How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave

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If you’re a bacon lover, you know how difficult it can be to cook the perfect slice of bacon. Sometimes, it’s too crispy; other times, it’s too chewy. But what if we told you you can cook bacon perfectly in just a few minutes using your microwave? That’s right, microwave bacon is a quick and easy way to cook bacon without the mess and hassle of traditional stovetop cooking.

close up hero image of cooked bacon with text that says how to cook bacon in the microwave

Microwave bacon is a quick and easy way to cook bacon, especially for those who don’t have a stovetop or oven or don’t want to deal with the messy cleanup. Unlike traditional cooking methods, microwave bacon cooks in just a few minutes, making it convenient for busy people.

To cook microwave bacon, you only need a microwave-safe dish, some paper towels, and your bacon. Place the bacon on the paper towels and cover it with another paper towel. Microwave for a few minutes, and voila! Perfectly cooked bacon without the mess. So next time you’re craving bacon, try microwave bacon and see how easy and delicious it can be.

The Basics of Microwaving Bacon

Microwaving bacon is a quick and easy way to cook bacon. It’s a great option when you don’t want to deal with the mess of cooking bacon on the stove. Here are some tips to help you microwave bacon like a pro.

Choose the Right Bacon

Not all bacon is created equal when it comes to microwaving. Thick-cut bacon works best, as it will cook more evenly and won’t become too crispy or burnt. Avoid using thin or pre-cooked bacon, which can become overcooked and dry in the microwave.

Prepare the Bacon

Before microwaving, place the strips of bacon on a microwaveable plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess grease and prevent splatters in the microwave. You can also cover the bacon with another layer of paper towels to prevent grease from splattering onto the inside of the microwave.

Microwave the Bacon

Microwave the bacon on high for 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. Check the bacon halfway through cooking and rotate the plate if necessary for even cooking. If the bacon is not crispy enough, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Drain and Serve

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a minute or two. Use tongs or a fork to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Serve and enjoy!

Understanding Microwaves and Cooking

Microwaves are a convenient and quick way to cook bacon. When you cook bacon in a microwave, the microwaves pass through the food and cause the water molecules in the bacon to vibrate, generating heat. This is why microwaves are great for cooking bacon, as they can cook it from inside out.

To cook bacon in a microwave, put it on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a paper towel. Then, microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and the power of your microwave. Check the bacon frequently to ensure it’s not overcooking.

If the bacon is not crispy enough, you can continue to cook it in 30-second bursts until it’s as crisp as you like. But be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the bacon to burn and become tough.

When cooking bacon in a microwave, use caution, as the bacon can become hot and cause burns. Use a microwave-safe plate and paper towel, as some materials can melt or catch fire in the microwave.

What You’ll Need:

  • Bacon — You can use any variety of bacon you would like! Applewood smoked, cracked black-pepper bacon, or even turkey bacon!
  • Microwave-safe dish — A microwavable bacon tray is fabulous, but if you don’t have one, make sure your plate is microwave-safe before popping it in the microwave. The last thing you want is a disaster on your hands. If you don’t have a plate that will work, a glass Pyrex dish will do the job! I do not recommend using plastic plates as they are unsafe in the microwave.
  • Paper towels — These are essential for cooking bacon in the microwave. They soak up the excess grease from the bacon, and the paper towels on top help prevent bacon grease from splattering all over the microwave.

raw bacon on a white plate and paper towels.

How to Microwave Bacon

Step 1: A microwave bacon tray is my first choice. A microwave-safe plate or glass Pyrex dish works great if you don’t have one. Line your dish with a single layer of paper towels.

Tip: Don’t use a paper plate because it could melt and create a huge mess.

Step 2: Place the bacon slices on the paper towels, careful not to overlap or push the edges together. If your dish is big enough, you can cook up to 8 pieces at a time. If you want to cook more, I would recommend working in batches.

bacon on a glass plate in the microwave

Step 3: Cover the bacon with two more paper towels. This will make the cleanup more manageable and help prevent the grease from splattering and popping all over your microwave. It also ensures that the bacon gets cooked perfectly. Next, microwave the bacon.

Tip: Cook time can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and how many slices you cook at a time. Typically, it’s 4-6 minutes, but I suggest checking it around the 3-minute mark.

cooked microwave bacon on a plate.

