Skip to main content

The Best Way to Cook Bacon: Oven vs. Stovetop

Image
Donna Urso

How to cook bacon is often hotly debated. Cooking bacon in a pan on the stove has always been an easy go-to method. Cooking bacon in the oven has grown in popularity over time. 

Are you curious about which bacon cooking method cooks bacon faster, which method produces the crispiest bacon, or which method offers easier cleanup? Those were the primary questions I wanted to answer in this bacon cooking comparison.

How to Cook Bacon

(This post includes paid links.)
Pieces of Bacon draining on paper towels

Whether you're a breakfast aficionado or just looking for bacon cooking tips for the quickest, crunchiest, and most hassle-free way to cook your bacon, I've got answers. Check out the Oven vs. Stovetop bacon battle and discover the fastest, crispiest, and easiest way to cook bacon for breakfast.

I've always believed the stovetop was the champion for cooking bacon. But today, I am sharing the results of a side-by-side bacon cooking test of stovetop versus oven baking.  I'll share what happened in this experiment when cooking bacon in the oven at 400 degrees F against frying it on the stovetop on medium-high heat.

This Cooking Bacon Experiment

To set the stage for the bacon showdown, I wanted to ensure a fair competition. So, I purchased two packages of the same brand and cut of bacon, to eliminate those variables. Then I let both packages of bacon rest on the kitchen counter for about 20 minutes. This brief rest period helps to slightly warm the bacon, making it easier to separate the slices without tearing.

Oven Method Preparation

For oven baking, I covered a half-sheet pan with aluminum foil. This foil lining is a pro-tip for easy cleanup, as most of the grease will drip onto the foil. I then laid the strips of bacon evenly spaced across the pan to ensure even cooking, following Ina Garten's method. I preheated the oven to a toasty 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to kickstart the baking process.

Stovetop Method Preparation

In the stovetop corner, I opted for a 12-inch non-stick skillet, a size perfect for this bacon challenge. The non-stick surface meant that no extra oil was needed in the pan. The stovetop method required two batches of bacon strips because of the size of the pan. I heated the skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it was hot and ready for sizzling bacon. I carefully laid the strips of bacon side-by-side in the pan, allowing them to cook in their natural juices.

Timing is Everything:  To keep things fair and square, I used a stopwatch to time the cooking process for each method.  

For consistency purposes, I flipped the bacon as it cooked to ensure both sides were evenly browned and crispy in both methods. 

Slices of cooked bacon on a white plate.


My Observations

Now, let's dive into the sizzle showdown and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method, starting with the oven method:

The Oven Method

Advantages:

Consistency: The oven method boasts even heat distribution, resulting in uniformly cooked bacon.   

Hands-Off: You can multitask while your bacon cooks without worrying about flipping or splattering. Although, for the sake of consistency in this experiment, I did flip the bacon when using the stovetop method.   

Less Mess: One of the perks is that most of the grease drips onto the pan or rack, making cleanup relatively easy. Lining the pan with aluminum foil is a lifesaver for hassle-free cleanup.

A sheet pan of bacon beside a skillet of bacon.


Disadvantages:

Longer Cooking Time: Oven baking may take a bit longer compared to stovetop cooking. Additionally, it took a tad more time for the oven to come to temperature, extending the overall cooking duration.   

Limited Control: While it offers consistent results, you have less control over the bacon's immediate crispiness as it cooks. During my experiment, I didn't achieve the same level of crispiness with the oven method as I did with the stovetop method.

Greasier Bacon: Oven baking on the aluminum-lined pan resulted in greasier bacon than the stovetop method.  I would recommend placing a rack in the pan like Martha Stewart and Ina Garten do.

With the oven method findings in the books, it's time to turn our attention to the stovetop method. Let's see how it measures up in terms of speed, crispiness, and cleanup.

Cooking Bacon on the Stovetop

Advantages of Stovetop Bacon

Speed Demon: One of the standout features of stovetop cooking is its impressive speed. Bacon sizzles up to crispy goodness in a matter of minutes, making it a top choice for those on a tight schedule, and those who only need to cook a few slices at a time.

