Hey y'all! If you've ever dreamed of waking up to perfectly crisp, irresistible bacon without all the stovetop splatter, this recipe is about to make your mornings magical. Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy) is the ultimate fuss-free method, delivering ultra-crispy strips every single time. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or adding a savory bite to your brunch spread. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
- No flipping required—just one pan and the oven does all the work!
- Feeds a crowd in one batch, saving time and cleanup.
- Consistently crisp texture every time, from edge to edge.
- Less mess—no greasy splatters on your stovetop or apron.
- Easily customizable for flavor variations or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon strips (about 10-12 slices)
- Optional: Freshly cracked black pepper or brown sugar, to taste
Directions: How to Make Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 18–22 minutes | Total Time: 25–27 minutes
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if you like your bacon extra crispy.
Step 2: Arrange the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips out in a single layer on the prepared pan or rack, making sure they don’t overlap. Season with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of brown sugar if desired.
Step 3: Bake the Bacon
Bake in the preheated oven on the middle rack for 18–22 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and reaches your desired level of crispiness. Thinner slices may cook faster, so start checking around 15 minutes.
Step 4: Drain & Serve
Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Let drain and cool for 1–2 minutes—then serve up that crispy perfection!
Notes for the Best Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
- Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your bacon, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
- Use parchment paper instead of foil for easier grease cleanup—just toss when finished.
- For extra crunch, elevate bacon on a wire rack to allow hot air to circulate underneath.
Variations of Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
- Maple-Glazed: Brush bacon with maple syrup before baking for a sweet touch.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika before baking.
- Peppered Bacon: Generously crack fresh black pepper over slices before and after baking.
Required Equipment for Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Wire rack (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Storage Instructions for Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked bacon flat between parchment sheets for up to one month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to crisp again.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
- Serve with fluffy scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a classic breakfast.
- Layer in BLT sandwiches, burgers, or wraps.
- Chop crispy bacon into salads, baked potatoes, or pasta for a savory boost.
Pro Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
- Start with a cold oven for even rendering, but for ultra-crispy edges, preheat first!
- Pat bacon dry before baking to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
FAQ: Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy)
- Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
- Absolutely! Just decrease the baking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on the color for doneness.
- Should I use a wire rack, or is it okay to bake directly on the foil?
- Both work great—on the rack yields extra crispness, while directly on the pan results in slightly chewier bacon with less cleanup.
- Can I prepare Sheet Pan Bacon (Crispy & Easy) in advance?
- Yes, simply store cooked bacon in the fridge and reheat in the oven when ready to serve for just-baked crispiness.
Ingredients
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
-
2Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan, ensuring the slices do not overlap.
-
3If desired, brush bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle with black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, or sea salt for extra flavor.
-
4Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, flip halfway through cooking.
-
5Remove bacon from the oven and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply