Bacon in Cold Oven (No Pre-heating Required)

Want the crispiest strips you’ve ever had? Discover how to cook Bacon In a Cold Oven—a method that benefits from going slow ‘n’ low.

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People LOVE bacon, whether eating it as a meal on its own or using chopped bacon as an ingredient in everything from Deviled Eggs to Bacon Beer Cupcakes. Have a dish you want to make even more delicious? Wrap it in bacon, as we do asparagus and chicken thighs, among others. We’ve broiled bacon, we’ve baked bacon, we’ve air-fried bacon.

This time out, I’m trying out cooking bacon in a cold oven. At least, that’s what the recipe is called. I had my suspicions when I first heard about it, too. That’s because it’s a misnomer. The oven starts off cold but warms up after you put in the bacon. So don’t worry, you won’t be eating cold, uncooked strips.

This method took off when people realized the fat is better rendered when done slowly, which really crisps up the bacon. You also don’t have to deal with splattering grease so cleanup is a cinch. Last, you don’t have to flip the bacon. It’s one of the most low-maintenance methods imaginable. Tasty, crispy bacon with little mess? Yes, please!

Is Bacon in A Cold Oven Healthy?

Bacon isn’t exactly known for its health benefits. While it does have protein, it’s also high in sodium and fat. Just how much of a concern this is will depend on the diet you may be on. If you bake the bacon on a rack then it allows the fat to drip away, but merely using the ‘cold oven’ technique doesn’t affect the nutritional value of the bacon by itself. Bacon is suitable for low-carb, gluten-free, keto, and paleo (provided the bacon is uncured and nitrate-free) diets.

What Does Rendering The Fat Mean?

Rendering the fat is the process by which fat goes from a solid state to a liquid. When it becomes a liquid, it cooks the bacon, making it crispy. The benefit of starting out in a cold oven is that the fat is gradually “melted” and done so more evenly, so there is no splattering and the bacon is evenly crisped up.

INGREDIENTS

12 oz. sliced bacon

Bacon in Cold Oven (No-Preheating Required) top shot

INSTRUCTIONS

Arrange

Arrange the bacon strips on a baking tray. Place the tray in a cold oven then set the heat to 425°F.

Rotate

Rotate the baking tray when the oven reaches 375°F.

Cook

Continue cooking for 5 minutes.

Drain

Once the bacon has turned crisp, transfer the strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making Perfect Bacon in A Cold Oven

Save the liquefied bacon fat and use it for future recipes. It will bear the smoky taste of the bacon.
Spread the bacon out on the tray so all the strips cook evenly.
Use parchment paper or aluminum foil as a lining to prevent sticking and aid in cleanup.
Bacon thickness will influence how long it takes for the meat to cook.
As ovens can vary, check in on the bacon early to ensure it’s not being overcooked.

Bacon in Cold Oven (No-Preheating Required) front view

FAQs

could my bacon be done before the oven reaches 425°F?

Yes, if you’re using thin or regular-sized bacon. Check on it early and inspect it to see whether it has attained your desired level of crispness.

can i do this recipe in a convection oven?

Yes. The bacon will probably cook more quickly though, so keep an eye on it.

do i need to rotate the pan or flip the bacon?

Rotating isn’t necessary, though it usually leads to more evenly cooked bacon. Flipping also isn’t necessary, thanks to the slow rendering of the fat.

I keep overcooking my bacon!

Your oven probably runs hot. Set the temperature to 375°F and watch as the bacon cooks.

Bacon in Cold Oven (No-Preheating Required) slight side and front view

Serving Suggestions

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet And Sticky Stuffed Chicken Breast: A paleo- and Whole30-friendly recipe that is full of protein and a mix of sweet and savory.

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites With Sweet And Sour Sauce: Sweet, sour, and salty come together as juicy pineapple chunks are given a bear hug by the bacon.

Balsamic Butternut Squash Salad With Bacon: Bacon and a maple glaze work their magic atop this butternut squash salad drizzled with balsamic.

Superfood Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon: A veggie side dish gets the bacon love and becomes a super-yummy superfood.

How To Prep and Store Cold-Oven bacon

Let the bacon cool completely then put the strips in an airtight container. They should keep in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the bacon. I usually wrap my strips in bunches in plastic or foil then place them in an airtight container. They should keep for up to 3 months. Thaw the bacon out in the fridge overnight for best results before reheating in the microwave or in a pan.