Sizzle Without the Mess: How to Cook Bacon in Your Breville Smart Oven Like a Pro!

Hey there, bacon lovers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve had your fair share of greasy disasters trying to cook bacon on the stovetop Splattered oil everywhere, uneven strips, and that lingering smoke smell—ugh, what a pain! But lemme tell ya, ever since I started using my Breville Smart Oven to whip up bacon, breakfast has been a whole new game. No mess, no fuss, just crispy, mouthwatering bacon every darn time

In this guide, I’m gonna walk you through exactly how to cook bacon in a Breville Smart Oven. We’ll cover the best methods, some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way, and even a few fun ways to use that perfectly cooked bacon. Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who craves a killer breakfast, stick with me—I’ve got your back!

Why Cook Bacon in a Breville Smart Oven?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s chat about why the Breville Smart Oven is a total lifesaver for bacon Unlike the stovetop, this bad boy keeps all the grease contained, so your kitchen doesn’t turn into a war zone Plus, it’s got different cooking functions like baking, air frying, and broiling, which means you can pick how crispy or chewy you want your strips. And cleanup? A breeze, my friend. Trust me, once you try this, you ain’t going back to the old way.

The Best Methods to Cook Bacon in Your Breville Smart Oven

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff There’s more than one way to cook bacon in this oven, and I’ve messed around with all of ‘em to figure out what works best. Here are the three main methods—baking, air frying, and broiling—laid out step by step. Pick the one that fits your vibe or try ‘em all!

Method 1: Baking Bacon for Classic Crispy Strips

This is my go-to when I’ve got a bit of time and want that classic bacon texture. Baking in the Breville Smart Oven gives you even cooking and a nice crunch.

• Step 1: Preheat the Oven – Set your Breville Smart Oven to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Give it a few minutes to heat up proper.
• Step 2: Prep Your Tray – Grab a baking sheet with high edges to catch the grease. I like to line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup, though some folks say not to use foil in these ovens to avoid overheating.
• Step 3: Lay Out the Bacon – Place your bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet. Don’t overlap ‘em, or they’ll cook unevenly. I stick to about 6-8 slices at a time.
• Step 4: Bake It – Pop the tray in and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Check around the 15-minute mark to see if it’s crispy enough for ya. Flip the strips halfway through for even cooking.
• Step 5: Cool and Drain – Take the bacon out, lay it on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra grease, and let it rest a couple minutes before diggin’ in.

This method is great if you’re cooking for a crowd and want consistent results. The bacon comes out nice and flat, perfect for sandwiches or just munching.

Method 2: Air Frying Bacon for a Healthier Crunch

If you’re looking to cut down on grease or just love that extra crispy bite, air frying in the Breville Smart Oven is where it’s at. It uses hot air to cook, so there’s less fat left on your bacon.

• Step 1: Preheat to 375°F – Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit using the air fry or convection setting. It heats up quick, so don’t dawdle.
• Step 2: Use the Air Fry Basket – Place your bacon strips in a single layer in the air fry basket or on a wire rack. This lets the air circulate all around for max crispiness.
• Step 3: Cook for 8-10 Minutes – Slide the basket in and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway to make sure both sides get that golden crunch.
• Step 4: Drain the Grease – Once it’s done, move the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. You’ll notice way less grease than with baking.

I love this method ‘cause it feels a bit lighter, and the texture is outta this world. Plus, it’s faster than baking, so it’s perfect for those rushed mornings.

Method 3: Broiling Bacon for a Quick Fix

Got no time to mess around? Broiling is the speedy way to get bacon done in the Breville Smart Oven. It’s intense heat from the top, so you gotta keep an eye on it.