Immediate Control: Unlike the oven method, you have immediate control over the bacon's crispiness. You can achieve that perfect balance between crispy and chewy by adjusting the cooking time to your preference.

Intense Flavor: Stovetop cooking tends to infuse the bacon with intense flavors, thanks to direct contact with the pan's heat.

Plenty of Fat: The stovetop method extracts and gathers plenty of fat for cooking eggs.  If you like to save bacon fat for another time, this is your method for cooking bacon.

Disadvantages of Stovetop Bacon

Spatters and Splatters: While the sizzling action is part of the stovetop's charm, it can lead to more grease splattering. Be prepared for some cleanup.

Potential Uneven Cooking: Achieving uniform crispiness can be challenging, especially if you're new to cooking bacon this way. However, flipping the bacon helps mitigate this issue.

The Bacon Cooking Verdict

Speed: During the timed showdown, the stovetop method lived up to its reputation for speed. It delivered perfectly crispy bacon in a fraction of the time it took for the oven method to reach the finish line. 

Cooking bacon in the oven takes a bit more time, typically around 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees F. The oven method also requires additional time for preheating.

Crispiness: While the oven method consistently provides evenly cooked bacon, achieving immediate crispiness can be a bit challenging. The bacon tends to be more uniformly crisp but may lack the extra crunch some prefer. 

One area where the stovetop method truly shines is in its ability to offer immediate control over the bacon's crispiness. If you prefer your bacon on the crispy side, stovetop cooking is your ticket to bacon nirvana.

Cleanup: Cleanup after oven cooking is relatively hassle-free, thanks to the bacon grease dripping onto the pan or rack. If you've lined the pan with aluminum foil, cleanup is a breeze. I

Stovetop cooking tends to generate more grease splatter, which can lead to a bit more cleanup. However, it's a small price to pay for the intense, mouthwatering flavors and speedy results. I find I can control the spatter by adjusting the burner temperature.

The Final Verdict: Which Method Wins the Bacon Battle?

The ultimate winner in this bacon showdown depends on your personal preference and priorities:

Choose the Oven Method if you value consistency, hands-off cooking, and relatively easy cleanup. It's perfect for a larger batch of bacon when time isn't of the essence, and you prefer a more uniformly cooked result.

Opt for the Stovetop Method when you crave speedy, extra-crispy bacon with immediate control over texture. It's ideal for a quick morning fix or when you're after that perfect crunch.

In the end, the best bacon-cooking method is the one that suits your taste and schedule. Don't hesitate to experiment with both methods to find your personal bacon-cooking preference. Whichever you choose, rest assured that you're in for a delicious treat every time.

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven and Stovetop


bacon and eggs, cooking bacon, best way to cook bacon
breakfast
American
Yield: 4
Author: Donna Urso
Cooking Bacon: Stovetop vs Oven

Cooking Bacon: Stovetop vs Oven

How to cook bacon on the stove or in the oven
Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 27 Min

Ingredients

Instructions

For Oven Baked Bacon
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Line a half-sheet pan with aluminum foil and top with a rack.
  3. Lay the slices of bacon across the rack.
  4. Place the rack on the center rack of your oven. Bake for 18-24 minutes, until you reach your desired crispiness. Flipping the bacon mid-way is optional.
  5. Drain bacon on paper towels.
For Stovetop Fried Bacon
  1. Heat a non-stick 12" skillet oven on medium-high heat. Lay the slices of bacon in the pan. You'll need multiple batches. Do not crowd your slices of bacon.
  2. Cook the bacon, turning as needed.
  3. Bacon slices will be done in 8-10 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness. Drain on paper towels.

Notes

The thickness of your bacon will impact your cooking time.

