Microwaving bacon between paper towels absorbs excess grease while the rapid heat cooks it evenly. Learning how to cook bacon in the microwave saves you time and cleanup, giving you crispy strips without standing over a hot pan. This method works for any bacon type, from thick-cut to turkey bacon.
You get perfectly cooked bacon in under 5 minutes. No splatter, no mess, just quick results. Let’s get started.
Why Microwave Bacon Works
Microwave bacon cooks fast because the heat penetrates directly into the fat. The paper towels trap grease, preventing it from pooling. This means less fat on your bacon and a cleaner kitchen.
You don’t need oil or butter. The bacon’s own fat does the work. Plus, you control crispiness by adjusting cook time.
Equipment You Need
- Microwave-safe plate
- Paper towels (2-3 layers)
- Bacon strips (any type)
- Tongs or fork (for handling hot bacon)
That’s it. No special gadgets required. A standard microwave works fine.
How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave
Follow these steps for perfect microwave bacon every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Plate
Line a microwave-safe plate with 2-3 layers of paper towels. The towels absorb grease as the bacon cooks. Leave enough overhang to catch drips.
Place the plate in the microwave. Make sure it’s centered and not touching the walls.
Step 2: Arrange The Bacon
Lay bacon strips flat on the paper towels. Don’t overlap them. Leave a small gap between each strip for even cooking.
For a standard plate, you can fit 4-6 strips. If you need more, cook in batches.
Step 3: Cover The Bacon
Place another layer of paper towels on top of the bacon. This prevents splatter and traps steam. It also helps the bacon cook evenly.
Press the top towel gently so it contacts the bacon. This keeps the strips flat.
Step 4: Microwave On High
Cook time depends on your microwave wattage and bacon thickness. Start with these guidelines:
- Regular bacon: 4-5 minutes
- Thick-cut bacon: 5-6 minutes
- Turkey bacon: 3-4 minutes
- Thin bacon: 3-4 minutes
Check at the minimum time. If not crispy enough, add 30-second intervals. Bacon continues cooking slightly after removal, so don’t overdo it.
Step 5: Check For Doneness
Carefully peel back the top paper towel. Look for golden-brown color and crispy edges. The bacon should be firm but not brittle.
If it’s still chewy, microwave in 15-second bursts. Remember, it will firm up as it cools.
Step 6: Remove And Drain
Use tongs to transfer bacon to a fresh paper towel. This absorbs any remaining grease. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Don’t leave it on the greasy towels, or it will become soggy.
Tips For Best Results
Choose The Right Bacon
Thicker bacon needs more time. Thinner bacon cooks faster. For microwave cooking, medium-thickness works best. Avoid very thick cuts unless you adjust time.
Turkey bacon and beef bacon also work. Just reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes.
Adjust For Your Microwave
Microwaves vary in power. A 1200-watt microwave cooks faster than a 700-watt one. Test your bacon at the lower time first.
If your microwave has a turntable, use it for even cooking. If not, rotate the plate halfway through.
Prevent Soggy Bacon
Don’t stack bacon strips. Keep them in a single layer. Use fresh paper towels for draining. Let the bacon rest on a rack if you have one.
For extra crispiness, microwave on a microwave-safe rack instead of paper towels. The rack lifts bacon above the grease.
Batch Cooking
To cook more bacon, work in batches. Don’t overcrowd the plate. Each batch takes about the same time.
Keep cooked bacon warm in a low oven (200°F) while finishing other batches.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using too few paper towels: Grease can leak through. Use at least 2-3 layers.
- Overlapping bacon: Causes uneven cooking. Leave space between strips.
- Not covering bacon: Splatter makes a mess. Always use a top towel.
- Overcooking: Bacon burns quickly. Check early and often.
- Using metal plates: Only use microwave-safe dishes. No metal rims.
How To Use Microwave Bacon
Microwave bacon works in any recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Breakfast sandwiches
- BLT sandwiches
- Salad toppings
- Pasta dishes
- Soup garnishes
- Baked potatoes
- Crumbled on eggs
You can also crumble it for bacon bits. Let it cool completely, then crush with your hands or a rolling pin.
Cleaning Up
One big advantage of microwave bacon is easy cleanup. Let the paper towels cool, then throw them away. Wipe the plate with a damp cloth.
If grease splattered inside the microwave, wipe it while still warm. Use a microwave-safe cleaner or vinegar water.
Don’t pour hot grease down the drain. Let it solidify in the trash.
Nutritional Considerations
Microwave bacon has less fat than pan-fried because paper towels absorb grease. A typical slice has about 40-50 calories and 3-4 grams of fat.
Turkey bacon is leaner, with about 30 calories per slice. But it’s less crispy.
Bacon is high in sodium. One slice has about 200 mg. If you’re watching salt, look for low-sodium options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Cook Bacon In The Microwave Without Paper Towels?
Yes, but it’s messier. Use a microwave-safe plate with a microwave cover. The bacon will splatter more, and grease won’t be absorbed. Cleanup is harder.
How Long To Cook Bacon In The Microwave For Crispy Results?
For regular bacon, 4-5 minutes on high. For thick-cut, 5-6 minutes. Check at the minimum time and add 15-30 seconds as needed.
Is Microwave Bacon Healthy?
It’s lower in fat than pan-fried because paper towels absorb grease. But bacon is still high in sodium and saturated fat. Enjoy in moderation.
Can You Reheat Bacon In The Microwave?
Yes. Place bacon on a paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. Don’t overheat, or it becomes tough.
Why Is My Microwave Bacon Chewy?
It’s undercooked. Microwave for 30-60 seconds more. Also, thick-cut bacon needs longer time. Let it rest after cooking to firm up.
Microwave Bacon Vs. Other Methods
Microwave bacon is faster than oven or stovetop. It takes 4-6 minutes vs. 15-20 minutes in the oven. Cleanup is easier too.
Oven bacon is more even and can cook larger batches. Stovetop gives you more control over crispiness. But microwave wins for speed and convenience.
For a single serving, microwave is ideal. For a crowd, use the oven.
Storing Leftover Bacon
Let cooked bacon cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
You can also freeze bacon. Place strips in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen bacon lasts 3 months.
To reheat frozen bacon, microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cook bacon in the microwave is a game-changer. It’s fast, clean, and gives you consistent results. No more greasy stovetops or waiting for the oven to preheat.
Experiment with cook times to find your perfect crispiness. Use the tips here to avoid common mistakes. Once you try it, you might never go back to pan-frying.
Microwave bacon is perfect for busy mornings, quick lunches, or late-night snacks. Give it a try and see how easy it is.