The Best (and Worst) Ways to Cook Bacon

Bacon lovers, prepare for a sizzling debate. Whether you prefer it crispy, chewy, smoky, or somewhere in between, how you cook your bacon might be just as important as the kind you buy — and according to the food experts at TheKitchn.com, some of us have been doing it all wrong.

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to make bacon bad. But when it comes to getting that perfect balance of crisp, flavor, and (let’s not forget) easy cleanup, some methods clearly outshine the rest.

🔥 The Top Two Bacon Cooking Methods

Oven-Baked Bacon (The Clear Winner)

Hands down, the best way to cook bacon is in the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lay your strips out flat, and bake at 400°F. Go for 18 minutes with regular-cut or up to 24 minutes for thick-cut slices. The result? Evenly cooked, crispy bacon without the splatter — and bonus: parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.

Cast Iron Skillet (For Purists)

Want that traditional sizzle? A cast iron skillet still holds up. Start with a cold pan, place the bacon in, then heat to medium. Flip occasionally and cook for 8–11 minutes, depending on thickness and how crispy you like it. It takes a bit more attention, but it delivers that classic, smoky flavor and gorgeous caramelization.

🙅‍♂️ The Two Worst Ways to Cook Bacon

The Water Method

Yes, it’s a real thing. This technique involves covering the bacon in water, boiling it, and gradually lowering the heat until the water evaporates. Supposedly, it helps render the fat and reduce splatter — but according to testers, it’s messy, inconsistent, and not worth the effort. Stick with dry heat.

The Microwave

You probably already know this one’s not ideal. While it can work in a pinch, microwaved bacon tends to come out hot, rubbery, and unevenly cooked. Even with paper towels to soak up grease, you’ll rarely get that satisfying crisp — just a lot of limp disappointment.

Everyone has a bacon method they swear by. But if you haven’t tried oven-baking with parchment paper, this might be your sign. It’s cleaner, easier, and arguably more delicious.

After all, life’s too short for bad bacon.