How to Cook Bacon Chops Perfectly in the Oven Every Time

Bacon chops, also known as bacon steaks, are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to regular bacon rashers. These thick and juicy cuts of meat offer even more intense bacon flavor than regular sliced bacon While bacon chops are often pan-fried, grilled, or broiled, the oven can be an easy and effective cooking method as well

In this detailed guide, we’ll provide tips and techniques for how to cook bacon chops in the oven so they turn out perfect each time. We’ll go over oven temperature, prep, cook times, seasonings, and more so you can enjoy restaurant-quality bacon chops right from your own kitchen.

What Are Bacon Chops?

Before we dive into oven cooking methods let’s quickly go over what exactly bacon chops are. Bacon chops, sometimes labeled as bacon steaks in supermarkets are thick slices of cured and smoked pork belly, similar to Canadian bacon.

While regular sliced bacon is around 1/16 inch thick, bacon chops are cut into 1⁄2 to 1 inch slices, giving you a steak-like cut of pure, uncured bacon. The fat marbling results in incredibly rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.

Bacon chops are taken from the same fatty pork belly section as regular bacon. However, bacon chops tend to contain more lean meat than fat, similar to back bacon like Canadian bacon.

Overall, think of bacon chops as thick steak cuts of bacon with even more intense pork and smoky flavors. The thickness allows you to cook them like steaks for juicy results.

Benefits of Cooking Bacon Chops in the Oven

There are a few advantages to cooking your bacon chops in the oven rather than pan frying them on the stovetop:

• Even cooking: The oven heat surrounds the bacon chops on all sides, preventing uneven cooking.

• Less splattering: Bacon cooked in a pan often pops and splatters hot grease. The oven contains this mess.

• Easy batch cooking: You can cook a dozen bacon chops at once in the oven with minimal effort.

• Highlight seasoning: The oven draws out seasoning and creates a nice crust or glaze on the chops.

How to Prep Bacon Chops for the Oven

Proper prep is key to oven-baked bacon chops with crispy edges and tender, juicy centers. Here are a few tips:

• Pick thick chops: Look for chops that are 1⁄2 to 1 inch thick so they hold up well in the dry oven heat. Thinner chops can overcook quickly.

• Leave in one piece: For even cooking, don’t cut the bacon chops prior to baking them. Leave them whole.

• Let come to room temp: Take chops out of fridge at least 15 minutes before baking so they cook steady, not from cold in center.

• Line baking sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. The raised edges help contain fat drippings too.

• Season generously: Rub or brush the pork chops all over with seasoning, oil, glazes, etc prior to cooking for maximum flavor.

How Long to Cook Bacon Chops in Oven

The oven cook time for bacon chops will vary based on the thickness, your desired level of doneness, oven type, etc. Here are some general oven bake times to follow:

• 1⁄2 inch thick – 10 to 14 minutes
• 3⁄4 inch thick – 15 to 20 minutes
• 1 inch thick – 20 to 28 minutes

Thinner bacon chops around 1⁄2 inch thickness will need closer to 10 minutes, while a very thick 1 inch pork chop may need up to 30 minutes to fully cook in the center while getting crispy edges.

The best way to test doneness is by using an instant read meat thermometer. For safely cooked but still tender and juicy bacon chops, target an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

If you notice the edges and bottom getting very dark during cooking but the center still seems underdone, tent foil loosely over the chops to prevent burning. Then continue cooking until 145°F internally.

Ideal Oven Temperature for Bacon Chops

The oven should be hot in order to crisp up the outside of the bacon chops before the interiors overcook. However, too high of heat can also quickly lead to burning.

For most standard ovens, we recommend preheating to 400°F-450°F for baking bacon chops. Convection ovens that use a fan can go even higher, around 475°F.

Maintain this high heat the entire time while baking. Unlike thicker pork chops or roasts, bacon chops don’t need to be cooked low and slow. Their leanness benefits from quick, hot oven temperatures.

