Cooking bacon in the oven with aluminum foil is a convenient and mess-free method that allows you to enjoy crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the need for constant supervision. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preheat the Oven

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking bacon, as it’s high enough to cook the bacon quickly without causing it to burn.

Prepare the Aluminum Foil

• Cut a large piece of aluminum foil, enough to cover a baking sheet. You want enough foil to wrap the bacon after it’s cooked.
• Place the foil on the baking sheet, making sure it covers the entire surface. This will catch any bacon grease that drips down during cooking, making cleanup easier.

Arrange the Bacon

• Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on top of the aluminum foil, making sure they do not overlap. Overlapping can cause the bacon to cook unevenly and create more mess.

Cook the Bacon

1. Place the baking sheet with the bacon in the preheated oven.
2. Cook the bacon for 15-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on the bacon, as cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the bacon and the exact temperature of your oven.
3. To ensure even cooking, you can flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time.

Check for Doneness

• After about 15 minutes, start checking the bacon for your preferred level of crispiness. If you like your bacon more on the chewy side, less cooking time is needed. For extra crispy bacon, you might want to cook it for the full 20 minutes or even a bit longer.

Drain the Bacon

• Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat.
• Let the bacon cool on the foil for a couple of minutes, then transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Wrap and Store

• If you have cooked extra bacon, you can wrap the leftover strips in the aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply unwrap and place in a hot skillet for a minute on each side, or microwave on low power.

Cleanup

• The aluminum foil makes cleanup a breeze. Simply fold the foil with the grease into itself, then discard it. Wipe down the baking sheet with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any residual grease.

Tips for Perfect Oven-Cooked Bacon

1. Use a Rack: If you have a wire rack, placing it on top of the foil can allow for even better drainage and crisping of the bacon.
2. Adjust Cooking Times: Thicker-cut bacon will require more cooking time than thin slices.
3. Monitor the Oven: While the bacon is cooking, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking or burning.

Oven cooking with aluminum foil is a great way to prepare bacon for a crowd or to have on hand for various recipes.By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked bacon with minimal effort and a clean kitchen. Enjoy your perfectly crispy bacon!