Crispy Oven-Baked Heart Shaped Bacon
This playful twist on classic bacon is oven-baked into adorable heart shapes, making it a perfect breakfast treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any morning you want to show a little extra love. Quick, easy, and irresistibly crispy, these bacon hearts are sure to delight both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon, uncooked (about 12 oz)
- Parchment paper or non-stick aluminum foil
- Optional: Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Pure maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil.
- Take each slice of uncooked bacon and fold it gently in half, forming the two loops of a heart. Pinch the bottom to create the point and curve the tops outward for the heart shape.
- Arrange the heart-shaped bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch between each heart.
- If using a wire rack, set it over the baking sheet and arrange bacon hearts on top for extra crispiness.
- Optional: Brush or sprinkle bacon hearts with black pepper, maple syrup, or other desired seasonings.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking thinner bacon at 12 minutes. Bacon should be golden and crispy at the edges.
- Optional: Flip each bacon heart after 10 minutes for even crisping.
- Remove bacon from oven and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For best results, use thick-cut bacon and let it come to room temperature before shaping. Don’t overcrowd the tray for maximum crispiness. Bacon hearts can be customized with sweet or spicy glazes, and leftovers reheat well in the oven. Most bacon is gluten-free, but check labels for flavored varieties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 heart-shaped bac
- Calories: 130
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 10
Keywords: bacon, oven-baked, heart shaped, Valentine’s Day, breakfast, easy, crispy, brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion