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How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave

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Michael SteligaBy Michael Steliga
Michael Steliga
Michael Steliga Food Writer

I am a chef turned writer, pouring my knowledge and passion for food and beverages into my writings. I hope to inspire people with food, and help them to realize that delicious food doesn’t have to…

Expertise: French trained chef,cooking global cuisine, 20+ years cooking and bartending View all posts →
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That’s too much bacon…said no one ever.

Crispy bacon strips on a white scalloped-edge plate, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Bacon is a staple in almost every (carnivorous) household in America, and for good reason. It’s incredibly delicious and can be eaten by itself or with just about anything, including dessert. Today we are going to talk about how to cook bacon in the microwave. Yes, you read that right. In the microwave. I know what you are thinking, It’s gonna be soggy and won’t be crispy. Well, I’m here to tell you that that is not true at all. In fact, the bacon comes out just as crispy and delicious as cooking it in a pan and you don’t have a pan full of grease to deal with.

Cooking bacon in the microwave is an efficient way to add a delicious crunch to any meal. This method yields that inimitable bacon flavor that everyone loves with less hassle. This recipe is perfect for those last-minute additions to dishes that need a boost of flavor or a little something extra. 

Is that love in the air? No, it’s bacon

Cooking bacon in the microwave also cuts down on the lingering smell of bacon left in the house compared to the stovetop method. I personally love the smell of bacon but I do know a few people who prefer not to have their house smell like it for hours afterwards, especially if they’ve just devoured more strips than they planned. This method of cooking is far quicker than the pan or oven-cooking methods and the cleanup is faster, too—simply discard the paper towels and cleanup is finished!

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of medium-thick bacon (about 8 ounces)
Raw bacon slices on a white scalloped plate, perfect for breakfast or cooking.

How to make bacon in the microwave

Step 1: Place two layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.

Step 2: Lay out four bacon slices on the paper towels without overlapping.

Uncooked bacon slices on a white plate with paper towels.

Step 3: Cover the bacon with another two layers of paper towels.

Disposable paper napkin on a white plate, ready for baking or serving food.

Step 4: Microwave on high for 4 minutes, or until the bacon reaches desired crispiness. Check at the 3-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Crispy bacon strips on a white plate with paper towels, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Step 5: Carefully remove the plate from the microwave using the edges of the paper towels or oven mitts.

Step 6: Peel the bacon off the paper towels immediately to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Repeat the process with the remaining bacon slices.

Step 8: Serve the crispy bacon while hot, and enjoy.

Crispy bacon strips on white scalloped plate, cooked to perfection.

FAQs & Tips

How do I prep and store the bacon?

You can absolutely make this microwave bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to five days, or for three months in the freezer. I recommend cooling it after cooking then placing the bacon in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. To reheat the bacon, place it on a plate lined with paper towels, then cover with more paper towels and microwave on high in 15-second increments until the bacon is hot and crispy.

How do I avoid burning myself?

Be careful when removing the bacon from the microwave as the plate can be very hot. I suggest using a pot holder, oven mitts, or a towel to remove the plate, then place it on a trivet or heat-safe mat while you remove the bacon.

How do I make sure my bacon is crispy?

For the crispiest bacon possible, make sure the edges of the bacon do not overlap or touch while cooking. This could lead to uneven cooking and make for soggy edges. You also want to make sure you remove the bacon from the cooking plate as soon as possible to prevent the bacon from sticking to the paper towels.

Bacon strips on white scalloped plate, crispy and savory bacon, baked bree recipe ingredient.

Serving Suggestions

Microwave bacon, as mentioned earlier, is a wonderful addition to almost any meal or even just the perfect stand-alone snack. I like to make several batches of this bacon and keep the extra in the fridge. This way, any time I have a dish that needs something extra, I have a simple solution on hand. Cold or reheated, it is the perfect topper for salads, sandwiches, soups, and pasta. You can even jazz up this recipe by adding a little cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the bacon before cooking, or add spice and brown sugar for a sweet and spicy delight.

If you are looking for other fabulous bacon dishes, try our Chicken Bacon Cheddar Sandwiches or our Spicy Corn and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese. If you are interested in sweet bacon options, then this Sweet and Smoky Homemade Bacon Jam is just what you need. 

Crispy bacon strips on a white scalloped-edge plate, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave

Baked Bree man with beard in formal suit indoors.Michael Steliga
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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 minutes mins
Total Time 9 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 183 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices medium-thick bacon about 8 ounces

Instructions
 

  • Place two layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Lay out four bacon slices on the paper towels without overlapping.
    Uncooked bacon slices on a white plate with paper towels.
  • Cover the bacon with another two layers of paper towels.
    Disposable paper napkin on a white plate, ready for baking or serving food.
  • Microwave on high for 4 minutes, or until the bacon reaches desired crispiness. Check at the 3-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
  • Carefully remove the plate from the microwave using the edges of the paper towels or oven mitts.
  • Peel the bacon off the paper towels immediately to prevent sticking.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining bacon slices.
  • Serve the crispy bacon while hot and enjoy.
    Crispy bacon strips on a white plate with paper towels, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 6gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 291mg
Keyword bacon recipe, bacon recipes, microwave bacon
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Baked Bree man with beard in formal suit indoors.

About Michael Steliga

I am a chef turned writer, pouring my knowledge and passion for food and beverages into my writings. I hope to inspire people with food, and help them to realize that delicious food doesn’t have to be difficult to make.

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Published: Jun 23, 2024 | Updated: Nov 24, 2025

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