If you notice excess burning before they are fully cooked through, you can reduce oven temp to 375°F. But start high for best texture contrast.

How to Cook Plain Bacon Chops in Oven

For simple oven baked bacon chops, pick a 1⁄2 to 1 inch thick sliced piece of cured, smoked pork belly. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly coat with oil to prevent sticking. Place the bacon chops on the sheet.

Bake for about 15 minutes, then flip and bake another 10-15 minutes until browned and crispy at 145°F internally. The bacon fat will render as it cooks, basting the chops in their own juices.

Cooking plain allows the pure pork and smoke flavors to shine through. However, consider adding seasoning or glazes for even more flavor.

Seasoning and Flavorings for Oven Bacon

Here are some easy seasoning options to give oven-baked bacon extra flavor:

• Brown sugar: Classic sweet and salty flavor, brush with maple syrup too.

• Spice rubs: Cajun seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder.

• Mustard: Yellow, Dijon, whole grain, or maple mustard make excellent glazes.

• Pepper: Coarse black pepper, cracked peppercorns, or dried chilies.

• Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano work nicely with pork.

Apply rubs and spices before cooking, and reserve sweet glazes like mustard or brown sugar to brush on during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Oven Bacon Chop Recipe Ideas

Now that you know the basics, here are just a few recipe ideas for oven-cooked bacon chops to try:

• Brown sugar ginger glazed bacon chops
• Bacon chops with rosemary garlic rub
• Bacon chops with bourbon bbq sauce
• Chili lime bacon chops
• Bacon chops with maple dijon glaze
• Cajun blackened oven bacon chops

Get creative with your favorite seasoning flavors. The oven really brings them to life on these thick, fatty bacon chops.

Cooking Other Meats Like Bacon

The oven methods work great not just for bacon chops, but for other extra thick, steak-like bacon cuts:

• Pork belly: Cut into cubes or slabs and bake like bacon chops.

• Turkey bacon: Often sold thick-cut, bake like chops until crisp.

• Beef bacon: Wagyu or other fatty beef belly can be oven-baked too.

• Jowl bacon: From pork or other meat jowls, bake low and slow.

Serving Suggestions for Bacon Chops

Bacon chops are extremely versatile and pair well with most savory foods. Here are just a few serving ideas:

• Breakfast with eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes
• On salads or sandwiches for lunch
• Wrapped in chicken, beef, or fish fillets
• Chopped on top of baked potatoes or pizza
• Bacon mac and cheese with crispy chops on top
• Bacon chop carbonara pasta
• Bacon chop burgers or sandwiches

And let’s not forget enjoying these oven-cooked bacon chops completely on their own! The crispy fat and tender meat is sure to satisfy any bacon craving.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Oven Bacon

Properly stored, leftover oven-cooked bacon chops will keep for 4-5 days refrigerated. Reheat gently either in a hot skillet, back in the oven at 325°F, or even the microwave until heated through.

The pre-cooked bacon can also be chopped and frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw before reheating to use later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between bacon chops and pork chops?

Bacon chops come from the fatty pork belly and contain streaks of fat throughout the meat. Pork chops are leaner cuts from the loin or shoulder areas.

Should I flip the bacon chops during baking?

Yes, flipping the chops halfway through ensures even cooking on both sides.

Can I bake bacon chops from frozen?

It’s best to thaw frozen bacon chops in the fridge overnight before baking. Cook times may be slightly longer.

Which is better – baking, broiling, or pan frying?

All methods have pros and cons. Baking gives you the most even results for multiple chops at once.

Enjoy Juicy, Flavorful Oven Bacon Chops

With these simple tips and guides, you can achieve restaurant-worthy bacon chops from your own oven. Proper prep and ideal oven temp are key for the perfect balance of crispy, grease-rendering edges and moist interior meat.

Feel free to experiment with seasonings, glazes, and final serving ideas. Enjoy this versatile and indulgent meat any day of the week by baking bacon chops the easy oven way.