The Best Bacon You'll Ever Make (And Every Method to Avoid)
The Best Bacon You'll Ever Make (And Every Method to Avoid) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 84 calories per serving. Recipe by Epicurious on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 27 min
Cost: $8.00 total, $2.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Thick‑Cut Bacon (preferably unsmoked, sliced about 1/8‑inch thick)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F and let it preheat fully.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Line Baking Sheet
Place a sheet of parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet.
Time: PT2M
Arrange Bacon
Lay the bacon slices side‑by‑side on the parchment, leaving a small gap between each slice.
Time: PT2M
Bake Bacon
Place the sheet in the middle rack and bake for 15 minutes, checking at the 10‑minute mark for desired color.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Drain and Rest
Using tongs, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve immediately while hot, or let cool and store per the storage guidelines.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 84
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Not vegetarian, Gluten‑free
Allergens: None (contains pork)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Thick‑Cut Bacon: Turkey Bacon, Pork Belly strips
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
- Cast Iron Skillet (optional)
- Microwave‑Safe Plate (optional)
- Bacon Rack (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat Oven to 350°F
- Arrange bacon without overlapping
- Bake for 15 minutes (adjust for desired crispness)
- Drain on paper towels
Chef Tips from the Video
- Save the rendered bacon fat in a glass jar; it’s perfect for sautéing vegetables or adding flavor to soups.
- If you like extra‑crisp bacon, place a wire rack on the parchment so the fat drips away, but expect slightly drier texture.
Troubleshooting
Bacon is soggy after baking
Increase bake time by 2‑3 minutes or switch to the top rack for extra heat.
Bacon burns at the edges but is still soft in the middle
Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time and ensure slices are not overlapping.
Too much shrinkage, slices become very short
Choose thick‑cut bacon and lay slices flat; avoid pulling the bacon from the package before cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat in oven.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook a full batch, cool, and store in the fridge; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes for crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bacon in American cuisine?
Bacon has become an iconic American breakfast staple, tracing its roots to colonial pork curing traditions. Over time, it evolved from a preservation method into a celebrated flavor enhancer, featured in everything from classic diners to modern gourmet dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of bacon in the United States?
In the U.S., New England often favors smoked back bacon, the South prefers heavily seasoned, thick‑cut pork belly, while the Midwest commonly uses apple‑wood smoked bacon. Each region reflects local curing and smoking practices.
How is crispy oven‑baked bacon traditionally served in American breakfasts?
It is typically served alongside eggs, toast, pancakes, or incorporated into breakfast sandwiches. The crisp edges provide texture contrast to softer breakfast components.
During which American holidays or celebrations is bacon especially popular?
Bacon is a star at Fourth of July barbecues, Thanksgiving brunches, and New Year’s Eve parties, often used in appetizers, salads, and decadent desserts like bacon‑infused chocolate.
What other American dishes pair well with crispy oven‑baked bacon?
Pair it with eggs benedict, avocado toast, baked beans, or crumble it over a Cobb salad for added smoky crunch.
What makes this oven‑baked bacon method special compared to pan‑frying?
Baking allows you to cook a larger quantity evenly without constant attention, reduces splatter, and lets the bacon cook in its own rendered fat for consistent texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making oven‑baked bacon?
Common errors include overlapping slices, using wax paper, and not preheating the oven. Overlapping causes uneven cooking, while wax paper imparts a waxy taste.
How do I know when the bacon is done cooking in the oven?
Look for a deep golden‑brown color with crisp edges and a slightly chewy center. If you prefer extra crispness, the bacon will appear darker and feel firm to the touch.
Can I make this bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, cool the cooked bacon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to restore crispness.
What does the YouTube channel Epicurious specialize in?
The YouTube channel Epicurious specializes in clear, test‑kitchen style cooking tutorials, covering a wide range of cuisines, techniques, and food science explanations for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Epicurious' approach to American breakfast dishes differ from other cooking channels?
Epicurious emphasizes precise temperature control, scientific reasoning behind each step, and offers multiple method variations (pan‑fry, oven, microwave) so viewers can choose the technique that fits their kitchen setup.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
