crispy cooked bacon

Equipment

• Large rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
• Oven-safe wire cooling rack (optional, for maximum air circulation)
• Tongs
• Paper towels & a large plate (for draining excess fat)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Thick-Cut or Regular Bacon (Note: Center-cut or hardwood smoked bacon works best for even fat-to-meat distribution).
• Optional Seasonings: Freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or 1 tablespoon of maple syrup/brown sugar substitute for a sweet and savory glaze.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet

1. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Ensure the foil extends up the edges of the pan to catch all rendered bacon grease.
2. Optional Crispiness Boost: Place an oven-safe wire cooling rack directly inside the lined baking sheet. Elevating the bacon allows hot air to circulate underneath while allowing fat to drip away.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon

1. Lay the bacon strips side-by-side in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
2. Arrange the slices so they do not overlap; slight touching is fine as the bacon will shrink slightly as it cooks.

Step 3: Bake in a Cold Oven (The Cold-Start Secret)

1. Place the baking sheet with the bacon on the center rack of a COLD oven.
2. Turn the oven on to 200°C (400°F). Starting with a cold oven allows the bacon fat to render slowly as the oven heats up, resulting in flatter, crispier strips without shrinking or curling aggressively.

Step 4: Monitor and Render

1. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes . Standard Cut: Check at 14–16 minutes.
2. Thick-Cut: Check at 18–22 minutes.
3. Watch for visual cues: the fat should be rendered clear, and the bacon should take on a deep golden-brown color with active micro-bubbling along the edges.

Step 5: Drain and Rest

1. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts.
2. Use tongs to transfer the hot bacon strips immediately onto a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Allow the bacon to rest for 2 to 3 minutes; it will crisp up even further as it cools.

Nutrition

Calories: 160 kcal — · Protein: 11 g 22% · Fat: 12 g 15% · Carbohydrates: 0.5 g 0% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 4 g 20% · Fiber: 0 g 0% · Sugar: 0 g — · Sodium: 480 mg 21%