Bacon Recipe
Make Bacon Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Main
Optional finishing
Tools
Method
Preparation
Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet if you prefer crisper bacon and less grease — the rack allows fat to drip away. If you don't have a rack, you can cook directly on the foil-lined sheet.
Arrange bacon
Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the wire rack or baking sheet without overlapping. Leave a little space between slices so heat circulates and they crisp evenly.
Cooking
Bake
Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack. Bake for 12–20 minutes depending on thickness and desired crispness: about 12–14 minutes for thinner bacon, 16–20 minutes for thick-cut. Start checking at the lower end of the time range. Rotate the pan once halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
Optional glaze or seasoning (during baking)
If using brown sugar, sprinkle it evenly over the bacon about 6–8 minutes before the end of cooking so it melts and caramelizes without burning. For maple syrup, brush lightly in the last 3–4 minutes of baking. For black pepper, sprinkle during the last minute of baking so it flavors the bacon without burning.
Finishing
Drain and rest
When bacon reaches desired color and crispness, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use tongs to transfer slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat. Let rest 1–2 minutes; bacon will crisp slightly as it cools.
Serve
Serve warm as a side, in sandwiches, salads, or crumble over dishes. Discard or reserve bacon fat: let it cool slightly, then pour into a heatproof container and refrigerate for later use (great for cooking eggs or vegetables).