Bacon is one of the most beloved breakfast foods adding a savory salty crunch to everything from sandwiches to burgers and more. When bacon is perfectly cooked, it has a delicate balance of crispy edges with tender, meaty centers. However, undercooked bacon can be unpleasantly chewy while overcooked bacon ends up burnt and dried out.
Getting the temperature right is key to bacon perfection. This article will provide tips on the ideal internal temperature and doneness indicators to help you cook bacon to crispy, mouthwatering perfection every time.
Why Temperature Matters When Cooking Bacon
Temperature is the best indicator of when bacon is properly cooked and ready to eat. Relying on cooking time alone isn’t reliable since bacon can vary in thickness. Getting the internal temperature correct ensures the fat renders and the meat becomes tender.
If undercooked, the fat won’t fully melt and the bacon will be floppy If overcooked, it dries out rapidly Use a good instant read digital meat thermometer to monitor temperature for perfect results.
Target Internal Temperature for Bacon
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130°F (54°C) – 140°F (60°C) – The bacon just starts becoming crispy at this temperature range but still has chewy parts. Much of the fat remains unrendered.
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150°F (65°C) – 160°F (71°C) – This is the ideal temperature range for perfectly cooked bacon. It is crispy on the edges and tender in the center when the fat has fully melted.
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165°F (74°C) – 175°F (79°C) – The bacon is well done at these temperatures. It will be quite crispy throughout but can dry out if cooked too long.
For the best results, cook bacon to an internal temperature of around 150°F – 160°F (65°C – 71°C). Track temperature by poking an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of a slice.
Cook Time Guidelines Based on Temperature
As a general guide, bacon typically takes:
- 8 – 12 minutes to reach 130°F – 140°F
- 12 – 15 minutes to reach 150°F – 160°F
- 15+ minutes to reach 165°F+
However, always rely on temperature rather than time for accuracy since bacon thickness impacts cook time.
Signs Bacon is Under or Overcooked Without a Thermometer
If you don’t have a thermometer handy, look for these visual cues to check if your bacon is ready:
Undercooked Signs
- Very flexible and floppy
- Abundant unrendered white fat
- Meat appears very pink/reddish
Overcooked Signs
- Meat is shriveled and dried out
- Very dark brown or burnt areas
- Extremely rigid and crispy
Tips for Getting Perfectly Cooked Bacon
Follow these tips for getting bacon cooked just right whether in the oven or on the stovetop:
- Choose thinner sliced bacon for more even cooking
- Use a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to catch drips
- Fry over medium-low heat to prevent scorching
- Don’t overcrowd the pan which steams rather than crisps
- Blot grease during cooking to reduce simmering
Let Bacon Rest Before Serving
Allow bacon to rest for a minute or two after cooking. This helps the slices firm up for better crispy texture. Transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess grease.
Serve warm bacon on its own or crumble over salads, sandwiches, baked potatoes and more. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
How to Use Leftover Bacon Grease
The flavorful bacon fat left in the skillet after cooking is liquid gold. Strain and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. Use bacon grease to cook eggs, roast potatoes or brush on corn on the cob before grilling.
Cooking Bacon in the Oven
Baking bacon in the oven is an easy hands-off option. Arrange slices on a foil lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Check temperature periodically until it reaches 150°F – 160°F. Cool baked bacon a few minutes before serving.
Perfectly cooked bacon that is crispy yet meaty is achieved when the internal temperature reaches 150°F–160°F. Use an instant read thermometer to monitor doneness. Signs of under or overcooked bacon like floppiness or burning can also indicate when it’s ready if no thermometer is available. Following proper oven or stovetop cooking methods results in delicious bacon every time.
The Best Bacon for Baking
My preference is a center cut bacon, which has an even thickness width-wise. Though it takes longer, I don’t like baking thick-cut bacon. You can bake any kind of bacon though. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you use a thick-cut bacon.
Why This Method Is a Winner
As I see it, there are a few great reasons to bake bacon:
- It keeps your stove clean. Don’t worry about bacon grease getting all over the kitchen. You can also use the burners for other things.
- Its less work. It’s not necessary to flip the bacon all the time or keep a very close eye on it. You can put it in the oven and come back to beautiful bacon!
- Most importantly, the bacon cooks evenly . If you cut the bacon into different-sized pieces, some may cook a little faster than others, but oven-baked bacon is always crispy!
So, yes—bake your bacon!
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HOW TO COOK BACON IN THE OVEN | easy, crispy and no mess!
How do you cook bacon in the oven?
To cook bacon in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. This method works best with regular bacon as it doesn’t render as much grease onto the baking sheet, making it easier to move in and out of the oven safely.
What temperature should Bacon be preheated before baking?
For baking bacon, we recommend preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. However, unlike most recipes, we suggest sliding the sheet pan into the cold oven so the bacon sits inside as the oven comes to temperature.
Can you cook bacon in a cold oven?
You can cook bacon in a cold oven. Place the bacon into the oven without pre-heating it. Once the bacon is in the oven, then start pre-heating it. This method allows the bacon to render out its fat slowly, resulting in super crispy bacon – far crispier than if you had started cooking the bacon in a hot oven.
How long should bacon be cooked at 400°F?
For extra-thick bacon, cook it at 400°F for around 25 minutes to allow the fat to render without overcooking the bacon. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference for bacon doneness. If you’re new to cooking bacon in the oven, try making a few small batches to find the optimal cooking time.