• Step 1: Set to Broil – Turn your oven to the broil setting on high. It’ll heat up in a snap.
• Step 2: Prep with a Rack – Lay your bacon on a broiler pan or wire rack over a baking sheet. This keeps it from sittin’ in grease and getting soggy.
• Step 3: Broil for 3-5 Minutes – Pop it in and watch it like a hawk. It only takes 3-5 minutes total. Flip once in the middle to avoid burning one side.
• Step 4: Rest and Serve – Pull it out, let it drain on paper towels, and give it a minute to cool before you chow down.

This one’s my pick when I’m starving and can’t wait. Just don’t walk away while it’s cooking, or you’ll end up with charcoal instead of bacon!

Comparing the Cooking Methods: Which One’s for You?

Not sure which method to try first? Here’s a quick lil’ table I put together to break down the differences. Pick based on your time, texture preference, and how much grease you wanna deal with.

Personally, I lean toward air frying ‘cause I’m all about that crunch without the extra oiliness. But if I’m making a big breakfast spread, baking wins for quantity.

Tips and Tricks for Bacon Perfection

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some insider hacks I’ve learned to take your Breville bacon game to the next level. These lil’ nuggets of wisdom come from plenty of trial and error in my kitchen.

• Pick the Right Bacon – Go for thick-cut strips, at least a quarter-inch thick. Thin stuff burns too easy, and pre-cooked bacon just don’t work here. I’m a sucker for applewood-smoked for that extra flavor kick.
• Don’t Crowd the Tray – Stick to 6-8 slices max per batch. Piling ‘em up messes with the cooking, and you’ll end up with sad, uneven bacon. Do batches if you’re feeding a crew.
• Use a Wire Rack – Whether you’re baking or broiling, a rack or air fry basket is a must. It lets the fat drip off and keeps the bacon from steaming in its own grease. No soggy bottoms, please!
• Flip for Evenness – Halfway through, give those strips a flip. It’s a small step, but it makes sure both sides get equal love from the heat.
• Check Early, Check Often – Start peekin’ at your bacon a couple minutes before the recommended time. Thickness and crisp preference change cook times, so trust your eyes more than the clock.
• Add a Splash of Water – If you’re worried about smoke or splatters, toss a tablespoon of water on the tray before cooking. It catches drips and keeps things from gettin’ too wild in there.
• Let It Rest – Don’t scarf it down straight outta the oven. Let the bacon sit for 2-3 minutes on the paper towel. It finishes cooking and locks in that crispy texture.
• Get Creative with Flavors – Before cooking, brush on some maple syrup or sprinkle a bit of brown sugar for a sweet twist. Or toss on some chili powder if you like a spicy kick. Experiment, yo!

One time, I forgot to flip my bacon while air frying, and half the batch was like leather while the other half was still floppy. Lesson learned—don’t skip the flip!

Cleaning Up After Cooking Bacon in the Breville Smart Oven

One of the best things about using the Breville Smart Oven for bacon is how easy cleanup is compared to the stovetop chaos. No grease splattered all over your counters—just a neat lil’ setup. Here’s how I handle it.

• Wait Till It Cools – Don’t even think about cleaning until the oven’s completely cool. You don’t wanna burn yourself messing with hot trays.
• Wipe Down the Inside – Grab a damp sponge and give the walls, ceiling, and glass door a quick swipe. Bacon grease loves to stick, especially on the door, so don’t skip that spot.
• Clean the Trays and Racks – Pull out the baking sheet, wire rack, or air fry basket. I usually just wash ‘em by hand with some soapy water, but they’re dishwasher-safe if you’re feeling lazy.
• Check for Stray Bits – Take a peek inside after each use to make sure no food or grease is near the heating element. If something’s there, wait till it’s cool and gently remove it—never use metal tools in there.
• Deep Clean Weekly – If you’re using your Breville a lot, give it a thorough scrub once a week. I tie this to my usual kitchen chores so I don’t forget. Keeps the oven in tip-top shape.

I used to dread cleaning after bacon, but with this oven, it’s honestly no biggie. Takes me like 5 minutes tops, and I’m back to sipping my coffee.

