Cooking bacon in the oven with parchment paper or foil is a simple and convenient method that allows you to cook a large batch of bacon evenly and with less mess. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients and materials you'll need:
- Bacon strips
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Baking sheet or baking pan
- Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is suitable for cooking bacon without it becoming overly crispy or too greasy.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet or baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. The paper or foil will help to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the parchment paper or foil, making sure they don't overlap. If you have more bacon than can fit in one batch, you can use multiple baking sheets or cook in batches.
Bake the Bacon: Place the prepared baking sheet with the bacon in the preheated oven. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispness. Typically, it takes about 15-20 minutes. Check on the bacon after 10-12 minutes to monitor its progress.
Drain the Bacon: While the bacon is cooking, you may notice that it releases some grease. Halfway through the cooking time, you can use tongs to flip the bacon strips to ensure even cooking. If you prefer less greasy bacon, you can place a layer of paper towels on a plate to drain the cooked bacon once it's done.
Check for Doneness: The bacon is done when it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep in mind that it will continue to crisp slightly as it cools. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the cooked bacon to the paper towel-lined plate if using to absorb any excess grease.
Let it Cool: Allow the bacon to cool for a few minutes before serving. Be careful when handling it, as it will be hot.
Dispose of the Grease: Once the bacon grease has cooled and solidified, you can fold the parchment paper or foil with the grease inside and dispose of it in the trash.
Cooking bacon in the oven with parchment paper or foil is a convenient method that produces crispy and evenly cooked bacon, and it also minimizes the cleanup process. Enjoy your delicious homemade bacon!