past the Sell-By Date?
The sell-by date is a guide for the grocery store, not an expiration date. If the bacon has been stored properly and looks and smells fine, it’s likely safe to eat. However, for best quality and food safety, it’s recommended to use bacon by its sell-by or use-by date. When in doubt, it’s better to be cautious and underestimate the shelf life of bacon. Always avoid eating bacon that has been stored for too long. 

9) What Temperature Should Bacon Be Cooked To?
Bacon is typically cooked until it reaches your desired crispiness, not a specific internal temperature. However, for those concerned with food safety of raw meat, the USDA recommends cooking pork products to an internal temperature of 145°F. This helps ensure that any bacteria present in raw bacon are killed.

10) How Do You Keep Bacon From Curling in the Oven?
To prevent bacon from curling, you can press it down with a wire rack or another baking sheet. Alternatively, lightly press the bacon with a spatula halfway through cooking. This keeps the strips flat and ensures even cooking. Using thick-sliced vs. thinner bacon helps as well.

11) How Should You Store Bacon Grease?
After cooking, carefully pour the bacon grease into a heatproof container. A glass jar with a tight lid works best. Let the grease cool to room temperature before sealing. Store the sealed container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the best quality and keeps the grease from going rancid. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for longer storage.

12) How Long Does Bacon Grease Last?
Bacon grease can last up to six months in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. For best quality, use it within three months. If frozen, bacon grease can last up to a year. Always check for any sour smell or signs of spoilage before using.

How to Use Leftover Bacon

We almost always have baked bacon leftover. When that happens, we have plenty of ways to use it up. Here are some ideas:

• Use it in a salad. Try this dreamy Tangy Bacon Avocado Salad.
• Top these Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with it.
• Add extra flavor to green beans.
• Use as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Bacon Guacamole: Add crumbled bacon to your guacamole for an extra smoky flavor.
• Bacon and Egg Breakfast Burritos: Incorporate leftover bacon into breakfast burritos along with scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies.
• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Mix crumbled bacon into your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe for added richness.
• Bacon Grilled Cheese: Upgrade your grilled cheese sandwich by adding bacon slices for a delicious twist.
• Bacon Fried Rice: Stir-fry leftover bacon into your fried rice for a smoky and flavorful variation.
• Bacon Caesar Salad: Toss crumbled bacon into your Caesar salad for an extra layer of crunch and taste.
• BLTs: Use the leftover bacon to make the classic beloved BLT sandwich.

Baking bacon in the oven is a game-changer. It’s easy, mess-free, and delivers perfectly cooked bacon every time. With this method, you can enjoy delicious fresh bacon without the hassle of stovetop cooking. So next time you’re craving crispy bacon, skip the skillet and turn on the oven instead!

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