How to Make Mess-Free Bacon in the Oven
Bacon ranks pretty high on any favorite foods lists. I know vegans who will put their ideals on hold for a perfectly cooked bacon bite. Make a batch (or three) of this Peppered Bacon in the Oven for an easy, mess-free snack, topping or brunch accompaniment.
Why Make Bacon in the Oven
Two Reasons:
- Cleanup – Maybe you like to clean up bacon spatters covering the surrounding 3 feet of your stovetop but I definitely don’t. (Then again, I’ve never been accused of being a clean freak!) So this method definitely makes it a cleaner way to enjoy bacon. The mess is contained within your oven walls and if you have a self cleaner, it’s super easy to occasionally take care of it.
- Curlup – While good for your biceps or abs, it’s not good for your bacon. This causes the bacon to cook unevenly and short of having a bacon iron (it’s a thing) to use in your skillet – which leads us back to reason #1, there’s no other way around it.
The Basic Method for Making Bacon in the Oven
It couldn’t be easier. Separate the slices of bacon and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place in a 375 degree oven for 10-20 minutes (depending on thickness of bacon) flipping once after 5-10 minutes. The bacon will be flat and perfectly cooked. Full Disclosure – these are two different baking sheets because I couldn’t wait to eat a piece the first time I took the photo and it didn’t look right after that.
Is Bacon in the Oven Paleo and Whole30 Friendly
Yes, if it is “No Sugar Added” bacon. This label will be worn with pride by the brands that make it. A Whole30 label on the package also automatically qualifies it as Whole30 friendly. I recommend that my clients also look for no antibiotics, no hormones, and no nitrates/nitrites. If you have a local pig farmer that meets these qualifications and also pasture raises their pork, I would definitely support them if it fits into your budget.
Variations for Making Other Flavors of Bacon
Making flavored bacon like those served in steak houses or brunch spots as an appetizer is super easy. You simply sprinkle the bacon with dry seasonings and drizzle with liquid after flipping. The flavors with sweeteners need to be watched carefully as they can burn quickly.
Note: You may be wondering why you need to look for no sugar added but then several of these are adding back sweeteners. The sweeteners we are using on these variations, while not Whole30, are all Paleo friendly. I have designated the ones that are Whole30 friendly with W30.
- Peppered Bacon – Sprinkle with tons of black pepper (W30)
- Rosemary Spiced Bacon – Sprinkle with black pepper, red pepper flakes and finely chopped rosemary. (W30)
- Maple Peppered Bacon – Sprinkle with black pepper and drizzle with maple syrup
- “Brown Sugar” Peppered Bacon – Sprinkle with coconut sugar and black pepper
- Rosemary Honey Pepper Bacon – Sprinkle with finely chopped rosemary and pepper. Drizzle with honey.
- Hot Honey Bacon – Drizzle with your favorite hot honey.