Step 4: Take out just a tad before it’s done because it will continue sizzling and cooking outside the microwave, like bacon on the stovetop. Transfer to a plate to cool so the bacon doesn’t stick to the paper towels. Throw away the paper towels for an easy cleanup. Enjoy!

finished bacon on a clean plate

If you prefer chewy bacon over crispy bacon, I recommend decreasing the cooking time so that it does not get all the way done and crispy.

One thing to note about bacon made in the microwave is that it is drier and crispier than bacon made on the stove or in the oven, as the paper towels sop up most of the bacon fat and grease.

Top Tips for Making the Best Microwave Bacon

Use a microwave-safe plate or dish to avoid any accidents or damage to your microwave.
Line the plate or dish with paper towels. This will help to absorb excess grease and prevent the bacon from sticking to the plate.
Arrange the bacon in a single layer. This will help to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly.
Do not overlap the bacon slices. This will prevent the bacon from cooking evenly and can also cause the bacon to stick together.
Microwave the bacon on high for 1 minute per slice, plus 30 seconds. This is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired crispness.
Check on the bacon frequently while it is cooking to avoid overcooking the bacon.
Overcooked bacon can be tough and chewy. If the bacon is not cooked to your desired crispness after the initial cooking time, microwave in 30-second intervals until it is cooked to your liking.
Once the bacon is cooked, drain it on paper towels for a few minutes before serving. This will help to remove

Crispy Bacon in the Microwave

Microwave bacon is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic breakfast food without the hassle of cooking it on the stove. However, one of the biggest challenges of cooking bacon in the microwave is achieving that crispy texture everyone loves. Luckily, a few tips and tricks can help you achieve perfectly crispy bacon every time.

First, it’s essential to choose the right type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon works better in the microwave than thin-cut bacon because it holds its shape better and doesn’t cook too quickly. Look for bacon labeled “microwaveable” or “microwave-safe” to ensure it will cook evenly and won’t become too greasy.

Next, place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels or a microwave-safe bacon tray. This will help absorb excess grease and prevent bacon from sticking to the plate. Arrange the bacon in a single layer, ensuring the slices do not overlap.

Microwave the bacon on high for approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute per slice, depending on the thickness of the bacon and the power of your microwave. Check the bacon after the initial cooking time and microwave for 30 seconds to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Once the bacon is crispy and browned to your liking, carefully remove the plate from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel.

Another trick to achieving crispy bacon in the microwave is to use a bowl on top of a microwave-safe plate. Turn a microwave-safe bowl upside down and drape the bacon slices over the top. Microwave the bacon as usual, and the plate l will catch any excess grease, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon every time.

The Role of Fat in Microwaved Bacon

When cooking bacon in the microwave, one of the biggest concerns is the amount of fat. Bacon is a fatty meat, and fat is what gives it its flavor and texture. When you cook bacon in the microwave, the fat helps to keep the meat moist and tender. However, too much fat can lead to a greasy mess, so using paper towels or a microwave-safe plate helps absorb excess grease.

When you cook bacon in the microwave, the fat also helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the meat. This means the bacon will cook more evenly and be less likely to burn or become overcooked. However, if you’re concerned about the fat in your bacon, you can always opt for a leaner cut or use a lower-fat cooking method.

Can you make bacon in the microwave without paper towels?

Yes, you absolutely can! However, it will take more effort to keep the microwave clean. I would recommend covering the plate with an upside-down bowl set slightly to the side to allow air to escape, or if you are using a container, use the lid set to the side. This should help protect your microwave from getting grease all over it.

There will be nothing to soak up the bacon grease without the paper towels so the bacon may be a little greasy. It will be delicious either way!

Can you make bacon in the air fryer?

Yes, you can. Making bacon in the air fryer is also simple, but you will need to clean the air fryer and basket afterward. Place the raw bacon in the air fryer basket lined with aluminum foil at 375F. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, flipping about halfway through. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain the excess grease.

Based on the size of a typical air fryer basket, I would estimate that the instructions are for about 8-10 pieces of bacon. If you are cooking more or less bacon, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if you cook 4-6 pieces of bacon, you may need to cook it for 5-7 minutes. If cooking 10-12 slices of bacon, you may need to cook it for 9-11 minutes.

