For many, bacon is a necessary indulgence on Saturday mornings, and learning to cook it faster and with less mess is always a welcome skill. Microwaving bacon is arguably the fastest way to achieve crispy deliciousness without the less grease and clean up hassles associated with messy skillets and grease splattered stoves.
Not to mention, it spares you from handling dangerously hot baking sheets. It’s 100% the way to go, especially if you’re planning something like Bacon Bourbon Jell-O Shots for a crowd or prefer not to use the oven-baked method for a quick morning fix.
Learning How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave is surprisingly easy and foolproof, offering a quick, hassle-free solution that’s hard to mess up. If you have an empty belly and no time in the morning, skip the frying pan and turn to your microwave for some seriously good bacon.
Can I Get Crispy Bacon in the Microwave?
Many wonder if bacon cooked in the microwave can achieve that coveted crispy texture or if it’s destined to be chewier. The truth is, with the right cooking technique, crispy bacon is definitely achievable. Start by microwaving the bacon for about 4 minutes, then check its texture. Often, it may require an additional minute or two, depending on your microwave’s power and the bacon’s thickness. A key tip is to let the bacon cool for about 5 minutes after cooking, as it continues to crisp up during this time.
Are there any Downsides to Microwave Bacon?
Pros
Cooking microwave bacon comes with its trade-offs, but the effort is often worth it. One of the biggest pros is no oil splatter; you can cook without the fear of a stray drop of oil hitting you. Easy clean-up is another plus, as the fat gets absorbed by paper towels, and you can simply cool and toss them in the trashcan. This method is also healthier as it removes excess fat.
Plus, your house won’t be filled with the smell from an enclosed microwave, unlike the enduring fried bacon smell. Additionally, it frees up stovetop space during breakfast, making the juggling act with a pot of cheese grits and a skillet for fluffy pancakes more manageable. This method is also ideal for cooking turkey bacon.
Cons
While microwaving bacon has its benefits, there are some cons to consider. The cook time can vary significantly depending on your microwave’s wattage, so it’s important to note this and adjust accordingly. This method requires the use of paper towels to absorb the fat, which might not be ideal for everyone.
Additionally, bacon can occasionally stick to these towels, making it a hassle to peel off once cooled. Saying bye-bye to bacon fat can be seen as both a pro and a con; while it’s healthier, some recipes benefit from using the rendered fat. Lastly, compared to other methods like an air fryer, microwave bacon is more hands-off but might not yield the same quality or texture.
Can I Cook a Lot of Bacon at Once?
When looking to cook multiple layers of bacon in the microwave, it’s possible, but with some strategy. Firstly, you can place each layer of bacon between paper towels. I recommend not exceeding 3 layers to ensure even cooking. It’s also crucial to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as more layers will require more time. Utilizing half-sized sheets of paper towels, placing two half sheets between each layer, can help in managing space and ensuring each piece receives uniform heat.
Do I Need a Microwave Tray?
While cooking bacon in the microwave, using a microwave-safe plate is indeed necessary. Be careful when you remove the plate from the microwave as it can get hot. To ensure safety and ease of cleaning, use paper towels for lining. This method safely allows you to not stop at just bacon; think of it as part of a hands-off appliances strategy to work towards the ultimate easy breakfast.
Combine it with French toast sticks, hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, or other effortless sides for some insanely easy breakfast ideas. For more such breakfast and brunch headquarters inspiration, check out our other recipes. If you’ve tried microwaving bacon, let us know how it went, and don’t forget to rate us below!
How Long to Microwave Bacon?
In general, it takes between 3 to 6 minutes to cook bacon in the microwave, but this can vary depending on the microwave’s wattage and the thickness of the bacon. For instance, thinner or turkey bacon may need a shorter cooking time. How crispy you want your bacon can also affect the time.
It’s wise to refer to packages’ cooking instructions for specific times, but I always recommend checking the bacon every few minutes to see how it’s coming along. Remember, bacon cooks rapidly in the microwave and it’s easy to overcook or burn it if not monitored.
How to Microwave Bacon?
Lay Bacon strips on a Microwave-safe plate or dish, then cover with Paper towels to minimize splatter. This technique, a gem from my culinary adventures, ensures even cooking and crispy results in the microwave.
- Line a Plate with Paper Towels
- Arrange Bacon on Paper Towels
- Top with More Paper Towels
- Microwave
- Drain the Fat
For a quick and easy way to cook bacon, start by lining a microwave-safe plate or dish with two paper towels. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the plate, ensuring none of them overlap. Top this with more layers of paper towels to catch any splatters. Optionally, you can stack another layer of bacon and add a final two layers of paper towels on top to prevent splatters. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes.
Check if the bacon is still translucent; if so, continue to cook in 30-second bursts until it’s as crispy as you like. This method helps you estimate how long it takes for your microwave to cook the bacon perfectly. After microwaving, drain the fat. Carefully remove the bacon using oven mitts and transfer it to a fresh layer of paper towels. Allow it to sit for 2 minutes, then pat with additional paper towels to absorb excess grease.
The Result When Cooking Bacon in the Microwave
Having tested various methods of cooking bacon in the microwave, from thick-cut to regular, and ranging from a few slices to several layers, with different amounts of paper towels, the results are universally and surprisingly good. Whether it’s a couple of slices for a quick breakfast or more for a larger meal, the bacon turns out crispy within minutes. This hands-off, mess-free approach is particularly appealing to those who want a quick, easy, and clean method of preparing bacon.
Tips for the Best Microwaved Bacon
When microwaving bacon, it’s crucial to be careful not to overcook it. Bacon tends to crisp up as it cools down after removal from the microwave, so it’s often best to stop cooking a little earlier, especially if your microwave is powerful.
For those wondering about using a plastic tray, reminiscent of the early 2000s, times have changed, and such methods are now considered outdated and not environmentally friendly. Don’t waste money on specialized gadgets when a plate and paper towels will suffice. Speaking of paper towels, don’t skip out on them; they are essential as they ensure the bacon cooks correctly and the grease is absorbed.
Use the kind of bacon that suits your cooking method and specific flavor preferences, whether it’s a particular brand or plant-based bacon with different ingredients. Eat your bacon the way you enjoy it; there’s a variety of different ways to use it. Crumble it into bacon bits, place it in a sandwich, or explore our extensive list of bacon-infused dishes.
Bring Home the Bacon with these Easy Recipes
After mastering the art of microwaving bacon, why not bake up some culinary delights with your perfectly cooked strips? Try your hand at making Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon – a delightful balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
For a heartier dish, consider the Easy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, where the microwaved bacon adds a smoky richness. If you’re in the mood for a unique appetizer, Dates Stuffed with Montego and wrapped in bacon are a surefire hit. Each of these recipes showcases the versatility of bacon and offers a new way to enjoy this beloved ingredient.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon in the microwave emerges as a remarkably efficient, quick, and tidy method suitable for various lifestyles and culinary needs. This technique, while having its nuances, proves to be a game-changer, especially for those busy mornings or when craving a crisp, tasty treat without the usual mess. The adaptability of microwave cooking allows for experimentation with different types of bacon and quantities, providing results that are consistently satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast or an elaborate dish, the microwave method for cooking bacon offers convenience without compromising on taste, making it an invaluable skill for any home cook.