Picture it: you’ve just agreed to make breakfast for the whole family and—oh no—the bacon is still in the freezer.
Don’t worry. I’ve been there too.
The good news is that you’re not out of luck.
You won’t have to rush off the fam to your local diner.
You absolutely can cook frozen bacon in the oven.
And today, I’m going to walk you through how to do it without sacrificing flavor, texture, or your sanity.
Why Cook Bacon from Frozen?
Life happens. Maybe you bought pounds of bacon on sale (no judgment here), tossed it into a freezer bag, and forgot about it.
Or maybe you’re just prepping for future simple meals and want to know your options.
Either way, frozen bacon is convenient, and the oven might just be the best way to handle it.
Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Bacon?
Yes! The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it’s safe to cook bacon from frozen—as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
That said, depending on the thickness of your bacon, the cooking time will vary, and your method will matter.
The Best Way to Cook Frozen Bacon in the Oven
Here’s my preferred method for cooking bacon from frozen:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or use the cold oven method and let the bacon heat up gradually).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet or large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch that glorious bacon fat and make cleanup easier.
- If your bacon is frozen in a block, try to gently separate it into individual slices or bacon strips. You can run the sealed package of bacon under cold tap water or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven in short bursts.
- Place bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. Don’t worry if the pieces aren’t completely flat yet—they’ll relax as they warm up.
- Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness of your bacon, until it’s golden brown and crispy bacon dreams are achieved.
- Use tongs to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess bacon grease.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
- Use a wire rack or cooling rack on top of your cookie sheet to let the bacon fat drip down while the bacon cooks evenly.
- Keep an eye on cooking time, especially with thinner bacon. An extra minute can turn perfect into burnt.
- For thick-cut bacon or pound of bacon blocks, separate into smaller portions before freezing using plastic wrap and a freezer bag.
- Save that bacon fat for later use—it’s magic with green beans, eggs, or cornbread.
Should You Defrost First? Better Ways to Thaw Bacon
While you can cook straight from frozen, there are times when it helps to thaw bacon first:
- Microwave method: Place bacon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with paper towels, and use the defrost setting in short intervals.
- Cold water method: Submerge the sealed package of bacon in cool water (not hot!) and change the water every 30 minutes.
- Fridge thaw: The safest but slowest route. Place in the fridge overnight.
Cooking Bacon Using Different Methods
Curious about different methods? Here are some additional options:
- Frying pan: Great for small batches but messy. Watch for splatter.
- Air fryer basket: Fast and crispy but limited capacity.
- Microwave oven: Quickest option, especially for a slice of bacon or two, but you won’t get that classic oven-baked texture.
- Oven-baked bacon: The easiest way to cook a full baking pan of bacon slices at once—my favorite way.
What About Flavor Additions?
Want to level up? Try brushing the bacon with brown sugar or a mix of maple syrup and pepper before baking. Just be sure to watch it closely, as the sugar can burn faster.
How to Store Leftover Bacon
- Wrap thawed bacon or cooked bacon in paper towels and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cooked leftovers in a sheet of wax paper inside a freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave wrapped in paper towels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I put frozen bacon directly in a hot oven?
A: Yes, but a cold oven start can help the fat render more evenly.
Q: Do I need to use parchment paper or aluminum foil?
A:It’s not totally necessary, but using one of them makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
Q: How do I avoid soggy bacon
A:Make sure to use a single layer, don’t overcrowd your sheet pan, and bake until it’s crispy bacon perfection.
Q: What’s the healthiest way to cook bacon?
A:Baking on a wire rack allows bacon fat to drip off, reducing grease and making it a bit lighter.
Q: How long does it take to cook frozen bacon in the oven?
A:Expect anywhere from 18 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and whether you started in a cold oven.
Q: What should I do if my bacon is frozen in a big chunk?
A:Run it under cool water for a few minutes or zap it in the microwave using the defrost setting in short bursts to break it into individual slices.
Q: Can I refreeze bacon after thawing it?
A:Only if it was thawed in the fridge and hasn’t been cooked yet. Otherwise, freeze cooked bacon for later use.
Q: Is there a faster way to thaw bacon if I don’t want to microwave it?
A:Yes! The cold water method works well. Submerge the sealed package of bacon in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes.
So, can you put frozen bacon in the oven? Absolutely!
In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the most forgiving and best ways to handle a last-minute breakfast emergency.
With the right tools—a rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper, and maybe a little brown sugar—you can go from freezer to brunch in no time.