How do I cook bacon in the microwave with parchment paper?

To cook bacon in the microwave with parchment paper, first place a sheet of parchment paper on a microwave-safe plate. Then, arrange the bacon strips on top of the parchment paper, making sure they do not overlap. Cover the bacon with another sheet of parchment paper. Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

What is the best way to cook bacon in the microwave?

The best way to cook bacon in the microwave is to place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover the bacon with another layer of paper towels. Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Is it possible to cook bacon in water in the microwave?

It is possible to cook bacon in water in the microwave, but it may not be the best method. To do this, place the bacon in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with water. Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes or until the bacon is cooked. However, this method may result in less crispy and flavorful bacon.

Which is better: microwaving or frying bacon?

This is a matter of personal preference. Microwaving bacon is quick and convenient, but it may produce less crispy and flavorful bacon than frying. Frying bacon can take longer and be messier, but it may result in crispier and more flavorful bacon.

How do you store leftover bacon?

Storing bacon is simple. Place it in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also place it in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months.

How to reheat bacon cooked in the microwave?

You can reheat it again for a few seconds until it is hot and sizzling in the microwave. Place it in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until crispy again for maximum crispiness!

Is microwaved bacon healthier for you?

Bacon is a delicious, high-calorie fatty meat. Cooking it in the microwave helps reduce the calories and fat in the bacon because of the grease being sopped up. While cooking bacon in the microwave is not necessarily healthier than pan-frying, it may reduce some fat if you are watching your intake.

Recipes with Bacon:

Brussels Sprouts & Bacon

Low-Carb Hot Bacon Dressing

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken 

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How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave

Microwave bacon is a convenient and healthy option for cooking bacon, especially for those who are short on time or don't want to deal with the mess of frying bacon on the stove. With microwave bacon, you can have perfectly cooked bacon in just a few minutes
Prep Time3 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, casual
Servings: 8 slice
Calories: 92kcal
Author: Kasey Trenum

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of Bacon

Instructions

  • Line a microwave-safe plate or glass Pyrex dish with a single layer of paper towels. Don't use a paper plate because it could melt and make a huge mess.
    A microwave bacon tray is a fabulous investment to cook bacon in the microwave.
  • Place the bacon slices on the paper towels, careful not to overlap or push the edges together. If your dish is big enough, you can cook up to 8 pieces at a time. If you want to cook more, I would recommend working in batches.
  • Cover the bacon with two more paper towels. This will make the cleanup easier and help prevent the grease from splattering and popping all over your microwave. It also ensures that the bacon gets cooked perfectly.
  • Microwave on high for just under a minute per piece. For example, if you have 3 pieces, cook for 2 1/2 minutes and then check. Continue to cook in 30-second intervals until it has reached the desired crispiness. For 8 slices of bacon, microwave for 7 minutes, then check to see if it has reached the desired crispness. If not, continue to cook in 30-second intervals.
  • Take out just a tad before it's done because it will continue to sizzle and cook a bit outside the microwave, just like bacon on the stovetop.
  • Transfer to a plate and cool so the bacon doesn't stick to the paper towels. Throw away the paper towels for an easy clean-up. Enjoy!

Notes

Top Tips for Making the Best Microwave Bacon
  • Use a microwave-safe plate or dish to avoid any accidents or damage to your microwave.
  • Line the plate or dish with paper towels. This will help to absorb excess grease and prevent the bacon from sticking to the plate.
  • Arrange the bacon in a single layer. This will help to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly.
  • Do not overlap the bacon slices. This will prevent the bacon from cooking evenly and can also cause the bacon to stick together.
  • Microwave the bacon on high for 1 minute per slice, plus 30 seconds. This is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired crispness.
  • Check on the bacon frequently while it is cooking to avoid overcooking the bacon. Overcooked bacon can be tough and chewy. If the bacon is not cooked to your desired crispness after the initial cooking time, microwave in 30-second intervals until it is cooked to your liking.
  • Once the bacon is cooked, drain it on paper towels for a few minutes before serving. 

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 44mg | Vitamin A: 8IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @kaseytrenumblogger or tag #kaseytrenumblogger!

collage of cooked bacon on

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