Creative Ways to Use Your Breville-Cooked Bacon

Alright, so you’ve cooked up a batch of perfect bacon in your Breville Smart Oven. Now what? Sure, you can just eat it straight up (no judgment here), but there’s so many fun ways to level up your meals with it. Here’s a few ideas that me and my family can’t get enough of.

• Candied Bacon Treats – Before cooking, brush your raw bacon with a mix of brown sugar and a splash of maple syrup. Cook it up in the oven, and you’ve got a sweet-salty snack that’s pure magic.
• Epic Breakfast Sammies – Layer your bacon with a fried egg and some melty cheese on a croissant or biscuit. It’s a breakfast sandwich that’ll make your mornings legendary.
• Bacon-Wrapped Goodies – Wrap your bacon around stuff like dates, shrimp, or even little chunks of cheese before popping ‘em back in the Breville for a quick bake. Fancy appetizers, done easy.
• Bacon Jam – Chop up cooked bacon and slow-cook it with some brown sugar, onions, and spices on the stovetop. Spread that stuff on toast or burgers—it’s next-level tasty.
• Toppings Galore – Crumble your bacon over salads, baked potatoes, or mac and cheese for an extra punch of flavor. It’s a simple way to make any dish feel gourmet.

Last weekend, I made some bacon-wrapped dates for a party, and folks couldn’t stop raving. Cooked ‘em right in the Breville, and they were gone in like 10 minutes flat.

Why Thick-Cut Bacon Works Best in the Breville Smart Oven

I gotta throw in a quick word about bacon types ‘cause it makes a huge difference. Thin bacon just don’t cut it in the Breville—it burns too fast and turns into brittle sadness. Thick-cut bacon, on the other hand, holds up under the heat and gives you that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender middles.

I usually grab cuts that are at least a quarter-inch thick. They take a bit longer to cook, sure, but the results are worth it. Plus, if you can find applewood or maple-smoked varieties, the flavor is just unreal. Avoid pre-cooked stuff; it’s already done, so the oven just dries it out. Stick with raw, thick bacon, and you’ll thank me later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Bacon in the Breville

I’ve made plenty of oopsies while figuring out this bacon thing, so lemme save you some trouble. Here’s what not to do if you want stellar results.

• Overloading the Tray – I said it before, but it bears repeating—don’t cram too many slices in at once. It messes with airflow, and you get uneven cooking. Stick to small batches.
• Skipping the Rack – If you lay bacon flat on a tray without a wire rack, it’ll sit in grease and get soggy. Use a rack or basket to let that fat drip off.
• Not Watching the Clock – Especially with broiling, bacon can go from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat. Set a timer and check early.
• Using Thin Bacon – Like I mentioned, thin strips burn easy and don’t give you that satisfying bite. Go thick or go home.
• Cleaning Too Soon – Don’t try wiping down the oven while it’s still hot. I did that once and nearly scorched my hand. Wait till it’s cool, folks.

Avoid these slip-ups, and you’ll be a bacon-cooking champ in no time.

Wrapping Up: Your Breville Bacon Journey Starts Here

So there ya have it—everything I’ve learned about cooking bacon in a Breville Smart Oven, laid out nice and simple. Whether you’re baking for a big family breakfast, air frying for a quick bite, or broiling when you’re in a rush, this oven makes it stupid-easy to get perfect bacon without the greasy mess of the stovetop.

I’m telling ya, once you switch to this method, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with a frying pan. Grab some thick-cut bacon, fire up that Breville, and follow the steps I’ve shared. You’ll be sizzlin’ up strips that are crispy, flavorful, and just right for whatever meal you’ve got planned.

Got a fave bacon recipe or a trick of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’m always down to try new stuff in my kitchen. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with your breakfast crew. Let’s spread the bacon love, y’all! Keep cooking, keep eating, and I’ll catch ya in the next post for more kitchen hacks. Peace out!

Baking bacon at 400°F is generally recommended for achieving a crispy texture in a reasonable amount of time.