Baking bacon in the oven is one of the easiest, mess-free ways to cook up delicious crispy bacon. But what type of pan should you use? Can you bake bacon in a glass pan?
The short answer is yes absolutely! Glass baking pans are a popular option for baking bacon in the oven. In fact after extensive testing, I found that glass pans are one of the best choices for oven-baked bacon.
In this article, I’ll explain why baking bacon in a glass pan works so well, along with tips on how to use a glass pan successfully for perfect crispy oven-cooked bacon every time. Let’s dive in!
Why Bake Bacon in a Glass Pan?
There are a few key reasons why glass baking pans are ideal for baking bacon in the oven
Even Heating
Glass pans heat evenly in the oven, which helps the bacon cook through consistently. No cold or hot spots. This results in crisp, evenly-cooked bacon strips without any under or overdone bits.
Easy to Monitor Doneness
The clear glass pan lets you easily peek in and check on the bacon’s progress as it cooks. You can keep an eye on it to avoid under or over-browning.
Contains Grease
Glass baking pans have higher sides that prevent grease splatters. The bacon grease stays neatly contained in the pan instead of making a mess in your oven.
Quick Cleanup
Glass pans clean up super quick and easy after baking bacon. Unlike metal pans, bacon doesn’t tend to stick to glass, so all you need to do is wipe out the grease.
Oven-Safe
Glass baking dishes are safe to use in the oven at high heat without worry. Pyrex and other glass pans can withstand temperatures up to 500°F.
Affordable
Quality glass baking pans are inexpensive to purchase compared to other oven-safe bakeware. A basic 9 x 13 inch glass pan will only set you back $10-15.
How to Bake Bacon in a Glass Pan
Baking crispy bacon in a glass baking pan is simple. Just follow these easy steps:
- Choose an appropriately sized glass baking pan. For bacon, a 9 x 13 inch or 8 x 8 inch pan is ideal. Allow about 2-3 strips of bacon per person.
- Line the pan with foil or parchment paper (optional). This prevents sticking and makes cleanup even easier.
- Arrange raw bacon strips in a single layer on the pan. Make sure strips aren’t overlapping.
- Place the cold pan with bacon in a COLD oven. Do not preheat the oven first.
- Set oven temperature to 400°F and bake for 18-24 minutes. The bacon will slowly cook as the oven heats up.
- Remove from oven when bacon is browned and crispy to your liking. Check it halfway through cooking time.
- Transfer bacon with tongs or a fork to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Pour out grease carefully and wipe out pan. Allow pan to cool before washing.
And that’s it! Perfectly crispy oven-baked bacon with minimal mess using a simple glass baking pan.
Tips for Baking Bacon in a Glass Pan
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking bacon in a glass baking dish:
- Use a high-quality glass baking pan for even heating. Pyrex is a top choice.
- Choose a pan with at least 1-inch sides to contain grease spatter.
- Avoid overcrowding – make sure bacon strips have space between them.
- For less sticking, line pan with foil or parchment.
- Rotate pan halfway through baking for consistent cooking.
- Cook thicker-cut bacon 2-4 minutes longer than regular sliced bacon.
- Let bacon rest 1-2 minutes on paper towels before serving.
- Adjust cook time based on your oven temperature accuracy.
- For easy cleanup, wipe out grease while pan is still warm, not hot.
FAQs About Baking Bacon in Glass Pans
What size glass pan is best for baking bacon?
An 8 x 8 inch or 9 x 13 inch glass baking pan is ideal for baking bacon. These provide enough space to lay out full bacon strips without crowding.
Should I cover the glass pan when baking bacon?
There’s no need to cover the pan when baking bacon. Leaving it uncovered allows the grease to evaporate and the bacon gets perfectly crispy.
Is it okay to bake bacon on a glass baking sheet?
Yes, a rimless glass baking sheet will also work well. Simply line it with foil to catch grease. The bacon may cook a bit quicker than in a deeper pan.
Can I use a glass casserole dish to bake bacon?
Absolutely! An oven-safe glass casserole dish makes a perfect vessel for baking bacon. Just be sure to use one with at least 1-inch high sides.
What about metal vs. glass pans for baking bacon?
While metal pans can work, glass baking pans are preferable. Glass provides better heat distribution for consistent cooking. Metal may cause more sticking issues as well.
More Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Bacon Every Time
Beyond choosing a glass baking pan, follow these extra tips for the best oven-baked bacon results:
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Start with high-quality, thick-cut bacon. It generally crisps up better than thin slices.
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Bake at 400°F for the ideal crispy texture without burning.
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Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
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Cook times range from 18-24 minutes based on thickness. Track timing to get it just right!
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Let bacon strips rest 1-2 minutes after baking to finish crisping as the residual heat sets in.
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Save that bacon grease! Strain and store it for cooking later on.
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For less mess, bake bacon on a sheet pan lined with foil.
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Preheat oven only after loading in the cold pan to prevent sticking.
So there you have it! With the right glass baking pan and these handy tips, you can enjoy picture-perfect oven-baked bacon with ease. No more burnt, uneven, or undercooked bacon. Just delicious crispy bacon baked right in your own oven. Give it a try!