This recipe will teach you how to Broil Bacon perfectly for the most mess-free broiled bacon in the oven ever! It’s easy, splatter-free, and turns out incredibly crispy every time. And the best part is that you can broil bacon in large batches which saves a ton of time!
How can you not know how to prepare bacon? It sounds too easy, just fry it up in a pan! But sometimes, if you don't know a few tricks, even simple things can be a messy hassle. In this post, you will find out How to Make Perfect Quick and Easy Oven Broiled Bacon!
Trust me, I learned it the hard way. I used to fry bacon on the stove, in a pan. Sounds fine enough, but cooking for a large family isn’t always that easy and can get downright messy when you must fry multiple panfuls before having enough to go around.
The stove gets pretty splattered and greasy afterward. Clean-up becomes a pain. Also, the organic kind of bacon I like is sliced much thicker and it seems to take twice as long to cook.
So I thought, why not try to broil it in the oven? Good idea! I was very pleased with the result. No mess, easy cleanup, and more exciting... free hands to do something else. A huge time saver! You can get more done at once, like frying the eggs or flipping the pancakes at breakfast, while the bacon is broiling in the oven.
Want to learn how to broil bacon? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- Why This is the Best Broiled Bacon Recipe
- Ingredients For Broiling Bacon at Home
- How to Make Oven Broiled Bacon (Step-by-Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Broiled Bacon Ever
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Broiled Bacon
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Broiled Bacon
- Recipe Card
- Recipe Card
- How to Make Perfect Quick and Easy Oven Broiled Bacon
- Comments
What Makes Broiling Bacon Easy?
Broiling bacon is much quicker than the popular way of frying it, so you should stand close by to pull it out in time. I actually searched social media before making this post if anyone cooks bacon in the oven.
I was surprised that there are many posts about oven-broiled and baked bacon. According to some posts, and as I experimented myself it takes longer to bake than to broil bacon.
So nothing new I discovered with the idea of broiling but preparing it that way was a good experience. I’d like to share with those who may not know how much more quickly you can prepare your bacon in the oven by broiling, it than frying it on the stovetop. I hope you find it helpful and easier to prepare perfect, crispy bacon every time – in no time – with no clean-up afterward. Perfectly sizzled and crisp!
NOTE: I've always used an electric oven or an electric toaster oven to broil this bacon recipe. I've never tried broiling bacon in the gas-burning oven, and would not recommend it.
Why This is the Best Broiled Bacon Recipe
Easy: This recipe for bacon in the oven is simple, quick, and always turns out perfectly. I’ve perfected it over the years, thanks to a large family, and it’s just the best way to make bacon!
Saves Time: You can make large batches in just seven minutes! It turns out perfect every time and you have free hands for other things like frying the eggs or flipping the pancakes at breakfast, while the bacon is broiling in the oven.
Splatter Free: We all know how making bacon can start getting messy after a while. But not with this recipe! It requires no messy clean-ups, and no frying pan to watch over like a hawk!
Large Batches: Whether you want to make just a few slices or a large batch, this recipe is perfect! You can use it for sandwiches, pizza, salads, and pretty much anything you want!
Ingredients For Broiling Bacon at Home
All you need is one ingredient to make this broiled bacon recipe at home! Let's look at it in more detail:
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon strips are the star of this recipe. They provide a rich, savory flavor that's hard to beat. I’ve used uncured natural bacon for this recipe for the best flavor! That’s all you need to make this delicious broiled bacon recipe!
How to Make Oven Broiled Bacon (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible broiled bacon is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Prep Bacon for Broiling
Firstly, you'll need to prep your oven. Turn the oven setting to a high-temperature broil. This setting is perfect for achieving that delightful crunch we all love in bacon. Remember, every oven is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time based on your oven's efficiency.
Next, grab your thick-cut bacon slices and arrange them on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. The foil is there to catch the bacon grease, making cleanup a breeze later. Make sure to spread the bacon out evenly on the pan, so each slice cooks at the same rate.
How to Broil Bacon
Now it is time to cook! Place the sheet pan in the oven, ideally on the middle rack. This position guarantees even heat distribution and prevents the bacon from burning. Broil the bacon for about five minutes.
Then, take the pan out of the oven (be careful, it's hot!) and flip each slice of bacon over. This helps make sure that both sides get that delicious broil.
Once flipped, place the pan back in the oven and broil for another two minutes. Keep an eye on your bacon during this time to prevent it from getting overcooked.