Recommended Products

12 inch non-stick skillet
USA Half Sheet Pans
14-inch Rachel Ray Frying Pan

Nutrition Facts

Calories

354.65

Fat (grams)

33.76 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

11.31 g

Carbs (grams)

1.09 g

Fiber (grams)

0 g

Net carbs

1.09 g

Sugar (grams)

0 g

Protein (grams)

10.73 g

Sodium (milligrams)

563.02 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

56.13 mg

Nutritional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

The Best Bacon and Eggs

Bacon Cooked in Water

©Just One Donna

Comments

Post a Comment

Talk to me. I welcome your comments. (These comments are strictly moderated. Spammers take note.)

More Popular Posts

How to Make a Perfect Bacon and Eggs Breakfast

Donna Urso
In my opinion, the best breakfast consists of two perfectly fried eggs, crispy bacon, and toast made with hearty bread. This bacon and eggs recipe delivers. Bacon and eggs or eggs and bacon? No matter, it is definitely the breakfast you want on those lazy mornings when you have time to relax around the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee or two. The Best Bacon and Eggs Breakfast (This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  When you make a purchase using these links you help support this blog.) How to Cook Bacon and Eggs My technique was learned from my mom, by watching her make our family's breakfast over and over again, year after year.  This is a basted egg recipe which means the eggs are cooked in bacon grease. Cooking eggs in bacon fat is easy and takes just a little practice to perfect. All you really need for a great bacon and eggs breakfast is a good nonstick skillet and a good toaster . If you want to make your own bread fo
2 comments
Read more

The Best Asian Dipping Sauce You'll Ever Taste

Donna Urso
If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-make Asian dipping sauce perfect for sushi and dumplings, then you've come to the right place. This recipe for the best Asian dipping sauce is perfect for any time you want a  kick of delicious Asian flavor. An Asian Dipping Sauce for Sushi and Dumplings Try this if you are looking for a dipping sauce that is a little more flavorful than you typically get with your takeout order. You'll love it with dumplings, too!
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Doctor Up Store-Bought Potato Salad

Donna Urso
Here's a potato salad time-saver for you just in time for summer cookouts. You'll love how you can transform grocery store potato salad so easily no matter whether you are hosting a BBQ or bringing a side dish for a summer barbecue. There's no judgment here. We don't always have the time to make a potato salad from scratch. Sometimes it is just easier to stop by your local grocery store to pick up a container of store-made potato salad. It's good. It's predictable.  It will do.  All it needs is a little doctoring. How to Make Store-Bought Potato Salad Better When you need a quick potato salad, and have no time to make one from scratch, that ordinary store-bought potato salad you have in your refrigerator can go from blah to amazing in just a few minutes with just a few ingredients. Yes, you can improve store-bought potato salad. How to Doctor Up Potato Salad to have a little more flavor? You're going to a potluck picnic or you are having
3 comments
Read more

Crunchy, Spicy Gingersnap Cookies

Donna Urso
Crunchy, spicy, and yummy are all words used to describe a good gingersnap cookie.   While my hands-down, favorite cookie is a gooey chocolate chip cookie I occasionally crave a spicy ginger snaps cookie or  this molasses cookie .  This old-fashioned gingersnap cookie is a winner.  It's easy to make and will be a favorite in your recipe rotation. Traditional Ginger Snaps Cookie Recipe ( This post contains affiliate links.  I will be compensated when you make a purchase with these links.) Gingersnaps Cookies In the U.S., gingersnaps are usually drop cookies with lots of cracks on the surface.  That's exactly how I like them.  Those found in other countries may be thinner and sliced.  The Lebkuchen, a traditional German cookie, and the pepparkakor, from Sweden, are often cut into festive shapes.  My gingersnaps are round. Reasons You'll Love These Gingersnap Cookies These gingersnaps are tasty cookies at any time of the year.   Their spiciness is perfect as a holid
6 comments
Read more

Grandma's Soft and Chewy Date-Filled Cookies

Donna Urso
One of the things I can count on as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons arrive each year is a feeling of nostalgia. The traditional foods we serve at our family's holiday tables can sure bring out all the feels. Now that it is officially cookie season, we should kick it off with an old-fashioned homemade date-filled cookie recipe. This is a soft, tender cookie with dates that is a special, nostalgic, family recipe.   An Old-Fashioned Date Cookies Recipe This old-fashioned, date-filled cookie was my dad's favorite cookie from his childhood. My dad was born in 1932 so this recipe has been around for quite a while. 
7 comments
Read more

