How Long to Cook Bacon in Microwave Oven in 8 Simple Steps
To cook bacon in your microwave oven, start by selecting medium-thickness slices for even cooking.
Lay the bacon flat on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover the bacon with additional paper towels to prevent splatter during cooking.
Microwave the bacon based on its thickness—usually between 3 to 6 minutes. Check the bacon halfway through the cooking time and add more time if you prefer it crispier.
Once done, drain the bacon on fresh paper towels to remove excess grease.
Serve the bacon immediately or store it for later use. By following these simple steps, you’ll master perfectly cooked microwave bacon every time with minimal effort.
Enjoy delicious, crispy bacon quickly using your microwave oven.
Key Takeaways
- Use medium-thickness bacon slices and arrange them evenly on a microwave-safe plate lined with two layers of paper towels.
- Cover bacon with two more paper towel layers to absorb grease and reduce splatter during cooking.
- Microwave standard bacon slices for 3 to 4 minutes, thicker slices for 5 to 6 minutes, adjusting in 30-second increments for desired crispiness.
- Carefully remove hot bacon with oven mitts and transfer to fresh paper towels to drain excess grease and cool briefly.
- Serve immediately for best taste, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze partially cooked bacon.
Choose the Right Bacon for Microwaving
When you’re choosing bacon for microwaving, opting for medium-thickness slices is your best bet since they cook evenly and give you a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. You’ll want fresh high-quality bacon because it enhances the flavor and guarantees better cooking results. Avoid very thin slices—they can cook too fast and turn overly crispy or even burnt.
Pay attention to the fat content; bacon with a moderate fat level renders well in the microwave, helping you achieve that ideal crispy bacon texture without dryness. Always check the package for specific cooking instructions and recommended cooking times, as these can vary by brand and bacon type. Selecting the right bacon upfront makes your microwaving experience easier and tastier.
Prepare Your Microwave-Safe Plate and Paper Towels
Choosing the right bacon sets you up for success, but how you prepare your cooking surface matters just as much. Start by grabbing a microwave-safe plate that’s large enough to hold your bacon slices in a single layer.
Next, line the plate with a layer of paper towels—two layers work best—to soak up the grease and keep your microwave clean. When you’re ready to cook bacon, make certain you arrange the bacon slices evenly on the paper towels without overlapping.
After that, place another two layers of paper towels on top to absorb any extra fat and reduce splattering. Finally, set your plate on a dry surface before microwaving to avoid any heat damage. This setup guarantees your bacon cooks evenly and your microwave stays mess-free.
For best results, consider using thick-cut bacon to achieve a chewier texture and better cooking performance in the microwave thick-cut bacon.
Arrange Bacon Slices in a Single Layer
To get evenly cooked bacon, you’ll want to arrange the slices in a single layer without overlapping them. Make sure the bacon slices are of uniform thickness so they cook at the same rate.
If you’re microwaving multiple pieces, you can cut them in half to fit better while keeping that single layer.
Single Layer Importance
Since overlapping bacon slices can cause uneven cooking and sogginess, you’ll want to arrange them in a single layer for the best results. Laying out your bacon slices flat allows the fat to render evenly, helping each piece become perfectly crispy. When you place the slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels, the towels soak up excess grease, preventing sogginess.
This setup also guarantees that the cooking time is consistent and efficient when you cook the bacon on high. Typically, you’ll need between 3 to 6 minutes depending on your microwave’s wattage and the thickness of the bacon. Keeping a single layer not only assures even cooking but also makes the entire process quicker and mess-free.
Avoid Overlapping Slices
Anyone cooking bacon in the microwave should make sure the slices don’t overlap. Overlapping slices prevent even cooking, leaving some parts burnt while others stay chewy. To get crispy, uniformly cooked bacon, arrange the slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
If you have multiple slices, try cutting them in half to fit more without overlapping. Placing a layer of paper towels beneath and above the bacon helps absorb excess grease and reduces splatter during cooking. This setup maximizes the cooking surface and promotes uniform heat distribution, ensuring every slice crisps up perfectly.
Uniform Thickness Arrangement
Ensuring your bacon slices have a uniform thickness makes a big difference in how evenly they cook. When arranging bacon slices, place them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate without overlapping. This setup promotes even cooking by allowing the microwave to heat each slice consistently.
If your slices are too long for the plate, cut them in half to fit while maintaining that single layer. Using a microwave-safe dish with a lid can also help trap steam, improving uniform thickness cooking and reducing mess. Start with a recommended cooking time, then check the bacon after 3 minutes to assess doneness.
Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your bacon’s thickness and your microwave’s wattage to achieve perfectly cooked bacon every time.
Cover Bacon to Prevent Microwave Splatter
When microwaving bacon, you’ll want to cover it with at least two layers of paper towels to catch any grease splatter. This not only keeps your microwave clean but also helps the bacon crisp up by absorbing excess fat.
Just make sure the cover is loose enough to let steam escape and prevent sogginess.
Use Paper Towel Layers
Although microwaving bacon can be quick and convenient, you’ll want to use paper towel layers to prevent splattering and keep your microwave clean. Start by placing bacon slices on a plate lined with two layers of paper towels. Then, cover the bacon with another two layers to absorb bacon fat while cooking the bacon evenly.
After cooking, transfer your cooked bacon to fresh towels to drain excess grease. Remember to use microwave-safe towels thick enough to handle the heat. Using layers of paper towels helps guarantee crispiness by soaking up rendered bacon fat and prevents mess.
