Let me show you how to cook bacon in the microwave so that it gets nice and crispy! Oven baked bacon is great, but if you’re short on time, you’ve got to give microwave bacon a try. I promise, it really works!
Can You Cook Bacon In The Microwave?
Yes, you can cook bacon in the microwave. I know it sounds like it couldn’t possibly get nice and crispy, but it does.
Get Garrett Valley Farms Bacon For This Recipe Here
How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave
This section shows the best way to make bacon in the microwave, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Arrange. Line a large plate with 3 layers of paper towels. This is important for getting the bacon crispy! Place slices of bacon in a single layer, so they aren’t overlapping. Top the bacon with 3 more layers of paper towels.
Microwave. The cooking time will vary slightly, depending on how thick the slices are. See below for specific times.
Microwave Bacon Time Chart
How long to microwave bacon? The time will vary depending on your microwave power and the thickness of your bacon, but below is an approximate time chart for a 1000W microwave.
Tips For The Best Microwave Bacon
Use uniform bacon slices. This ensures they cook at the same rate.Rotate if necessary. If your microwave doesn’t have a turntable, rotate the plate a few times during the cooking process.Check the bacon in the microwave occasionally. Start checking on your bacon about 1 minute before the estimated time, then add more time in 30-60 second increments until it’s done to your liking.Let the bacon rest. Like most methods, microwaved bacon will crisp up more as it cools from hot to warm. Uncover and let it rest on the plate for a couple of minutes after it’s done, to crisp up more.You can microwave bacon in layers to make more. If you want to microwave more than 6 slices of bacon, you can create additional layers. Simply arrange more slices of bacon over the top layer of paper towels, then top with more paper towels. Just make sure you have 3 layers of paper towels on the top and bottom, and between the layers of bacon.
TIP: It’s best to cook a MAXIMUM of 3 layers of bacon in the microwave. More than that, and it will start to cook unevenly. Also keep in mind that you will need to increase the cook time as you add more layers. Have more questions? Here’s everything you need to know! Ask in the comments below if you have another question I didn’t answer.
Will I get crispy bacon in the microwave?
Yes, you can get crispy bacon in the microwave. Follow the tips above to ensure they end up crispy instead of soggy.
Can you microwave frozen bacon?
Microwaving frozen bacon is not recommended as it won’t cook evenly.
Can you defrost bacon in the microwave?
Yes, you can remove the frozen bacon from the package and thaw in the microwave first on the defrost setting, and then cook it. Don’t try to cook it right from frozen.
Can you microwave turkey bacon?
Yes, you can microwave turkey bacon the same way. The cooking time might be slightly less as it’s leaner, so check it frequently.
Can you reheat bacon in the microwave?
Yes, simply reheat the bacon between a few layers of paper towels to get it crispy again.
Ways To Use Bacon
Besides the obvious use — eating! — here some other ways to enjoy bacon:
Breakfast – Enjoy it with eggs or pancakes.Appetizers – Add it to appetizer recipes like deviled eggs with bacon, bacon cream cheese jalapeno poppers, and Caprese salad skewers.Entrees – Make main recipes like bacon cheeseburger soup, bacon ranch chicken, and pizza bowls.Sides – Try Southern fried cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts salad, and cabbage steaks.
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
