How Long to Bake Bacon at 350 (Easy Recipe)

How long should you bake bacon at 350? Well, it may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the bacon.

But I know all the best tips and tricks! So, you get perfect, crispy, baked bacon- every time. 

As someone who loves bacon, nothing is worse than ending up with burnt or undercooked slices. 

So figuring out the optimal baking time is vital. 

Read on to discover my tried-and-true method for baking bacon to perfection!

Does Bacon Thickness Affect Oven Cooking Time? 

Yes, the thickness of bacon can affect the oven cooking time. 

Thicker slices of bacon will require a few more minutes in the oven. Thicker bacon has more density and requires more heat to crisp up.

And vice versa, thinner slices may need less time.  

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven at 350 

So, ready to learn how to cook bacon in the oven? Here’s the rundown.

Step 1: Prep the Bacon

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for optimal cooking. 

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to simplify cleanup. Then, line it with a layer of parchment to prevent sticking. 

Arrange the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 

It is okay if the edges slightly overlap or touch. This will prevent excessive curling during baking.

Step 2: Bake and Serve

Place the baking sheet with the bacon slices into the preheated oven. 

Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes. Thicker bacon may take 20-25 minutes. 

Adjust the cooking time depending on your desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking. 

Take the bacon out of the oven. Then, remove it from the baking sheet using tongs or a fork.

Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate so excess grease can drain.

Serve the bacon while it is warm and delicious! Obviously, bacon is great by itself. But you can also try it in one of these bacon recipes or appetizers.

Is It Better To Cook Bacon on Parchment Paper or Foil?

The choice between aluminum foil and parchment paper depends on various factors. Both have their pros and cons.

Aluminum foil prevents grease from creating a mess on the baking tray. 

However, food may adhere to it unless oiled or used with a wire rack. 

Foil is also not suitable for baking with acidic ingredients. The acid can cause aluminum to dissolve into the food. 

Parchment paper has a silicone coating. This makes it non-stick and eliminates the need for cooking spray or oil. 

It does not leach neurotoxins into the food. Plus, it can withstand baking temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Many think parchment paper is a better option because it is non-strick.  

But I prefer to use both (especially for bacon). Layer parchment paper over foil for the best of both worlds. 

Do You Need to Flip Bacon in the Oven? 

Nope! It is unnecessary to flip bacon when baking it in the oven. 

One advantage of baking bacon is that it cooks evenly on both sides. No need for flipping. 

The heat circulates around the bacon in the oven when it’s on a baking tray. This allows for even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

However, you can rotate the baking pan halfway through the cooking process. 

This simple step helps promote uniform cooking and prevents any potential oven hot spots. 

Remember to use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot pan.

And be cautious of any hot grease that may have accumulated in the pan.

How Do You Know When Bacon is Done? 

• Visual appearance- Cooked bacon should have a golden brown color. The edges may be somewhat darker and crispy. Look for a uniform color across the slices.
• Texture- Bacon should be crispy but still a little chewy. The bacon should feel firm and not soft or rubbery.
• Sound- As bacon cooks, you may hear a sizzling sound. Towards the end of cooking, the sizzling sound will diminish. This indicates that the bacon is nearing completion.
• Smell- Cooked bacon has a distinct, savory aroma. When you notice that delightful bacon smell permeating your kitchen, it’s almost ready!

What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Bacon?

• Use thin-cut bacon. Thin-cut bacon cooks faster and becomes crispier than thick-cut bacon. The reduced thickness allows for quicker fat rendering to achieve that crisp texture.
• Use a wire rack. Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the bacon.
  • This promotes even cooking and ensures crispiness on all sides. 
  • It also elevates the bacon, allowing excess grease to drip away.
• Drain excess grease. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess fat. Blot the bacon with another paper towel to remove any additional oil.
• Use water! Pour enough water into your tinfoil-lined baking sheet to cover the bottom of the pan. As the bacon cooks, its fat renders into the water.
  • When the water evaporates, the bacon crisps up in the left behind fat.

Should You Use a Wire Rack When Cooking Bacon?

When you place bacon directly on a baking sheet, it can sit in its grease. This leads to a less crispy texture. 

However, using a wire rack elevates the bacon slices, allowing the excess grease to drip. 

This prevents the bacon from becoming soggy. #crispybacon

The wire rack promotes better air circulation, ensuring heat reaches the bacon from all sides. This results in more even cooking and browning.

And it prevents the bacon from sticking to the baking sheet, making it easier to remove.

How to Prevent Grease Splatters? 

The oven is a fairly grease-splatter-free method of cooking bacon. At least any grease will stay inside your oven. 

But there are two things you can do to minimize splatter in the oven. 

1. Add water to your tin foil-lined baking sheet. Just enough to cover the bacon slices. (Do not use parchment if you do this.)
   1. The water helps render the fat gradually, reducing splatter. 
2. Cover your bacon with parchment paper. 
   1. Cover the pan with foil and a layer of parchment paper. Then, lay down your bacon. 
   2. Put another sheet of parchment over the top of the bacon. Fold the edges of the foil up and over the top sheet of parchment.

Tips for the Best Baked Bacon

• Preheat the oven. You want it to be hot when you put the bacon in.  
• Use a baking rack. This prevents the bacon from sitting in its own grease. And it allows the heat to circulate around the bacon, resulting in a crispy texture.
• Add seasonings and flavorings! Black pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, or other spices to add extra flavor. You can also brush it with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar.
  • My favorite is brown sugar and red pepper flakes.
• Drain excess grease. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate once it reaches your desired crispiness. Blot the bacon with another paper towel to remove any additional oil.
• Enjoy and get creative. Baked bacon is a versatile ingredient. You can enjoy it alone, as a side dish, or used in various recipes.
  • Crumble it over salads, sandwiches, or baked potatoes. Or use it as a topping for soups, quiches, or deviled eggs.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Bacon

Storing

Refrigerate bacon right away after cooking or opening a pack. 

• Place the bacon in an airtight container. Or wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. 

• Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth. 

An unopened package will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. 

An opened pack will last 1 week in the refrigerator. 

Cooked bacon will last 4 to 5 days. 

Check the expiration dates on the bacon packaging and use it within the recommended time frame.

Freezing

Do you have extra bacon or want to freeze it for later use?

• Wrap the leftover bacon in plastic wrap. You can wrap individual slices. But I find it easier to do it “in bulk.”
  • Lay 2-3 slices of bacon on parchment paper in a single layer.
  • Then fold the parchment over to cover them.
  • Add more slices of bacon.
  • Repeat with the rest of your bacon. Use more parchment paper as necessary.

• Then, place the wrapped bacon in a freezer-safe bag or container. 

Don’t forget to label the package with the date to keep track of its freshness. 

You can store frozen bacon for up to 4 months. Frozen, cooked bacon will last 1 month. 

Reheating

Before reheating frozen bacon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. 

This move ensures even heating and minimizes the risk of bacterial growth. 

With reheating, you can use a couple of methods. 

• Oven: Place the bacon on a baking sheet. Heat it at 350°Fahrenheit (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy. 

• Stovetop: You can reheat bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until it is warm. 

Be careful not to overcook the bacon during reheating, as it can become dry.