Once your bacon is beautifully broiled, remove the pan from the oven. Now, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. The paper towel will absorb the excess bacon grease, leaving you with perfectly crispy and not overly greasy bacon slices.
Done! All the bacon at once. That’s how quick and easy it is!
The broiling method allows the grease to drip off of the bacon, which means that you'll consume fewer calories and far less fat.
Tips for Making the Best Broiled Bacon Ever
Choose the right bacon: For a rich flavor and crispy texture, opt for thick-cut bacon strips. These will hold up better under the broiler and give you that perfect crunch.
Line your sheet pan: Before you start, line your sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will not only make clean-up a breeze but also help to cook the bacon evenly.
Broil on high: Make sure your oven is set to a high-temperature broil. This will help make sure that your bacon gets nicely cooked and is crispy.
Watch your cooking time: Broil your thick-cut bacon for about five minutes, then flip and broil for another two. This will make sure that your bacon is evenly cooked and is deliciously crispy.
Drain the grease: After broiling, transfer your bacon slices onto a paper towel-lined plate. This will help to absorb any excess bacon grease and reduce the overall calories in your cooked bacon.
Dispose of the grease correctly: Once you've transferred the bacon, fold the foil or parchment paper inward to contain the bacon grease, and then discard. This will prevent any unwanted mess in your kitchen.
Batch cook your bacon: To save time and effort, cook all your bacon at once. This way, you can enjoy your delicious broiled bacon in sandwiches, salads, or as a side with eggs - the possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast by pairing your broiled bacon with a fluffy omelet. The rich flavor of the eggs combined with the crispy bacon is a sure way to kick start your day!
- Looking for a lunch idea? How about a BLT sandwich? Just add some fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of mayonnaise to your broiled bacon. The result is a sandwich that is both tasty and satisfying. You can also try my croissanwich!
- Try your broiled bacon on a classic Caesar salad or try my broccoli bacon salad! The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon takes the salads to the next level!
- Broiled bacon is also a great addition to your favorite pasta dish. Just crumble some over the top for an added crunch and a boost of flavor. I love it in my creamy pasta with bacon and peas!
- Lastly, you can simply enjoy your broiled bacon as is! With its perfect balance of salty and smoky, it is a delicious snack on its own. Just remember to drain the bacon grease on a paper towel-lined plate for a less greasy bite.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Broiled Bacon
This delicious broiled bacon recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Try it with eggs: If you're a breakfast fanatic, this variation is for you. Simply crack a few eggs onto the sheet pan during the final minutes of broiling the bacon. The eggs will cook perfectly in the bacon grease, giving you a complete breakfast in no time.
Go for turkey bacon: If you're watching your calories, this variation is a must-try. Replace the thick-cut bacon with turkey bacon. It is lower in fat and calories but still packs a flavorful punch.
Add pepper: If you love a bit of spice, add a sprinkle of black pepper to your bacon before broiling. The pepper will enhance the flavor of the bacon and give it a slight kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don't need any special ingredients to broil bacon. All you need are bacon slices, preferably thick-cut for a more robust flavor. You will also need a sheet pan and some aluminum foil for the baking process.
No, broiling and baking require separate oven settings and have different functions. It takes about three times longer to bake bacon than to grill it, and the oven rack should be in the middle. When you broil bacon, it cooks faster because it is directly under the heat source in the oven instead of on top of it.
Prepping the bacon is easy. Just arrange your bacon strips on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Make sure they're placed in a single layer and not overlapping for even cooking.
Once you've broiled your bacon and achieved a crispy texture, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb the excess bacon grease. You can then fold the foil inward to contain the grease and discard it or use it for some other recipe!
You should broil the bacon for about five minutes, then flip the bacon over and broil for an additional two minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and your oven, so keep a watchful eye to avoid burning.
