Step 1 Preheat the oven to 200 °C/ 400 °F (conventional), or 180 °C/ 355 °F (fan assisted). Cut the bacon into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with pepper. Bake for 15 minutes, until crisp, then remove from the oven. Reserve the bacon grease for the next step.