- Place bacon on two paper towel layers
- Cover with two more layers during cooking
- Use thick, microwave-safe towels
- Drain cooked bacon on fresh towels
- Absorb bacon fat for crispiness
Prevent Grease Splatter
To keep your microwave clean and your bacon cooking smoothly, it’s a good idea to cover the bacon with extra paper towels before microwaving. Using at least two layers of paper towels helps absorb excess grease and prevents splatter, which keeps your microwave mess-free.
Arrange the bacon in a single layer without overlapping to guarantee even cooking and reduce the risk of grease popping out. The paper towels not only catch splatter but also maintain moisture, allowing the fat to render away and leaving you with crispy bacon.
Once cooking is done, let the bacon rest on fresh paper towels for a couple of minutes to drain any remaining grease before serving. This simple step makes cleanup easier and guarantees your bacon stays deliciously crispy.
Set Microwave Time Based on Bacon Thickness
Microwave cooking times for bacon vary mainly based on the thickness of the slices. To get the best results, you’ll want to set your microwave time carefully. Whether you’re cooking turkey bacon or traditional pork bacon, checking the bacon after an initial cooking period helps avoid over or undercooking.
How much bacon you’re cooking also impacts the time needed. Here’s a quick guide to help you adjust cooking time based on thickness:
- Standard slices: 3 to 4 minutes, check at 3 minutes for bacon crispy level
- Thick-cut: 5 to 6 minutes depending on microwave power
- Narrow slices: 2 to 3 minutes, cook faster
- Adjust cooking time in 30-second increments if not crispy enough
- Monitor closely as microwave cooks the bacon unevenly at times
This way, you’ll get perfectly cooked bacon every time.
Check and Adjust Cooking Time for Desired Crispiness
How do you know when your bacon has reached the perfect crispiness? You need to check it starting at three minutes, since microwaves vary in power. Thinner slices might get very crispy in under four minutes, so keep a close eye to avoid burning.
If the bacon isn’t quite crispy enough after the initial cooking time, simply adjust the cooking time by microwaving in 30-second increments. This way, you can reach your desired crispiness without overdoing it. Remember, cooking times typically range from three to six minutes depending on thickness and fat content.
You can also tailor the time if you prefer your bacon chewy instead of crispy, making it easy to get your ideal texture every time.
Remove Bacon and Drain Excess Grease
After the cooking time ends, carefully remove the plate with the bacon since it’ll be very hot—using oven mitts if necessary. Next, transfer the cooked bacon onto a fresh layer of paper towels. This step is essential to drain excess grease and improve grease absorption, ensuring your bacon isn’t soggy.
Make sure to lay the hot bacon in a single layer for even grease drainage. Discard the used paper towels from the microwave, as they’re soaked with grease. Let the bacon cool briefly on the paper towels; it will continue to crisp up as it cools.
- Use oven mitts to safely remove the plate
- Transfer cooked bacon to fresh paper towels
- Arrange bacon in a single layer
- Discard grease-saturated paper towels
- Let bacon cool to enhance crispness
Store or Serve Your Perfectly Cooked Bacon
Once your bacon’s cooked to perfection, you’ll want to either serve it immediately or store it properly to keep that great taste and crispness. Start by transferring your microwave bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess bacon grease, often called liquid gold for its flavor.
If you’re saving leftovers, place the cooled bacon in an airtight container for food storage in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh up to four days. For longer storage, freeze partially cooked bacon in a single layer inside a resealable bag. When reheating, cover the bacon with a paper towel in the microwave to avoid splatters and maintain moisture.
Enjoy cold bacon as a snack or add it to salads and sandwiches for an extra savory kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Cook Bacon in the Microwave?
It usually takes you about 3 to 6 minutes to cook bacon in the microwave. Start with 4 minutes on high power, then check if it’s crispy enough. If not, add 30-second intervals until it’s done to your liking.
Thinner slices cook faster, thicker ones take longer. Don’t forget to place bacon between paper towels to soak up grease and avoid mess. Keep an eye on it so you don’t overcook!
How Many Slices of Bacon Can I Microwave at Once?
You can microwave about 4 to 5 slices of bacon at once, laid out flat and side by side. You can’t overlap them, or they won’t cook evenly.
If you want to cook more, you can stack additional slices between paper towels, but you’ll need to add extra cooking time.
You’ll want to adjust based on your microwave’s size and power, and the thickness of your bacon, to get that perfect crispiness every time.
How to Avoid Splattering When Microwaving Bacon?
To avoid splattering when microwaving bacon, you’ll want to line your plate with several layers of paper towels to soak up grease. Lay the bacon in a single layer without overlapping, then cover it with a couple more paper towels.
You can also use a microwave-safe lid with a vent or a silicone cover to keep mess contained while letting steam escape. Keep an eye on it and start with shorter cook times to prevent splattering.
How Do You Cook Bacon in the Microwave Hack?
Imagine bacon sizzling without the mess—here’s a quick hack: lay your bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with four layers of paper towels, making sure they don’t overlap.
Cover them with two more layers of paper towels to catch the grease and stop splatters. Microwave on high for about 3 to 4 minutes, checking after 3.
Add 30-second bursts until it’s perfectly crispy. It’s easy, fast, and less greasy!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to microwave bacon perfectly, you might wonder if it really cooks as evenly as frying. The truth is, microwaving is surprisingly effective when you follow these steps—resulting in crispy, delicious bacon without the mess.
Plus, it’s faster and easier, making it a great option for busy mornings. Give it a try, and you might just prefer this quick method over traditional cooking!
Using a microwave oven to cook bacon saves time and effort while delivering crispy results. So, how long to cook bacon in microwave oven? Just follow the simple steps, and enjoy perfectly cooked bacon every time!
