ingrédients
- 2 pounds (about 900 g) thick-cut or regular bacon strips
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Optional:
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Maple syrup or brown sugar for sweet-glazed bacon
- Chili flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the Bacon
- Lay the bacon strips in a single layer — don’t overlap them, or they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- For a big batch, use two racks or bake in batches.
3. (Optional) Add Flavor
- Sprinkle with black pepper for savory bacon.
- Brush with maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar for a sweet glaze.
- Or dust with chili flakes for a spicy-sweet twist.
4. Bake the Bacon
- Place the trays in the middle rack (or both middle and lower racks if using two trays).
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Regular bacon: 15–17 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 18–22 minutes
- Check at the 15-minute mark — bacon crisps up quickly near the end.
5. Drain the Bacon
- Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Let it drain for 5 minutes — this keeps it crispy and removes excess grease.
6. Store or Serve
- Serve immediately while warm and crisp.
- Or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes — it’ll crisp right back up!
Optional Sweet-Glazed Version:
- Mix 3 tbsp maple syrup + 2 tbsp brown sugar.
- Brush on bacon halfway through baking.
- Bake until caramelized and crisp.
Tips:
- For extra-crispy bacon: Place bacon on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to let the fat drip off.
- For less mess: Fold up the foil and toss it away after cooling.
- Bacon grease reuse: Pour cooled grease into a jar — it’s gold for frying eggs, roasting veggies, or flavoring beans!
Delicious Ways to Use It:
- Crumble on baked potatoes or mac and cheese
- Add to BLT sandwiches
- Mix into salads or omelets
- Sprinkle over soups for crunch
