How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave

Cooking bacon in the microwave is a game-changer for anyone who loves bacon but wants to avoid the mess and hassle of the stovetop. With this quick and easy method, you can enjoy crispy, delicious bacon in just minutes without any greasy cleanup! Whether you’re preparing breakfast or adding bacon to a salad, this microwave method is perfect for busy mornings or when you’re short on time.

Why You’ll Love How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave

• Quick and Easy: With the microwave, you can have perfectly cooked bacon in under 5 minutes, saving you time on busy mornings or when you’re craving a quick snack.
• Less Mess: No more greasy stovetops or pans to clean. The paper towels absorb the grease, leaving you with minimal cleanup.
• Crispy and Delicious: Despite being cooked in the microwave, the bacon retains its crispy texture and rich flavor, just like it would on the stovetop.
• Flexible Portions: You can easily cook just a few slices of bacon at a time, making it ideal for smaller portions without wasting food or ingredients.
• Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for making bacon ahead of time for breakfasts, salads, or sandwiches, this method ensures you always have bacon ready without the lingering smell throughout the house.

If you love eating bacon, but you hate having to cook it on the stove and deal with all the grease and the mess it makes, then you may want to consider cooking it in the microwave. The bacon still retains its delicious flavor, but you can cook it much faster and with much less mess.

Ingredients For How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave

• Bacon – Use your favorite type of bacon. Whether it’s thick-cut or regular, the microwave method works for all types.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave

• Microwave-Safe Dish – A flat dish that is safe to use in the microwave and large enough to fit the bacon slices without overlapping.
• Paper Towels – Essential for absorbing the bacon grease while it cooks.
• Microwave – The star of this method, allowing you to cook bacon quickly and with minimal mess.

Cooking bacon in the microwave also means you can cook just a few slices at a time for use on a sandwich or to crumble and put on top of your salad or baked potato. So, here’s how to cook bacon in the microwave.

1. Layer 2 or 3 paper towels on a microwave safe dish.

2. Lay a single layer of bacon on top of the paper towels. The bacon should not overlap.

3. Put another layer of 2 or 3 paper towels on top of the bacon.

4. Microwave on High for about 5 minutes or until the bacon is done.

Cooking times will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, how many slices of bacon you’re cooking at one time, and how thick or thin the bacon is. You might have to play around with the cooking times until you find what works for your situation.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Side: Serve the bacon alongside scrambled eggs or French toast for a classic breakfast.
• Salad Topper: Crumble the bacon over a fresh spring mix salad to add a savory, crispy bite.
• Baked Potato: Sprinkle bacon on top of a loaded baked potato for extra flavor.
• Sandwiches: Add bacon to your favorite sandwich, like a BLT or a breakfast sandwich, for added texture and flavor.
• Appetizers: Wrap the bacon around small appetizers, like dates or cheese-stuffed peppers, for a quick and tasty snack.

It is so much simpler to cook bacon this way in the microwave than on the stove. The cleanup is as easy as throwing the paper towels in the trash and washing off the dish you cooked them on. There’s no greasy pan to wash up. There’s no grease splatters to wipe up or to burn you while you’re cooking. The bacon smell that permeates your kitchen, and sometimes your whole house, for hours after cooking bacon on the stove, is much less noticeable and doesn’t last nearly as long when you cook bacon in the microwave.

Did you know that you can also cook eggs in the microwave?  Eggs with bacon both made in a microwave – what an easy and tasty breakfast!  Also, a slice of bacon tastes great on a homemade Egg McMuffin!

Tips For Success

To achieve the best results when cooking bacon in the microwave, here are some helpful tips:

• Choose the right bacon: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon. Thick-cut bacon may require an extra minute or two compared to regular slices. Adjust the cooking time based on how crispy you like your bacon.
• Layering matters: Make sure to layer the paper towels properly. The paper towels on the bottom absorb excess grease, and the towels on top help reduce splattering. If you don’t use enough paper towels, the grease could pool at the bottom, affecting the texture of the bacon.
• Don’t overcrowd the dish: Lay the bacon in a single layer without overlapping. Overlapping bacon slices won’t cook evenly and could result in some parts being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Monitor the cooking time: Since microwave wattages vary, the cooking time may differ depending on the power of your microwave. Start checking the bacon after 3-4 minutes, especially if it’s your first time using this method. You can always add more time if needed, but be cautious not to overcook.
• Careful when removing: The dish and the paper towels will be hot, and there may be some steam buildup. Use oven mitts to remove the dish safely, and give the bacon a minute or two to cool before serving.
• Dispose of the grease properly: The paper towels will soak up most of the bacon grease. Make sure to dispose of them in the trash and not down the drain to avoid clogging your pipes.