Five Keys to Growing A Healthy Ficus Tree

Donna Urso
Have you ever wondered how a single Ficus benjamina tree could become a beloved part of your home for decades, thriving and growing alongside your family?  If you haven’t yet, you might consider the addition of this living, air-purifying companion in your home that not only beautifies your space but also stands the test of time.  You may know this tree as either a Ficus benjamina or a weeping fig.   I have loved growing a ficus tree in my home for 36 years. It’s remarkable that I've had this tree for so long.   How to Grow A Ficus Tree Inside for Decades When thinking about how I managed to keep this indoor ficus tree happy, healthy, and growing strong all these years it boiled down to five key Ficus benjamina plant care tips. Follow these tips and you can have a happy, healthy ficus tree in your home for many years, too.
18 comments
Read more

Traditional New England Whoopie Pies

Donna Urso
Are you looking for the best whoopie pie recipe?  Whoopie pies are a quintessential New England dessert and a memorable treat from my childhood.   My mom would make them for us every once in a while.  Oh, what a treat to come home from school to a platter of chocolate whoopie pies!  Yum! Today I'm sharing my recipe for the best-ever whoopie pies. The Best Whoopie Pies Recipe without Marshmallow Fluff Whoopie Pies Whoopie pies are soft round cookie-like cakes with a smooth cream filling sandwiched in the center. Debate rages about the whoopie pie's origin.  Some say these goodies originated in New England, others say they originated with the Amish.   There is also debate about what ingredients should be in the filling.  Many recipes include fillings made with Marshmallow Fluff or buttercream but neither is  traditional, in my opinion.  The whoopie pie of my childhood is a traditional Maine whoopie pie recipe, made with a cooked flour and milk mixture added to suga
6 comments
Read more

Easy Chicken Parmesan-A Make Ahead Freezer Dinner

Donna Urso
Chicken Parmesan is a favorite dinner in the Just One Donna house because it is a delicious dish that can satisfy your cravings for Italian food. It's also easy to make at home with simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry.  But what if you don't have time to cook on a busy weeknight? Don't worry, you can make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time and freeze it for later. I like to prepare Chicken Parmesan to have on hand in my freezer for those busy weeknights when we might be tempted to head to a restaurant instead of eating at home.  How to Make Freezer Chicken Parmesan for Busy Nights This post contains affiliate links.  I receive a small compensation when you shop using these links Easy Freezer Chicken Parmesan for Dinner Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Pa
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Trap and Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Donna Urso
Fruit flies can be a huge annoyance at certain times of the year. What can you do to kill fruit flies? We've all been there wondering how to get rid of fruit flies.  Fruit flies in the kitchen.  Fruit flies in the bathroom.  Fruit flies buzzing around everywhere in your home.   It's a frustrating problem that happens to everyone at one time or another.  If you are a fresh fruit and produce lover you certainly know what I mean. How to Kill Fruit Flies with Two Ingredients Those pesky little buggers can often be brought into your home on the vegetables and fruit you buy. You don't have to tolerate the annoyance.  This homemade fruit fly trap is one I have been using for many years and it works every time. 
1 comment
Read more

DIY Cheap and Effective Rug Cleaning

Donna Urso
Using area rugs throughout your house help to make your home feel warm and inviting.  Area rugs help absorb noise and add pops of color to complement your decor.  How do you keep rugs clean and smelling fresh? It can be a challenge. While regular vacuuming is important, you'll want to deep clean your rugs periodically, especially if you own pets. Here's a cheap and effective rug-cleaning method I use. How to Clean Your Area Rugs (This post contains affiliate links for your convenience ) Cheap and Effective Rug Cleaning This cleaning method works well for me with both wool rugs and polypropylene rugs. I've cleaned polypropylene rugs like I have in my front entry hall and large, 8 x 10-foot wool rugs like I have throughout the rooms in my house.
Post a Comment
Read more