## Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon
### Ingredients
– 8–12 slices bacon
– Optional: freshly ground black pepper or a little maple syrup
### Instructions
1. **Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).**
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. They can be close together but shouldn’t overlap.
3. **Bake for 15–20 minutes**, depending on thickness and how crispy you like it.
4. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
5. Serve hot.
**Tip:** For especially even cooking, use a wire rack over the baking sheet. Save the rendered bacon fat in a sealed container in the refrigerator—it can add flavor to eggs, potatoes, vegetables, and beans.
