Kevin Gillespie shows you how to cook bacon the Wright Way
Kevin Gillespie shows you how to cook bacon the Wright Way™ is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 42 calories per serving. Recipe by Wright Brand on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $6.35 total, $1.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bacon (thick‑cut strips, preferably smoked)
- 1 sheet Parchment Paper (to line the cookie sheet for easy cleanup (optional))
- 2 sheets Paper Towels (for draining excess fat after baking)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Baking Sheet
Line the cookie sheet with a sheet of parchment paper for easier cleanup, or place the sheet directly if you prefer the bacon fat to collect.
Time: PT2M
Arrange Bacon
Lay the bacon strips on the sheet, side by side, making sure they do not overlap or touch each other.
Time: PT3M
Bake Bacon
Place the sheet in the middle rack and bake for 20 minutes, checking for desired crispness starting at the 12‑minute mark.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Drain and Serve
Using tongs, transfer the hot bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 42
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 0g
- Fat
- 3g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Low‑Carb
Allergens: Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Pancetta
- Instead of Parchment Paper: Aluminum foil
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Cookie Sheet (Baking Sheet)
- Tongs
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not let bacon strips touch each other on the sheet.
- Check the bacon at 12 minutes to avoid over‑cooking.
- Use tongs to handle hot bacon safely.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper or brown sugar on the strips before baking.
- Using a wire rack on the cookie sheet lets the fat drip away, yielding even crispier bacon.
Troubleshooting
Bacon is soggy, not crisp.
Increase baking time by 2‑3 minutes and ensure strips are not touching. Using a rack on the sheet can also help fat drip away.
Bacon burns around the edges.
Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and check at 10 minutes. Rotate the sheet halfway through cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooled bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bag; keep for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; discard if left out >2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake a full batch ahead of time, cool, and store in the fridge; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Crispier leftovers can be finished under the broiler for 1‑2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bacon in American breakfast cuisine?
Bacon has been a staple of the American breakfast since the early 20th century, symbolizing hearty, protein‑rich mornings. Its popularity grew with the rise of diners and fast‑food chains, making it an iconic side that pairs with eggs, pancakes, and toast.
What regional variations of bacon exist within the United States?
In the South, apple‑cured bacon and peppered varieties are common, while New England favors smoked bacon. The West Coast often features thick‑cut, artisanal bacon with unique rubs like maple or coffee.
How is crispy oven‑baked bacon traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot alongside eggs, toast, or biscuits, and also crumbled over salads, baked potatoes, or used in sandwiches and burgers for added crunch and smoky flavor.
During which American celebrations is bacon especially popular?
Bacon is a favorite at Fourth of July barbecues, Thanksgiving brunches, and Super Bowl parties, where its savory crunch complements a wide range of appetizers and main dishes.
What makes oven‑baked bacon special compared to pan‑fried bacon in American cooking?
Oven‑baked bacon cooks evenly on a flat surface, eliminates splattering, and allows you to cook large batches at once, delivering consistent crispness without the need for constant flipping.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional American bacon, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional American bacon is made from pork belly that is cured with salt, sugar, and often smoked. Acceptable substitutes include turkey bacon for a leaner option or pancetta for an Italian twist, though flavor and texture will differ.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy oven‑baked bacon?
Common errors include overlapping strips, not preheating the oven, and baking for too long, which leads to burnt edges. Always space the strips, start checking at 12 minutes, and use tongs to remove the hot bacon safely.
Why does this recipe use a flat cookie sheet instead of a wire rack for baking bacon?
Baking directly on a cookie sheet lets the bacon sit in its own rendered fat, which helps the meat stay moist while the edges crisp. A rack can produce extra‑crisp bacon but may dry out the meat if overcooked.
Can I make crispy oven‑baked bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the bacon, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat quickly in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or under a broiler for extra crispness.
What does the YouTube channel Wright Brand specialize in?
The YouTube channel Wright Brand focuses on straightforward, kitchen‑friendly cooking tutorials that emphasize reliable techniques for everyday home cooks, often featuring classic American comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel Wright Brand's approach to cooking bacon differ from other cooking channels?
Wright Brand emphasizes simplicity and consistency, using a single‑sheet oven method that avoids splatter and the need for constant attention, whereas many other channels demonstrate stovetop frying with frequent flipping.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
