The Recipe · No.839 · How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven, and Where to Source It

Skip the spitting pan — lay the strips on a lined sheet and start them in a cold oven. Coming up to temperature slowly renders the fat evenly, so the bacon cooks flat and crisp instead of curling and burning in spots.

Ad-free · ingredients first · no 2,000-word story.

Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep2 min
Cook18 min
Makes1 lb
CuisineBasics
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge Level Easy
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
Suits
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Straight Answers
Can you make How to Cook Bacon in the Oven in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze How to Cook Bacon in the Oven? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make How to Cook Bacon in the Oven ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is How to Cook Bacon in the Oven gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is How to Cook Bacon in the Oven vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 lb
Bacon
A thick-cut dry-cured bacon crisps best and shrinks less. A real smokehouse bacon is worth it.
1 lb
Source it →
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.
Part Two
The Method
  1. Line the panLay the strips on a foil- or parchment-lined sheet pan, not touching.
  2. Cold startPut the pan in a cold oven, then set it to 400F.
  3. BakeBake 15–20 minutes until it's as crisp as you like — thicker cuts take longer.
  4. DrainLift onto paper towels; save the rendered fat in a jar for cooking.
Part Three
The Toolkit

Sheet pan · Foil · Tongs

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