If you’ve ever wondered how to cook bacon in the microwave and actually get it perfectly crisp without the greasy mess, I’ve got your foolproof method right here. This is my go-to for busy mornings or when I’m hosting brunch and want to serve hot, crispy bacon without heating up the whole kitchen.
It’s quick, budget-friendly, and best of all, no splatter, no stress, and no extra cleanup. All you need is a few paper towels, a microwave-safe plate, and a few minutes. Whether you like your bacon extra crispy or slightly chewy, this easy method gives you the best of both worlds.
How To Cook Bacon In Your Microwave
This is one of those little kitchen miracles that makes mornings easier. It’s fast, beginner-friendly, and perfectly crispy without the mess of a skillet. I like using it when I’m making breakfast for guests because I can cook several batches of crispy microwave bacon in just minutes, and it frees me up to focus on the eggs, such as my Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bites (Just 4 Ingredients!), or set the table. The bacon cooks evenly, smells amazing, and you won’t have grease popping all over your counters. It’s also great for meal prep; cook a few extra slices, and you’ll have bacon ready for sandwiches, salads, or crumbling over a baked potato later in the week.
Yes! As long as the bacon reaches at least 165°F and you use microwave-safe materials, it’s completely safe.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Bacon: Use your favorite type: regular, thick-cut, or turkey bacon. Thinner slices cook faster, while thick-cut give a nice chew.
How To Make Crispy Microwave Bacon
Prepare Bacon
Line a microwave-safe plate with four paper towels to absorb the grease. If your bacon strips are longer than your plate, cut them in half before removing from the package. It keeps things tidy and easy to layer.
Arrange the bacon in a single layer so the slices don’t overlap. Place two more paper towels on top to keep things splatter-free.
Pro Tip: Don’t press the top towels too tightly, allowing a little air space helps the bacon crisp evenly.
Cook Bacon, Drain, & Serve
Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then check. If you like it chewy, it may already be done. For crispier bacon, continue cooking in 30-second bursts until it’s just the way you like it.
Using oven mitts or tongs, carefully remove the plate from the microwave. Lift the top paper towel and transfer the bacon to a clean plate. Let it rest for about 10 seconds. This helps it crisp even more as it cools.
If it looks a little shiny, blot gently with a fresh paper towel. Then serve and enjoy that satisfying crunch!
Yes, try using parchment paper instead. It won’t absorb as much grease, so the bacon may be slightly chewier.
It depends on your microwave. Roughly, 600 watts needs about 5 to 6 minutes, 800 watts 4 to 5 minutes, 1000 watts 3 to 4 minutes, and 1200 watts about 3 minutes. Check after 3 minutes, add 30-second bursts if needed, and let the bacon rest 10 seconds so it crisps up nicely.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter option, use turkey bacon. It cooks in about half the time.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of black pepper, brown sugar, or brush lightly with maple syrup before microwaving for a sweet-savory glaze.
Add-In Options: Crumble cooked bacon into salads, sprinkle over breakfast casseroles, or add to sausage gravy and biscuits.
Simple Substitutions: Try center-cut bacon for less fat, or use parchment paper instead of paper towels if you prefer less waste.
Tips for Recipe Success: Don’t overcrowd the plate, and always check your bacon after 3 minutes; the line between crispy and burnt can go fast!
Microwave Tip: Inverter microwaves cook more evenly. For older models, rotate the plate halfway through cooking.
Hospitality Challenge
Host a 20-minute pop-in Bacon and Blessings breakfast this week. Text two friends or neighbors tonight and invite them for coffee and a quick plate of crispy microwave bacon while you finish scrambling eggs. Use this microwave method to cook in batches and keep the first plate warm in a 200°F oven so everything is hot when they arrive. Serve your bacon with a basket of Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes Recipe In 20 Minutes or a platter of Make Fluffy Banana Muffins from Cake Mix: Just 4 Ingredients. For something sweet, include Easy Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls in Just 30 Minutes, and pour mugs of coffee like this Dirty Chai Latte Recipe: Café Style at Home.
More Breakfasts to Brighten Your Morning
- Easy Copycat Recipe for Egg Bites at Starbucks
- Homemade Turkey Sausage Patties: Freezer-Friendly
- How to Cook Turkey Bacon: Crispy, Flavorful, and Full-proof
- Warm and Cozy Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Cozy Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls Bake (5-Minute Prep)
This how to cook bacon in the microwave recipe makes breakfast fast, easy, and mess-free, perfect for a cozy morning or weekend brunch with friends. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Quick & Crispy Microwave Bacon Recipe
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Ingredients
- Bacon, any thickness
Instructions
Prepare the Bacon
- Line a microwave-safe plate with 4 layers of paper towels to absorb grease.
- If the bacon strips are too long for your plate, cut them in half with kitchen scissors.Bacon
- Tip: I like to cut the bacon in half before opening the package — it’s easier to handle.
- Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the paper towels. The slices can be close but should not overlap.
- Place 2 more layers of paper towels on top of the bacon to prevent splattering.
Optional: Cook More Bacon
- If you need to cook more bacon at once, layer bacon and paper towels, finishing with 2 paper towels on top.
Microwave the Bacon
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Carefully lift the top paper towel and check for doneness.
- If you want crispier bacon, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until done.
- Remember: bacon will crisp up a bit more as it cools.
- Move the cooked bacon to a clean plate immediately to prevent sticking.
- If it’s still greasy, pat gently with a clean paper towel to remove extra fat.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep cooked bacon out no longer than 2 hours.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Lay slices between parchment layers in a freezer bag and store up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Microwave on a paper towel-lined plate for 15 seconds or bake in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until warm and crisp.
Equipment
