The cooking time for bacon in the oven and on the stovetop can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon slices and your desired level of crispiness. Here are approximate cooking times for each method:
- Oven method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper to ease cleanup.
- Cook the bacon in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 12 minutes to prevent overcooking. Thicker slices might take a little longer, while thinner ones might be ready sooner.
- Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- Stovetop method:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Place the bacon slices in the pan, ensuring they don't overlap.
- Cook the bacon for about 7-10 minutes, flipping it occasionally to cook both sides evenly. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you prefer it.
- When the bacon is done to your liking, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to blot any excess grease.
Remember that cooking times can vary, so it's best to monitor the bacon as it cooks and adjust the time accordingly. Additionally, if you're cooking a large quantity of bacon, you may need to do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet.