Before we jump into this delicious little retro breakfast-for-supper gem, I just want to say—thank you for being here! Whether you’re browsing for dinner inspiration or simply reminiscing over the way breakfast used to be, I’m so grateful to share this recipe with you. Some recipes come from cookbooks, some from YouTube, but every once in a while, one comes straight from the heart—and this one? This came from my mama, who got it from Gomer Pyle! (Yes, really!)
We’re talking flour-dusted, oven-baked bacon that’s so good it “impressed generals.” A simple method that results in ultra-crispy bacon with a tender, golden crust and hardly any shrinkage. It’s the kind of bacon that makes you close your eyes and smile with that first bite.
This one’s for anyone who grew up watching their mom shake bacon in a bag and toss it in the oven. It’s comfort, tradition, and genius all in one crispy bite.
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What Is Flour-Dusted Oven-Baked Bacon?
This method is pure old-school brilliance: raw bacon is lightly coated in flour before being baked in the oven. The flour gives the bacon a subtle crust, keeping it from curling and shrinking too much while adding a satisfying crispness that pan-frying can’t quite match.
It’s the kind of bacon you’d expect to find on a biscuit in a 1960s Southern diner, and trust me—it’s anything but boring!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Method
- No curling or shrinking – Bacon stays long, flat, and crispy.
- Easy cleanup – Thanks to a foil-lined pan, there’s no greasy skillet mess.
- Perfect texture – Crispy with a delicate golden crust.
- Hands-off cooking – No splattering oil or babysitting the stovetop.
- It’s nostalgic – A true taste of childhood for so many of us.
What Does It Taste Like?
The flour coating turns into this thin, delicate crust that clings to the bacon like magic. It’s got a little extra crunch, a hint of toastiness, and zero sogginess. The bacon fat helps the flour crisp up beautifully, almost like a thin batter—light but flavorful. The end result is crispy, chewy, salty, and downright addictive.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Bakes evenly without burning
- Budget-friendly with ingredients you already have
- Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or breakfast-for-dinner nights
Ingredients
- 1 lb sliced bacon (any thickness works, but regular is ideal)
- 1–2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Optional: Black pepper, smoked paprika, or a pinch of brown sugar for added flavor
Tools You’ll Need
- Ziploc or large plastic bag
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels for draining
Flour-Dusted Oven-Baked Bacon
Equipment
- Ziploc or large plastic bag
- baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb sliced bacon (regular or thin cut recommended)
- 1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Optional: cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, or brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Place flour in a Ziploc bag. Add a few bacon slices at a time, seal, and shake gently to coat.
- Remove each bacon strip and lightly shake off any excess flour before placing on pan.
- Lay bacon flat in a single layer on foil-lined sheet. Don’t overlap strips.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Flip each strip and bake another 10–12 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Optional Add-Ins
- Pepper Bacon Twist: Add cracked black pepper to the flour before coating.
- Sweet Heat: Toss a pinch of cayenne and brown sugar into the flour.
- Herb Crust: Try adding dried thyme or rosemary for a savory upgrade.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Flour the Bacon
Place 1–2 tablespoons of flour into a Ziploc bag. Add bacon strips (a few at a time), seal the bag, and shake gently until coated.
Just like Mom did it: “Shake it really good!”
3. Shake Off the Excess
Remove bacon from the bag, giving each strip a light shake to get rid of extra flour.
4. Lay Bacon on the Pan
Arrange bacon in a single layer on the foil-lined sheet, making sure pieces aren’t overlapping.
5. Bake & Flip
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each strip and return to the oven. Bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispness.
6. Drain & Serve
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease. Serve hot and enjoy every crunchy bite!
What to Serve With Oven-Baked Bacon
- Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits – Split and stuffed with a few crispy strips.
- Cheesy Scrambled Eggs – The ultimate breakfast-for-dinner combo.
- Gravy & Grits – A Southern classic made even better.
- Maple Pancakes or Waffles – For that sweet and salty contrast.
- Breakfast Sandwiches – Add to an English muffin with egg and cheese.
Tips for the Best Bacon Crust
- Use regular or thin-sliced bacon—thick-cut takes longer and can get too chewy.
- Don’t crowd the pan; bacon needs space to crisp.
- Flip only once to avoid the flour coating breaking apart.
- Watch closely the last few minutes—bacon can go from perfect to burnt fast!
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or crisp in a skillet or air fryer.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked bacon, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for that signature crisp!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Rice flour or any fine GF flour works beautifully.
Will the flour make the bacon taste “floury”?
Not at all—just crispy and a little extra golden.
Can I make this with turkey bacon?
Absolutely. Just reduce the bake time slightly and keep an eye on it since it’s leaner.
Where did this method come from again?
According to legend (aka Mom), Gomer Pyle cooked bacon this way on TV—and it “impressed generals”! That’s a recipe origin story if I’ve ever heard one. 🫡
Final Thoughts
This flour-dusted oven-baked bacon is the kind of recipe that brings smiles to the table and a little nostalgia to the soul. It’s easy, it’s genius, and it’s proof that sometimes, the old ways really are the best. Whether you’re making breakfast, brunch, or a late-night BLT—you’re going to love this crispy classic.
More Reader-Favorite Breakfast Recipes
- Creamy Cheesy Scrambled Eggs
- Skillet Biscuits with Honey Butter
- Old-Fashioned Sausage Gravy
- Oven-Baked French Toast Casserole
Share Your Bacon Brilliance! 🥓
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Nutritional Information (Per 2 Slices, approx.)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
(Nutritional info varies based on bacon brand and flour type used.)
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