You’ll need a rimmed baking sheet to cook bacon in the oven. If you have one, insert a metal (oven-safe) rack inside your baking sheet so the bacon sits on top of the rack and any fat drains underneath. We prefer to use thick-cut bacon (1/8-inch thick), which usually means there are 12 to 14 slices per pound.
1 pound (450g) bacon, preferably thick cut
Pepper, optional
1Place a rack in the center of your oven and heat it to 400°F (204°C). If you are cooking a lot of bacon, use two racks: one in the lower third of the oven, the other in the upper third.
2Line a rimmed baking sheet (or two) with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3For extra crispy bacon: Place a baking rack (if you have one) inside the baking sheet.
4Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet (or on top of the rack). Avoid overlapping, but touching is okay.
5Season with freshly ground black pepper (optional, but delicious!).
6Cook for 12 to 20 minutes, checking at around 8 minutes, and often after that, until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. If using two racks, rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking for even browning.