Thick Cut Bacon Cooking Time
Written by Mustapha B. · Updated August 13, 2026
Thick-cut bacon needs a little longer, choose your crispiness for the time at 400°F.
Bake at 400°F for
18–20 min
Thick-cut bacon needs more time than regular slices because there's simply more meat and fat to render. In a 400°F oven, plan on about 18 to 22 minutes, leaning toward the longer end for extra-crispy strips. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet, and set them on a wire rack if you have one so the heat surrounds each piece and the fat drips away for even crisping.
Because the strips are heavy, give them room to lie flat without overlapping, rotate the pan halfway through, and start checking around the 18-minute mark. Thick bacon keeps cooking and firms up as it rests, so pull it a touch early and let it sit on paper towels. If you prefer chewier bacon with a little bite, aim closer to 18 minutes; for shatter-crisp, go nearer to 22. Set your crispiness above for a precise time.
Bacon Cooking Time Calculator, full chart
| How crispy? | Thickness | Bake at 400°F for |
|---|---|---|
| Chewy | Regular cut | 12–14 min |
| Chewy | Thick cut | 15–17 min |
| Crispy | Regular cut | 16–18 min |
| Crispy | Thick cut | 18–20 min |
| Extra crispy | Regular cut | 18–20 min |
| Extra crispy | Thick cut | 20–22 min |
Tips
- Start with a cold oven and a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet, no preheat needed.
- Use a wire rack for all-around crisping and less grease.
- Thick-cut and very crispy take the longest; check a couple of minutes early.
Frequently asked questions
How long does thick-cut bacon take in the oven?
At 400°F, thick-cut bacon usually takes about 18 to 22 minutes. Aim for the shorter end for chewier strips and the longer end for crispier ones, checking near the 18-minute mark.
Why does thick-cut bacon take longer than regular bacon?
It has more meat and fat per slice, so it needs extra time to render and crisp. Regular bacon is done in roughly 12 to 18 minutes, while thick-cut runs closer to 18 to 22.