Want to make perfect, crispy bacon every time with little mess? Try cooking it in the oven! I always use this method when I am cooking bacon for more than 2 people. It is less messy than cooking on the stovetop, you can cook a whole package at a time with no grease spattering everywhere. It requires little attention, which gives you time to prepare the other elements of the meal ( pancakes perhaps?). Also, the bacon comes out perfectly cooked (and flat) and delicious every time. To cook bacon in the oven, first line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange bacon slices on parchment, overlapping if desired. (Side note: the bacon will cook a little faster and require no separating if the slices are not overlapping, but one Chef I worked for instructed me to overlap the slices with the meatier side on the bottom so that the fattier side covers the meat and "protects it" during cooking - not sure if this is true, but you can fit more on a tray if the slices are overlapping.) Cook in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20 minutes, separating with tongs if needed, until bacon is golden-brown. Timing will depend on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. Remove bacon to paper-lined platter to drain. Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon in these recipes... Bacon and Onion Cheese Balls Chard and Apple Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette   Photography by Leah Kuhne