Introduction: Cooking bacon in the oven
Bacon is a popular breakfast food that is loved by many. However, cooking bacon on the stovetop can be messy and time-consuming. Fortunately, there is a simple and easy way to cook bacon that doesn’t require much effort. In this article, we will discuss the steps to cook bacon in the oven according to Rachael Ray.
Preheat the oven to 400°F
The first step to cooking bacon in the oven is to preheat the oven to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking bacon as it allows the bacon to cook evenly and become crispy. Preheating the oven is essential as it ensures that the bacon is cooked properly and doesn’t burn.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan and make cleaning up easier. Parchment paper is preferred over aluminum foil as it doesn’t stick to the bacon and won’t tear when the bacon is removed from the pan.
Arrange bacon on the baking sheet
Arrange the bacon on the baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between the slices so that they don’t overlap. Overlapping bacon slices will result in uneven cooking and will prevent the bacon from becoming crispy.
Bake bacon for 15-20 minutes
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you like it. Thicker bacon will take longer to cook and become crispy.
Check bacon for desired crispness
After 15 minutes, check the bacon for desired crispness. If you like your bacon extra crispy, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes. However, be careful not to overcook the bacon as it will become dry and burnt.
Remove bacon from oven
Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove it from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help soak up any excess grease and make the bacon less greasy.
Transfer bacon to paper towels
Once the bacon is on the paper towels, gently pat it down to remove any excess grease. This will make the bacon less greasy and more crispy. Be careful not to press too hard as this can cause the bacon to break apart.
Let bacon cool for a few minutes
Let the bacon cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent anyone from burning their mouth on hot bacon. Once the bacon has cooled, serve and enjoy crispy bacon.
Tips for cooking bacon in the oven
- Use thick-cut bacon for best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet as this will prevent the bacon from becoming crispy.
- Don’t forget to preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking to prevent it from overcooking.
Conclusion: An easy way to cook bacon
Cooking bacon in the oven is an easy and hassle-free way to cook this breakfast favorite. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve crispy and delicious bacon without the mess and hassle of cooking it on the stovetop. So next time you’re in the mood for bacon, give this method a try and enjoy the benefits of oven-cooked bacon.