How to Store Leftover Broiled Bacon
You can easily store any leftover bacon you may have! First, allow the bacon to completely cool down to room temperature. Transfer them to a resealable Ziploc bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing cooked bacon is also an option if you want to extend its shelf life. Follow the same steps as refrigerating, but instead of a resealable bag, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cooked bacon can last up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. It is best to use frozen bacon in cooked recipes like salads, sandwiches, or scrambled eggs as the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Try these Recipes using Broiled Bacon:
- Bacon Egg and Ham Breakfast Pizza
- Chicken Bacon Mushroom Alfredo Lasagna
- Creamy Peas and Bacon Pasta Recipe
- Bacon Scrambled Eggs and Avocado Crossan'wich Recipe
- Chicken Bacon Alfredo Canapes
- Veggie and Bacon Salad Recipe
- Garlic Bacon Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Recipe Card
Recipe Card
How to Make Perfect Quick and Easy Oven Broiled Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 - slices of bacon
Instructions
How to Prep Bacon for Broiling
- Firstly, you'll need to prep your oven. Turn the oven setting to a high-temperature broil. This setting is perfect for achieving that delightful crunch we all love in bacon. Remember, every oven is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time based on your oven's efficiency.
- Next, grab your thick-cut bacon slices and arrange them on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. The foil is there to catch the bacon grease, making cleanup a breeze later. Make sure to spread the bacon out evenly on the pan, so each slice cooks at the same rate.
How to Broil Bacon
- Now it is time to cook! Place the sheet pan in the oven, ideally on the middle rack. This position guarantees even heat distribution and prevents the bacon from burning. Broil the bacon for about five minutes.
- Then, take the pan out of the oven (be careful, it's hot!) and flip each slice of bacon over. This helps make sure that both sides get that delicious broil.
- Once flipped, place the pan back in the oven and broil for another two minutes. Keep an eye on your bacon during this time to prevent it from getting overcooked.
- Once your bacon is beautifully broiled, remove the pan from the oven. Now, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. The paper towel will absorb the excess bacon grease, leaving you with perfectly crispy and not overly greasy bacon slices.
- Done! All the bacon at once. That’s how quick and easy it is!
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This recipe was originally posted on November 11, 2019 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Geo says
Make sure you place the pan even lower than the middle of the oven. It broils beautifully without flaring dangerously up into the broiler flames. You need to watch it carefully and be careful when you remove the pan from the oven.
Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says
I'm just curious did you broil bacon in the electric or gas-burning oven? I've had people mentioning it about the flames before which got me confused. I've never used a gas-burning oven to broil the bacon. I've always used an electric oven or electric toaster oven and there are never ever any flames. I would appreciate your reply. And thank you for your feedback!
JM says
Can you use parchment paper instead of foil?
Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says
No, parchment paper will burn and may get on fire. You may omit foil and place bacon right onto the baking pan. That's what I have been doing lately. Thanks for asking!
Lisa says
can you do more than 1 sheet at a time?
Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says
Absolutely! Broiling time may be longer, I would stan by the entire time.
McKay says
I'm silly and broiled it on high, because our oven has 2 settings. Luckily my fiance likes meat charcoal. Thx though for this tip! Will go with low next time. ;-p
Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says
I usually broil it on high and stand by it. Im glad it didn't go to waste. Thank you for sharing your experience with me!
Heather says
I made my bacon this way for the first time today. Loved it!! It was perfect. I found I had to broil for a bit longer after flipping though - 3 minutes instead of 2.
Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says
That is so awesome! I’m glad you loved how it turned out. We make it this way all the time, its quick and easy! Thank you for sharing your experience with me and for your amazing review! 🙂
Tanya says
hi Valya
quick question, do u broil on hi or low ?
www.valyastasteofhome.com says
I broil it on hi.
Nat says
Bacoooooon!
www.valyastasteofhome.com says
Lol, who doesn't like a good tasting bacon 😀
Nataliya says
My kids and I love BLT sandwiches and I've been looking for different ways to prepare bacon. Thanks for sharing your way.
valya'stasteofhome.com says
You are very welcome! BLT roll never get old at our house. Enjoy!:D
Olya says
Thats a great idea! Especially for a large crowd! My crowd is not large, so I just microwave the bacon... I know its not very healthy but we don't eat it very often. But I'll keep in mind your way of broiling it for next time we have company! Thanks Valya!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
We don't eat bacon often either, but it's best for your health to make your meals healthier way. It probably takes the same amount of time to microwave bacon and broil in the oven. It does not matter how much bacon is on the pan 3 pieces or 30 pieces for example, it takes the same amount of time to broil. What I meant in the post is it takes longer to fry 30 pieces of bacon on the top stove pan than 3 pieces. So, I would highly recommend to make your bacon in the oven instead of microwave. Its much healthier, faster and hassle free clean up. I really appreciate your comment Olya and look forward hearing from you after you try making bacon in the oven. 🙂