I Tested 4 Different Methods of Baking Bacon to Find Out Which One Makes the Crispiest Strips

Growing up, we went through pounds of bacon in just a couple of days. My mom loved it, and it was a staple in the house. Being an only child, I had no one else to blame for our bacon obsession. I became an expert at pan-frying and even microwaving it. It wasn’t until college that I discovered baking bacon—thankfully, it saves me time and keeps my skin safe from grease splatters.

While baking bacon is convenient, I’d always heard it couldn’t achieve the same crispiness as pan-frying. Crispiness is key for me—whether it’s paired with pancakes or stacked on a BLT. At one deli I worked at, they deep-fried the bacon for their signature BLTs. But I’m here to challenge the deep fryer and champion oven-baked bacon.

Social media is full of 'hacks' claiming to create the crispiest bacon, from coating strips in flour to adding water to the pan or baking it on a rack. I decided to test all these techniques and finally discover which one delivers the absolute crispiest bacon straight from the oven.

How I Tested the Top Methods for Baking Bacon

I prepared four different batches of bacon, each cooked using a unique method. The first batch was placed directly on a baking sheet. The second batch went onto a baking rack. The third involved adding water to the pan, with the bacon submerged during baking. The final batch was coated in flour before being baked on a sheet. Here’s how each one turned out.

The Ultimate Method for Baking Bacon to Achieve Maximum Crispiness

#4 Adding Water to the Pan

The idea behind this method is that adding water to the pan generates steam, which helps crisp the bacon. I added just enough water to cover the bottom of the baking sheet, then placed the bacon on top and baked it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

This was my least favorite method. While the bacon did cook and crisp up, the process of baking it with water created a mess in the oven. Additionally, it didn’t produce bacon any crispier than the other methods I tested.

#3 Baking Directly on a Sheet

For this method, you simply lay the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.

This method did create some crispiness, but since the bacon cooks in its own fat, it can sometimes end up chewier rather than perfectly crispy.

#2 Using a Baking Rack

For this method, place a wire baking rack on a sheet pan and arrange the bacon directly on the rack. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. The rack allows hot air to circulate around the bacon, promoting even crispiness.

This method prevented the bacon from sitting in its own fat for too long, helping it stay crispy without becoming overly greasy.

#1 Coating the Bacon in Flour

This method has recently gained popularity on social media. Lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet, sprinkle all-purpose flour over them, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

I was amazed at how well this worked. The flour really helped the bacon crisp up and gave it a better color compared to the other methods. It also seemed to prevent the bacon from curling, as the starch absorbed the grease, helping it keep its shape.

Overall, I’d say the flour method is the best for achieving the crispiest oven-baked bacon. I’ll definitely be using this hack again.