My life has forever changed.
I cooked bacon in the oven. That’s it. Life changed! I used to fry it up in a cast iron skillet which always produced a delicious piece of crispy bacon, but the clean up annoyed the heck out of me…waiting for the pan to cool, scraping out the fat (I know you can keep it, but I don’t have much use for bacon fat on a weekly basis), then cleaning the skillet. Plus, it always splattered even though I used a splatter cover.
So with all that said, I read that cooking bacon in the oven works so I tried it and OMG. I was hesitant and thought the bacon would be rubbery or something. It was everything BUT rubbery.
First, it was so pretty and every piece was cooked the same. It was crisp and chewy and perfectly cooked. It made my house smell amazing…I thought Izzy was going to faint with excitement from the smell. The clean up was SO easy – simply throw away the parchment paper and wash the rimmed cookie sheet with hot water and soap. It also allows you to cook 6-8 pieces at the same time versus 4 or 5 in a pan. 6 is perfect for us, 2 pieces for me, 3 for Vin and 1 for Izzy.
I’m reading this and it seems so boring, but seriously!!! You guys have to try it. I am obsessed and have not cooked bacon in a fry pan for months.
So here is exactly what you do.
1.) Buy good bacon – I get it from our butcher and it’s thick, uncured, apple wood smoked bacon. Trader Joe’s sells good bacon, too.
2.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a RIMMED baking sheet with parchment paper. Place bacon on parchment paper and cook for 15-20 minutes. I typically bake them for 17/18 minutes because we like a more well-done bacon.
3.) Remove pan from the oven and place bacon on plate lined with paper towels to let bacon cool and excess fat drain.
4.) EAT YO BACON.
Can’t wait to hear how your life has changed!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest by clicking the image below.
- Slices of good thick bacon (uncured apple wood smoked bacon is preferred)
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place slices of bacon on the baking sheet and place in the oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes depending on how you like your bacon. I cook mine for about 17 because I like it slightly crispy. Remove bacon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
Recipe from Erica on The Pioneer Woman’s Website
Ii’m going to try your recipe. i’ve tried to cook bacon in the oven before but wasn’t successful – diff. method than yours. tnx. maude can’t wait.
It works every time for me. I honestly think part of it is buying the real bacon…good, thick cut bacon not the processed thin stuff. Let me know what you think!
It was terrific! I’m very surprised that it wasn’t rubbery. Thanks for the great tip!
You’re welcome!