How Long to Cook Bacon (Thick Cut Slices) in the oven

Specification: Thick-cut bacon strips, laid flat with edges barely touching on parchment-lined rimmed sheet pan

Target Temp

400°F (204°C)

Radiant Heat

Total Time

18–22 mins

Total Cook Window

Flip Mark

No Flip

Continuous Cook

Internal Safe Temp

—

USDA Safe Pull

COOK MODE

Live timer · flip prompt · target temp · rest stage

Start cook

3-Step Execution Protocol

Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare bacon (thick cut slices) (Thick-cut bacon strips, laid flat with edges barely touching on parchment-lined rimmed sheet pan).

Cook

Cook for 18–22 mins. Do not flip; allow surface to develop undisturbed.

Check & Rest

Deep amber-brown, evenly rippled, bubbling fat, perfectly flat strips that firm up upon draining. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Verification Basis & Testing Rig

National Pork Board Oven-Baked Bacon Standards; America's Test Kitchen Best Bacon Method.

Pro Tip: Baking on parchment paper allows bacon to cook in a shallow pool of its own fat, yielding restaurant-flat strips with zero flipping.

Related oven Cook Times

Chicken Breast (Boneless, Skinless)

400°F (204°C)20–25 mins

Salmon Fillet (Skin-On, Center Cut)

400°F (204°C)12–15 mins

Baked Potato (Whole Russet)

400°F (204°C)50–60 mins

Bacon (Thick-Cut, Sheet Pan Method)

400°F (204°C)18–22 mins

Pork Chops (Bone-In, 1-inch Thick)

400°F (204°C)18–22 mins

Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On)

425°F (218°C)35–45 mins