Kitchen Tips & How-Tos

The Easiest Way to Cook Bacon (No Splatter, Perfectly Flat)

Oven-baked bacon

I used to stand over a spitting skillet every Sunday, dodging grease. My son showed me how he cooks bacon, and I haven’t fried it on the stove since.

Oven-baked bacon

How to Do It

  1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment. The rim keeps the grease in.
  2. Lay the bacon in a single layer. The strips can touch, but don’t overlap them.
  3. Bake at 400°F until it’s as crispy as you like, usually about 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness.
  4. Drain on paper towels.

Why It’s Better

  • No splatter on the stove or your arms.
  • Every strip cooks evenly and stays flat.
  • You can cook a whole package at once.
  • Your hands are free to make the eggs.

Bacon on a sheet pan

Tips

  • Thick-cut bacon takes a few minutes longer.
  • For extra-crispy bacon, set a wire rack on the baking sheet so the fat drips away.
  • Save the grease in a jar for frying potatoes or greens, or let it cool and throw it out. Never pour it down the drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to flip it?

No. It cooks evenly without flipping.

Can I add brown sugar?

Yes. Sprinkle it on for candied bacon, and watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Set the timer and walk away. That’s the beauty of it.

Try It Tonight

AboutReda

Reda grew up cooking beside his mom and sister and later worked in the family's donut shop. He runs It's Not About Nutrition, where slow cooker dinners and casseroles are his home ground.