There’s something so comforting about the smell of bacon wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s a quick weekend breakfast or a special addition to a homemade brunch, bacon is that one ingredient that almost everyone loves. But if you’ve ever battled with bacon grease splattering on the stovetop or bacon strips cooking unevenly, I’ve got a game-changer for you—cooking bacon in a cold oven.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Overwhelmed Momma!
Yes, you read that right! Starting your bacon in a cold oven can lead to perfectly crispy, evenly cooked slices every single time. This approach is easier, hands-off, and way less messy than the stovetop. Let’s dive into why the cold oven method is my go-to technique, how to do it, and some personal tips to make your bacon absolutely perfect.
This post is all about cooking bacon in a cold oven.
Why a Cold Oven?
The cold oven method might sound strange if you’re used to waiting for the oven to preheat. However, when it comes to bacon, putting it in a cold oven can actually be beneficial. This technique allows the fat in the bacon to render slowly as the oven heats up, resulting in even, crispy strips that cook perfectly from edge to edge. With less shrinkage and more evenly rendered fat, you’ll notice that every slice has that delightful crispy-meets-chewy texture without burning on the edges.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Bacon in a Cold Oven
Here’s how to set yourself up for bacon success in the oven:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet with Foil
When cooking bacon in a cold oven, I recommend lining a baking sheet with foil. The foil helps contain the bacon grease, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can use the bacon grease later for cooking or discard it without the mess. Just fold up the foil with the grease inside, and toss it!
2. Arrange the Bacon Strips
Lay the bacon strips out on the foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overlap them; keeping each slice separate ensures even cooking. If you need to make a large batch, use two sheets and rotate them halfway through cooking.
3. Place the Bacon in the Cold Oven
Set the baking sheet on a middle rack in your cold oven. Then, set the oven temperature to 425°F—my preferred temp for the best bacon! Cooking bacon in an oven at 425°F allows it to cook at a high enough heat to get crispy without burning.
4. Cooking Time: How Long to Cook Bacon in a Cold Oven
Once the oven reaches 425°F, your bacon will typically need about 15–20 minutes. However, the exact time can vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and your oven. Keep an eye on it around the 15-minute mark, as it can go from perfectly crispy to overdone in just a minute or two. For regular thickness, 20 minutes is usually ideal, while thick-cut bacon may take closer to 25 minutes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Bacon
Now that you know the basics, here are a few extra tips to make your bacon even better:
- Use Foil or Parchment for Easy Cleanup: While I love using foil for this method, you can also use parchment paper. Just keep in mind that parchment won’t contain the grease as well as foil, so you might need to pour it off before cleanup.
- For Extra Crispy Bacon: If you like your bacon very crispy, you can place a metal rack over the foil-lined baking sheet and lay the bacon on the rack. This allows air to circulate around each strip and results in extra-crispy bacon. It also keeps the bacon from sitting in its own grease, which some people prefer.
- Rotate for Even Cooking: If you’re making a large batch or using multiple sheets, rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. This is particularly helpful if your oven has hot spots.
- Let it Rest for a Moment: After removing the bacon from the oven, let it sit on the baking sheet for a minute. The bacon will crisp up a little more as it cools, making it even more delicious!
Why I Love Using the Cold Oven Method for Bacon
I’ve tried cooking bacon every which way: in the skillet, in the microwave, and even on the grill. But the cold oven method truly takes the cake. Here’s why:
- Hands-Off Cooking: As a busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to make cooking easier without sacrificing quality. With the cold oven method, I can pop the bacon in the oven and walk away, knowing it will turn out perfectly without constant monitoring.
- Less Mess: No more splatters all over the stovetop! By cooking bacon in the oven, you keep all that grease contained, and the foil-lined sheet makes cleanup simple.
- Perfectly Even Bacon: Unlike the stovetop method, where bacon can cook unevenly, the cold oven approach allows for a consistent texture throughout. Every slice is as tasty as the next.
FAQs About Cooking Bacon in the Oven
1. Do I need to flip the bacon?
Nope! One of the beauties of cooking bacon in a cold oven is that there’s no flipping required. The even heat circulation ensures both sides cook evenly without any extra work.
2. Can I cook bacon at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can cook bacon at lower temperatures, like 375°F, if you prefer. However, I’ve found that 425°F strikes the right balance for crispy bacon without overcooking.
3. What about thicker cuts?
Thicker bacon strips work great in a cold oven, too. Just keep an eye on them and add a few extra minutes if needed. Usually, about 25 minutes at 425°F does the trick.
4. Is it safe to save bacon grease?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of from-scratch cooking, bacon grease can add amazing flavor to many dishes. Just pour the cooled grease into a glass jar, and store it in the fridge for up to a month. Use it for frying eggs, adding flavor to sheet pan meals, or even in homemade biscuits.
Bacon Variations and Pairings
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these delicious variations for your next batch of oven-baked bacon:
- Pepper Bacon: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the bacon before baking for a peppery twist.
- Maple-Glazed Bacon: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup on each strip just before baking. The syrup caramelizes in the oven, creating a sweet, savory treat.
- Brown Sugar Bacon: For a slightly candied flavor, sprinkle a touch of brown sugar over the bacon before putting it in the oven.
And of course, no bacon is complete without a side dish! Serve your oven-baked bacon with fluffy scrambled eggs, homemade biscuits, or a big stack of pancakes for a perfect, family-friendly meal.
Wrapping It Up: Why You Should Try Bacon in a Cold Oven
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, the cold oven method makes cooking bacon easier, cleaner, and more consistent. Using a foil-lined sheet, setting the oven to 425°F, and baking for 15-20 minutes is my tried-and-true method for perfect bacon. Once you try it, I think you’ll be hooked on how simple and stress-free it makes breakfast—or any meal that needs a bacon boost.
Give this method a try, and let me know how it works for you. I’d love to hear any twists or tips you find helpful in making your own oven-baked bacon even better. Enjoy every crispy, delicious bite!
This post was all about cooking bacon in a cold oven.
Leave a Reply