Say goodbye to the greasy stovetop splatter mess and hello to hassle-free oven-baked bacon. It is a convenient and hands-off method that results in crispy, evenly cooked bacon.
Baking the Bacon in the Oven
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and add a oven safe cooling rack. Adding the foil will help with clean-up after the bacon is cooked.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer – touching but not overlapping.
- Place the bacon-filled sheet in a cold oven.
- Then start preheating the oven to 400°F. Slowly heating the bacon renders the fat and result in crispy bacon.
- Once the oven reaches temp, bake the bacon for about 10-20 minutes, depending on preferred doneness. Cook on the shorter side for less crispy and longer for more crispy bacon.
- Remove from oven and transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate or bowl and enjoy!.
- You can either toss the grease or save it for later use.
- If you opt to toss the grease, leave it in the foil to cool and toss in the garbage.
- If you want to save the liquid gold, strain it (while still warm) using a paper towel, or coffee filter.
How long does cooked bacon last?
If properly stored, cooked bacon will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. You can also store in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
Using Bacon Grease for Later Use
Using bacon grease (aka liquid gold) is a great way to get extra mileage out of your purchase. It is a flavor bomb that will richness to your dish. You can use it in a myriad of different dishes and, in some cases, use as a substitute for oil in baking. Here are some ways to use it:
- Sautéing: Swap out butter or oil for bacon grease when sautéing onions, garlic, or other aromatics. The flavor boost is remarkable.
- Roasting: Brush bacon grease on vegetables before roasting. It adds depth and helps achieve crispy edges.
- Baking: Use it in biscuits, cornbread, or pie crusts. The savory notes take your baked goods to the next level.
- Flavoring Soups and Stews: A spoonful of bacon grease can transform a simple soup into a soul-warming delight.
- Seasoning Cast Iron: Rub it on your cast iron skillet to maintain its seasoned surface.
