Tired of grease splatters, smoky kitchens, and lengthy cleanups? Discover the ultimate hack for achieving perfectly crispy bacon with minimal effort: cooking it in the microwave! This method is not just incredibly fast and simple; it delivers deliciously crisp bacon with virtually no mess, transforming your breakfast, lunch, or dinner preparations. Say goodbye to scrubbing stovetops and oven trays, and hello to a super quick cleanup time, making microwave bacon a true kitchen game-changer.
Having the ability to cook bacon in a pinch is an invaluable skill for any home cook. This recipe is perfect for those hectic mornings when your family needs a quick, satisfying bite, or when you’re rushing to get your kids out the door for school. It’s also ideal when you simply crave a delicious, smoky, and salty addition to your favorite meal without the usual fuss. As you cook, remember a key tip: bacon continues to crisp up as it cools, so be mindful of your initial cooking time to achieve your desired texture.
Why Microwave Bacon is a Culinary Revelation
The microwave method for cooking bacon might sound unconventional, but it’s a revelation for several compelling reasons:
- Unmatched Cleanliness: One of the biggest advantages is the near-total absence of mess. Unlike stovetop frying, which inevitably leads to grease splatters all over your cooktop and surrounding areas, or oven baking that can result in greasy sheet pans, microwaving bacon keeps everything contained. The paper towels absorb all the rendered fat, leaving your microwave pristine and your cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly Crispy Results: The secret lies in the paper towels. By cooking bacon on multiple layers of paper towels, the rendered fat is quickly absorbed away from the bacon strips. This prevents the bacon from stewing in its own grease, allowing it to get exceptionally crispy and delightful with every bite.
- Remarkable Speed and Efficiency: In just a few minutes, you can go from raw bacon to crispy strips. This makes it an ideal solution for busy weekdays or when you need a quick protein boost without dedicating much time to cooking. Most batches are ready in under 5 minutes, making it significantly faster than oven or stovetop methods.
- Consistent Cooking: When arranged correctly, bacon cooks surprisingly evenly in the microwave. The direct heat, combined with the grease absorption, helps each slice achieve a uniform crispiness that can be harder to achieve in a crowded pan.
Don’t just take our word for it; our recipe testers rave about this method:
- “I make this at least once a week for my kids and for myself when we are all running behind and need quick fuel. It’s a lifesaver!”
- “A BLT sandwich is one of my favorite foods ever, so when I came across this microwave bacon recipe, my mind was blown! I literally throw my sandwiches together in a matter of minutes, and it brings me so much joy!”
Essential Ingredient for Microwave Bacon
- Bacon: Yes, you read that right – it’s often just one glorious ingredient! You can use any cut of bacon, from thin-cut to thick-cut, regular or nitrate-free. Keep in mind that thicker slices may require slightly longer cooking times, but the method remains the same.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave
Achieving perfect microwave bacon is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for crispy, delicious results every time:
- Prepare Your Plate: Begin by lining a microwave-safe plate or Pyrex dish with two layers of high-quality paper towels. These layers are crucial for absorbing the rendered bacon grease, which is key to achieving that desirable crispiness and preventing a mess. Avoid using kitchen towels or thinner paper towels, as they may not absorb enough fat.
- Arrange the Bacon: Place 4 slices of bacon on the paper towel-lined plate. Ensure that each slice has ample space and does not overlap or touch the other slices. Proper spacing allows for even cooking and optimal crisping. If slices are touching, they might steam rather than crisp.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the bacon slices with another two layers of paper towels. This top layer acts as a splatter guard, trapping any grease that might escape during cooking and keeping your microwave clean. Microwave on high power for 3-4 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the thickness of your bacon.
- Check for Crispness and Adjust: After the initial 3-4 minutes, carefully check your bacon. If it hasn’t reached your desired level of crispness, return it to the microwave and continue cooking in 1-minute intervals. Remember, bacon will continue to crisp as it cools, so it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook at this stage.
- Allow to Cool for Ultimate Crispness: For the absolute best crispy texture, remove the bacon from the microwave and let it cool for a total of 5 minutes. As the bacon cools, the remaining moisture evaporates and the fat solidifies, resulting in a delightfully crunchy bite. Transfer to a fresh paper towel to absorb any residual grease before serving.
Essential Tools for Microwave Bacon Success
While the process is incredibly simple, having the right tools can enhance your microwave bacon experience:
- The best Pyrex Dishes with Lids – perfect for microwaving and versatile for storage!
