Baking bacon in the oven is a mess-free, splatter-free way to cook up delicious crispy bacon. But to get the best results, it’s important to know exactly how long to cook bacon at 425°F. Undercook it and you’ll end up with limp, floppy strips. Cook it too long and your bacon turns burnt and dry. Follow this complete guide to learn how long you need to bake bacon at 425°F to attain that irresistible texture.
Why Bake Bacon at 425 Degrees?
Baking bacon in a 425°F oven is a perfect temperature for getting bacon with a crispy exterior and tender, meaty interior. Here’s why 425°F is ideal:
- High enough to render fat and crisp up the bacon.
- Not so high that the bacon scorches or burns quickly before cooking through.
- Allows bacon to cook relatively quickly compared to lower temps.
- Gives you time to check doneness before overcooking.
You can bake bacon at temps ranging from 400°F to 450°F. Lower temps around 350°F work but increase cook time. Higher temps over 450°F speed things up but require close monitoring to avoid burning. For the best balanced results, 425°F is primo.
How to Bake Bacon at 425°F
Follow these simple steps for baking flawless bacon at 425°F every time
1. Prep the Baking Sheet
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Top with an oven-safe cooling rack, or bake directly on the sheet.
2. Arrange the Bacon
Lay bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping on the rack or sheet. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
3. Bake at 425°F
Place sheet in a COLD oven, then turn oven to 425°F and bake Starting in a cold oven helps render fat slowly
4. Check Often
Start checking bake time at 12 minutes. Bacon should be done in 15-18 minutes based on desired crispness.
5. Drain and Enjoy!
Remove from oven and transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Enjoy right away or let cool completely before storage.
How Long to Bake Bacon at 425°F
When baking at 425°F, bacon takes about 15-18 minutes to bake from start to finish. However, cook time can vary based on thickness of bacon and personal preference. Follow these tips:
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Check bacon around 12 minutes, then every couple minutes after. Better to undercook than burn.
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For chewier bacon, start checking closer to 15 minutes.
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Bake 18-20 minutes for crispy bacon with browned edges.
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Thicker cut bacon takes longer, up to 22-25 minutes.
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Cook less if baking pre-cooked bacon like turkey bacon.
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Adjust time based on your oven and preference.
The key is keeping an eye on it and frequently checking doneness after the 12 minute mark. Exact bake time will depend on the variables above. Underbaked bacon can always be returned to the oven for a few more minutes.
Bacon Bake Time FAQs
What if I want soft or chewy bacon? For less crispy bacon, start checking internal temp after 12-13 minutes. Pull it out at the 15 minute mark.
Can I bake bacon from frozen? Thaw frozen bacon in the fridge overnight before baking. Frozen bacon may cook unevenly.
What if 425°F is burning my bacon? Try reducing temp to 400°F if bacon browns too quick. Check often and cook 5-10 minutes longer.
Should I flip the bacon while baking? Flipping isn’t necessary. The hot air circulates and cooks both sides evenly.
How do I prevent bacon grease splatter? Lightly tent foil over the pan, but don’t seal fully which would trap steam.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Baked Bacon
Allow baked bacon to cool completely before storage. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, cook in a skillet, microwave in 10 second bursts, or bake in a 400°F oven for 2-3 minutes.
Storing uncooked bacon in the freezer is another great option. It keeps 6 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight before baking.
More Easy Oven-Baked Bacon Recipes
Once you’ve mastered how long to cook bacon at 425°F, try out these tasty baked bacon recipes:
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Brown Sugar Bacon – Brush strips with brown sugar syrup before baking.
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Peppered Bacon – Coat raw bacon with freshly cracked black pepper.
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Maple Bacon – Brush raw bacon with real maple syrup before baking.
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Garlic Bacon – Sprinkle minced garlic over bacon before baking.
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Candied Bacon – Brush cooked bacon with brown sugar glaze and broil 30 secs.
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Spiced Bacon – Season raw bacon with chili powder, cumin, paprika, etc.
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Bacon Wrapped Foods – Wrap baked bacon around items like scallops, shrimp, and chicken.
The possibilities are endless for jazzing up basic baked bacon thanks to its high fat content that absorbs other flavors beautifully.
Crispy, Evenly-Cooked Bacon Every Time
Knowing exactly how long to bake bacon at 425°F delivers perfect results every time. Now that you have the simple baking method down, you can say goodbye to greasy bacon splatters and inconsistent results from skillet frying. Surprise everyone at brunch by serving up a platter of your awesome oven-baked bacon. Enjoy!