The ideal oven temperature to cook bacon is generally around 400°F (204°C). At this temperature, bacon typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes to cook, depending on thickness and desired crispiness
. Here are some key points for cooking bacon in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 10 to 20 minutes, checking after 10-12 minutes to avoid burning, as ovens vary.
- Thinner bacon cooks faster (around 10-12 minutes), while thick-cut bacon may take up to 20 minutes or slightly longer
- For extra crispiness, some use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow fat to drain away
- If you start with a cold oven and set it to 375°F, the fat renders more slowly, which can also yield crispy bacon but takes about 15-20 minutes
In summary, 400°F is the most recommended temperature for oven-baked bacon for a balance of crispiness and cooking speed, with cooking times adjusted based on bacon thickness and personal preference