- High-quality Paper Towels are crucial for perfect microwave bacon cooking, ensuring maximum grease absorption.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Microwave Bacon
Once you’ve mastered microwave bacon, a world of culinary possibilities opens up. Its convenience makes it a versatile ingredient for any meal:
Breakfast Bliss
Whether it’s breakfast for breakfast or breakfast for dinner, you can’t go wrong pairing crispy bacon with your favorite morning staples. It’s superb alongside soft and creamy scrambled eggs, sprinkled with fresh chives, or nestled into a warm breakfast burrito. Add it to pancakes, waffles, or even a breakfast bowl with avocado and hot sauce for an extra kick.
Sensational Sandwiches
Bold statement: there are few foods as satisfying as a well-crafted sandwich. A loaded sandwich with microwave bacon is incredibly filling and will keep you fueled throughout your day. Load your perfectly cooked bacon onto a classic BLT with ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce, or elevate a hearty Club Sandwich. It’s also fantastic in grilled cheese, chicken wraps, or even a simple turkey sandwich.
Perfect Baked Potato Topping
A loaded baked potato with all the fixings is about as comforting and satisfying as it gets! Cook the perfect potato in the microwave, then crumble your fresh microwave bacon over it, alongside sour cream, cheese, chives, and butter. For an even more indulgent experience, try a loaded twice-baked potato with a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon bits.
Salad Enhancer
Transform any salad from good to great with the addition of crunchy bacon bits. Crumble freshly cooked microwave bacon over a spinach salad with goat cheese and candied pecans, or add it to a classic Cobb salad for an irresistible smoky flavor and textural contrast.
Beyond the Basics
Don’t stop there! Microwave bacon can be used in countless other dishes:
- Pasta Dishes: Stir crumbled bacon into carbonara, pasta primavera, or a simple garlic and olive oil pasta for added depth.
- Appetizers: Use strips to wrap around dates, shrimp, or asparagus for quick and impressive appetizers.
- Soups and Stews: Garnish creamy tomato soup, potato soup, or lentil stew with a sprinkle of crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: Top your favorite burgers or hot dogs with a slice or two of perfectly cooked bacon for an instant upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Bacon
Let’s address some common queries to ensure your microwave bacon experience is flawless.
How long does it take to microwave bacon?
For standard-cut bacon, it generally takes about 3-4 minutes on high power in most microwaves. If you’re using a thicker cut from your butcher, it might require an extra minute or two. Always remember that bacon continues to crisp up as it cools, so even if it’s not super crispy straight out of the microwave, it will reach that perfect texture after resting.
Can I cook more than four pieces of bacon in the microwave at once?
Yes, absolutely! You can cook multiple batches or more slices at once by layering. After placing your first four slices and covering them with two paper towels, simply add another layer of bacon strips on top of the paper towels. Then, cover this second layer with another two fresh paper towels. Continue to follow the cooking instructions, but you might need to increase the overall cooking time by 1-2 minutes, checking for crispness in increments.
What kind of plate should I use?
Always use a microwave-safe plate or dish. Glass Pyrex dishes, ceramic plates, or specifically labeled microwave-safe plastic plates work well. Avoid metal or plates with metallic glazes, as they can cause arcing and damage your microwave.
Can I use parchment paper or wax paper instead of paper towels?
While parchment paper is microwave safe and can prevent sticking, it does not absorb grease as effectively as paper towels. Wax paper is also microwave safe but similarly lacks the absorbency needed to pull fat away from the bacon, which is crucial for crispiness. For the best, mess-free, crispy results, high-quality paper towels are highly recommended.
My bacon is chewy/burnt. What went wrong?
If your bacon is chewy, it likely needs more cooking time. Return it to the microwave in 30-second to 1-minute intervals. If it’s burnt, it was cooked for too long. Microwave wattages vary, so start with the lower end of the time range (e.g., 3 minutes) and adjust from there. Also, ensure slices are not overlapping. Practice makes perfect!
How do I store cooked microwave bacon?
Allow the cooked bacon to cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s excellent for quick additions to meals throughout the week!
Can I reheat microwave bacon?
Yes! For best results, place cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined microwave-safe plate and microwave for 15-30 seconds until warmed through and re-crisped. Be careful not to overcook.
Print Recipe
How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 package Bacon
Instructions
- Line a microwave-safe plate with 2 layers of absorbent paper towels.
- Arrange 4 pieces of bacon on the plate, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping for even cooking.
- Cover the bacon with another 2 layers of paper towels to absorb grease and prevent splatters.
- Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. For extra crispy bacon, continue microwaving in additional 1-minute intervals until desired crispness is reached.
- Carefully remove from the microwave, let cool for 5 minutes (bacon will crisp further), and enjoy!