How to Cook Bacon

You can cook bacon on the stovetop, in the microwave and even in the oven. Frying bacon in a cast-iron skillet is best for small batches and tender texture. The microwave’s best for—you guessed it—quickly cooking a few strips at a time. You’ll want to preheat the oven if cooking for a crowd, prepping thick bacon or looking to minimize clean-up.

See what brand of bacon is best, according to Taste of Home staffers.

Read on for step-by-step instructions for each method!

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave
How to Cook Bacon on the Stovetop

How to Bake Bacon in the Oven

1. Place a wire rack in a 15×10-inch baking pan. Lightly spritz with cooking spray.

2. Place bacon strips in a single layer on rack.

3. Bake at 350° to desired degree of crispiness, 20-30 minutes. How long to put bacon in the oven depends on your desired texture: briefer for softer, longer for crisper. When it’s done to your liking, remove from oven.

4. Use a tongs to remove bacon strips from wire rack.

5. Pour off grease into a heat-safe container.

6. Place rack and pan in dishwasher.

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How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave

1. Place 2-3 sheets of paper towel in a microwave-safe dish. (You can also use a bacon tray!)

2. Top with up to 4 slices of bacon.

3. Place 1-2 sheets of paper towel on top.

4. Microwave approximately 1 minute for every piece of bacon. Thick bacon will need a little more time and thin bacon will need less.

5. Remove and place on serving plate when it’s just a little underdone (bacon will carry-over cook a little).

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How to Cook Bacon on the Stovetop

1. Place a single layer of bacon strips in a cold skillet, preferably cast-iron. Look out for the mistakes everybody makes when cooking bacon.

2. Cook on a medium-low heat—you want to render a lot of the fat out of the bacon and this takes time. Don’t rush it.

3. Turn bacon occasionally with tongs so bacon cooks evenly. Since most pans don’t heat evenly, you should move the bacon to a different part of the pan when flipping it.

4. When cooked to desired doneness, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towel, clean newspaper or a cut-up paper bag to absorb the excess grease.

5. Pour grease from skillet into heatproof dish until cool. Discard or save for another use.

6. To clean pan, fill with ½-inch of water and bring to a boil. Lightly scrape with a spatula to help remove any stuck-on residue.

Got extra bacon? You can always stash leftovers in the fridge. Crumble them on salads, layer onto sandwiches and reheat for breakfast any day.

Our Best-Ever Bacon Recipes

1 / 10

Cheddar-Bacon Dip

Both children and adults enjoy this dip. I like it, too—it's so quick and easy to prepare. I make it for special occasions…birthdays, Christmas parties and more. —Carol Werkman, Neerlandia, Alberta

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Easy Glazed Bacon

Brown sugar, mustard and wine make bacon a little more special in this recipe. It's easy to prepare while working on the rest of the meal. —Judith Dobson, Burlington, Wisconsin

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Bacon Macaroni Salad

This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coasted with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana

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Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

My daughter gave me this recipe because she knows I love potatoes. The hearty casserole is loaded with a palate-pleasing combination of bacon, cheeses, green onions and sour cream. —Betty Miars, Anna, Ohio

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BLT Dip

Fans of bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches will fall for this creamy BLT dip. It's easy to transport to different functions and always draws recipe requests. —Emalee Payne, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

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Smoky Bacon Wraps

These cute little sausage and bacon bites are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana

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Roasted Cauliflower & Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This deeply delicious recipe is a surefire way to get my husband to enjoy Brussels sprouts. Between the roasted flavor of the veggies and smoky, crisp bacon, it will convert even the pickiest eater. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

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Bacon-Colby Lasagna

With both bacon and ground beef, this hearty dish is a real crowd-pleaser. The recipe came from my grandmother, now in her 80s. I've learned so much from helping her in the kitchen. —Cathy McCartney, Davenport, Iowa

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Bacon and Broccoli Salad

You'll want to serve this family-friendly broccoli salad with bacon year-round. The broccoli gets a big-time flavor boost from bacon, toasted pecans, dried berries and a mayo dressing. —Cindi Read, Hendersonville, Tennessee

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Bacon Swiss Squares

Not only does this savory breakfast pizza come together easily, but it's also a cinch to double the ingredients when I'm hosting a large event. Biscuit mix makes it convenient, and the combination of eggs, bacon and Swiss cheese keeps guests coming back for more. —Agarita Vaughan, Fairbury, Illinois

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