Variations And Substitutions

• Turkey Bacon: If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using turkey bacon instead of traditional pork bacon. Turkey bacon has less fat, which means less grease to clean up. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Vegan Bacon: For those on a plant-based diet, vegan bacon made from tempeh or other meat substitutes can also be cooked in the microwave. Since these alternatives tend to be thinner and less fatty, they will cook faster than regular bacon. Check the slices after 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: If you prefer thick-cut bacon, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start with 6-7 minutes and add more time in 30-second intervals until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
• Flavored Bacon: Many brands offer flavored bacon, such as maple or peppered varieties. These can add an extra layer of flavor to your dish. Just be aware that flavored bacon may cook slightly faster due to the added sugars or seasonings, so adjust the time as needed.
• Lower Sodium Bacon: For a healthier option, try low-sodium bacon. It cooks the same way as regular bacon but with less salt, making it a great choice for those monitoring their sodium intake.
• Microwave Bacon Cooker: If you want to avoid using paper towels, you can invest in a microwave bacon cooker, which allows the bacon to cook suspended, letting the fat drip down for an even crispier result. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover cooked bacon, allow it to cool completely before storing. Place the bacon in an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Reheating in the Microwave: To reheat bacon, place it on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat it, as the bacon can become too crispy or tough.
• Reheating in the Oven: For a larger batch, preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange the bacon on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed to your liking.
• Freezing: You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to a month. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, microwave frozen bacon for 30-40 seconds, or bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook bacon in the microwave?

The cooking time for bacon in the microwave depends on the thickness of the bacon and the power of your microwave. On average, regular-cut bacon will take about 5 minutes, while thick-cut bacon may take 6-7 minutes. It’s a good idea to start with a shorter time and add more as needed.

Can I cook more than one layer of bacon at a time?

It’s best to cook bacon in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you stack bacon slices, the layers won’t cook evenly, and some pieces may remain undercooked while others become overcooked. For multiple slices, cook in batches to achieve the best results.

Do I need to flip the bacon halfway through cooking?

No, flipping isn’t necessary when cooking bacon in the microwave. The paper towels on both sides of the bacon will absorb the grease and help the bacon cook evenly without needing to flip it.

Can I use a microwave bacon cooker instead of paper towels?

Yes! A microwave bacon cooker is a great alternative to using paper towels. These cookers elevate the bacon, allowing the grease to drip off and providing crispier bacon. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times.

Why is my bacon soggy after microwaving?

If your bacon turns out soggy, it may not have cooked long enough, or there may have been too much grease. Make sure to layer enough paper towels both under and over the bacon to absorb excess grease, and try adding more cooking time in 30-second increments until the bacon is crisp.

Is microwaving bacon healthier than frying it?

Microwaving bacon allows some of the fat to drain off into the paper towels, which can result in slightly less fat and calories compared to frying it in a pan. However, bacon still remains a high-fat food, so moderation is key no matter how you cook it.

Can I microwave turkey bacon or plant-based bacon?

Yes, both turkey bacon and plant-based bacon can be microwaved using the same method. Turkey bacon is typically leaner and may cook a bit faster, so check after 3-4 minutes. Plant-based bacon can also cook more quickly and may require only 2-3 minutes, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Other Easy Brown Recipes

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Steak In The Air Fryer: Enjoy tender steak wrapped in crispy bacon, perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a quick and delicious dinner.

Southern Fried Cabbage And Bacon Recipe: This Southern classic combines tender cabbage and savory bacon for a flavorful and easy side dish.

Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs: These bacon-wrapped hot dogs are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making them a tasty and fun meal in minutes.

Oven Baked Turkey Bacon Recipe: Learn how to bake turkey bacon in the oven for a healthier, crispy alternative to regular bacon.

Quick Microwave Turkey Bacon: Make turkey bacon fast in the microwave with this easy method, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Bacon And Egg Toast Made In The Air Fryer: This air fryer recipe combines crispy bacon, perfectly cooked eggs, and toast for a delicious and easy breakfast.

Air Fryer Breakfast With Bacon And Eggs: Cook bacon and eggs together in the air fryer for a simple, one-pan breakfast that’s ready in minutes.

More Microwave Recipes

• 5-Minute Microwave Refried Bean And Cheese Tacos
• Quick Microwave Nutella Brownie In A Mug
• Microwave Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe