Perfectly Cooked Bacon Chops in the Oven Every Time

Bacon chops, also known as bacon steaks are basically thick slices of pork belly that include both lean meat and fat. They look similar to pork chops but with that distinct fatty bacon edge.

Cooking these meaty bacon slabs requires some special considerations compared to typical bacon slices. Using the oven is hands down the best way to prepare tasty, tender bacon chops from start to finish

This article will explain everything you need to know to cook bacon chops properly in the oven. I’ll share tips on choosing the right chops, prep, seasonings, temperature, doneness and more. Let’s get cooking!

Benefits of Oven Cooking Bacon Chops

There are a few key advantages to using the oven rather than the stovetop:

• Cooks evenly – No need to flip and risk underdone spots. Hot air surrounds entirely.

• Easy to batch cook – Make many chops at once by using multiple pans.

• Less splatter – Contained in the oven instead of popping grease on the stove.

• Can multitask – Put chops in oven while prepping other meal components.

• Better flavor – Longer cooking infuses more taste compared to quick stovetop sear.

The oven is definitely the way to go for cooking many chops without babysitting each one. The consistency also helps avoid under or overcooking.

Choosing Bacon Chops

Look for the following when selecting bacon chops at the market:

• Thickness – Optimal is 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch thick. Avoid super thin chops.

• Marbling – Nice marbling between fat and lean portions results in best texture.

• Smoked or unsmoked – Personal preference, but smoked has more flavor.

• Size – Average is 4-6 ounces each. Larger may need longer cook time.

Thick, quality chops with ample fat marbling yield the tastiest results. Now let’s get these chops prepped for the oven.

Preparing the Chops

Proper prep is easy but important:

• Pat dry – Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the surface.

• Trim – Cut off any awkward overhangs or long skinny pieces.

• Score fat – Cut slits across the fatty outer layer which helps render fat.

• Season – Coat both sides with preferred spices and aromatics.

Make sure to pat the chops very dry before scoring the fat. Wet chops cause steam which hinders browning.

Oven Bacon Chop Seasonings

Bacon chops pair well with sweet and savory spices. Consider these options:

• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Mustard
• Pepper
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Make a simple brown sugar and pepper rub or get creative with ingredient combinations. Brush with maple syrup or smear mustard on top. The choices are endless.

What Oven Temperature is Best?

The optimal oven range for cooking bacon chops is 350-425 ̊F. Lower temperatures work but will increase cook time. Higher risks burning the outside before the interior cooks through.

Some guidelines based on thickness:

• 1/2 inch chops – 400 ̊F
• 3/4 inch chops – 375 ̊F
• 1 inch or thicker – 350 ̊F

Monitor doneness instead of just relying on time. Thinner chops cook faster. Adjust temperature if needed.

How to Cook Bacon Chops – Step by Step

Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat oven to desired temperature based on chop thickness.

2. Pat chops dry thoroughly with paper towels.

3. Trim off any loose pieces or uneven edges.

4. Score fat layer with sharp knife by cutting slits across.

5. Season chops on both sides with dry rub or wet glaze.

6. Arrange chops evenly spaced on a foil lined baking sheet.

7. Cook until deeply browned and internal temperature reaches 145 ̊F.

8. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

And that’s all there is to it! The oven does most of the work.

Doneness Tips

• Use meat thermometer to test doneness. Remove at 145 ̊F.

• Check early and often to avoid overcooking.

• Meat should be firm with crispy, rendered outer fat layer.

• Juices run clear at 145 ̊F when poked. Clear juice = done.

• If unsure, cut to check the interior color. Tan/pink = perfect.

Proper doneness results in juicy, tender chops with crispy bite.

Common Bacon Chop Mistakes

It’s easy to mess up chops if you aren’t careful. Avoid these errors:

• Not patting dry before seasoning leads to less browning.

• Forgetting to score fat means it won’t render correctly.

• Cooking too high temperature burns exterior before interior cooks.

• Grilling or broiling instead of baking gives poor texture.

• Poor quality chops with little fat turn out too dry.

• Undercooking risks bacteria and chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon chops pair nicely with:

• Eggs – Fried, scrambled or poached.

• Breakfast potatoes – Hash browns, tater tots or home fries.

• Toast – Sourdough, rye or english muffins.

• Fresh fruit – Orange slices, berries or melon.

• Beans – Baked beans, black beans or cannellini beans.

• Vegetables – Roasted brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus or sautéed spinach.

• Sauces – Barbecue sauce, hot sauce, maple syrup, fruit jam.

Mix and match! Savory, sweet, simple or complex.

Leftover Storage

Properly stored, leftover oven-cooked bacon chops keep for 4-5 days in the fridge.

• Allow to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Eliminate air exposure.

• Place in airtight container or resealable bag.

• Freeze for longer term storage up to 2-3 months.

Reheat leftovers in a skillet until warmed through before serving again.

More Delicious Bacon Recipes

If you love bacon, try these other tasty ways to enjoy it:

• BLT sandwich with avocado

• Bacon cheeseburger with special sauce

• Bacon wrapped chicken breast

• Brussels sprouts and bacon salad

• Twice baked potato with bacon

• Bacon mac and cheese with ritz topping

• Bacon jalapeno poppers

• Candied bacon strips

With the right techniques, you can make restaurant-quality bacon chops at home. Forget about babysitting a frying pan. Let the oven do the hard work while you sip coffee and relax.