Home » Keto Breakfast Recipes » Microwave Bacon
Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Yes, you can cook bacon in the microwave! It's actually one of the easiest ways to cook it.
As long as you follow a few simple instructions, your bacon will come out wonderfully crispy and evenly cooked. And you don't need a special cooker!
This bacon is absolutely amazing. I resisted the idea for a long time, thinking that it can't possibly be as good as pan-fried or oven bacon.
Happily, I was wrong! Using the microwave to cook bacon is just as good as using the oven or a frypan. The bacon cooks evenly and comes out perfectly crispy. And it's a fast method - faster and easier than any other method.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Expert tip
- Frequently asked questions
- Variations
- Serving suggestions
- Storing leftovers
- Related recipes
- Foodie Newsletter
- Recipe Card
- Let's Connect
Ingredients
You'll only need one ingredient for this recipe: a package of bacon. My instructions work with medium-thickness slices. If you use thin or thick slices, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Instructions
This method for cooking bacon is so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions and to watch the video. Here's an overview of the steps:
Your first step is to place the bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Make sure the slices don't touch each other.
Next, cover the strips with more paper towels. This is really important - it will prevent splatters.
Then, simply microwave on high until crispy. In my microwave, this takes 4 minutes.
Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave! It will be very hot. Use the edges of the paper towels to hold it, or use oven mitts.
And be sure to remove the slices from the paper towels fairly quickly, or they tend to stick to the paper towels.
Expert tip
As you know, microwave ovens greatly vary. So it's a good idea to check after 3 minutes and see if the bacon is done. You can always add another minute if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What if I like my bacon chewy?
No problem! My daughter prefers hers chewy, so when I make it for her, I simply cook it for a shorter time.
I suggest you start with two minutes for four slices, check the bacon, and add one more minute if needed.
Why do people microwave bacon?
It's the fastest way to cook it - faster than pan-frying or baking. It saves you the trouble of cleaning a skillet or a baking sheet. And if you like your bacon crispy, it's also a reliable way to achieve that.
Why do you use paper towels?
The paper towels are a must. The bottom layer soaks up quite a bit of the rendered fat which helps ensure the bacon turns out crispy. The top layer is also essential, as it prevents splatters.
There's a drawback, of course. Unlike pan-frying or baking, this method doesn't produce tasty bacon grease that can be later used in cooking.
Do I need a special cooker?
No. There are special microwave cookers on the market, but they are unnecessary.
The paper towels achieve the same goal as those special cookers - draining the rendered fat and preventing splatters.
Variations
The best way to vary this recipe is to season the bacon slices before cooking them. You can sprinkle them, for example, with a bit of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
But I usually don't bother. Bacon is so inherently flavorful that I don't feel it needs any help. And if you use spices, there's always the risk that they'll burn.
Serving suggestions
You can use this bacon as you would use any other bacon you cook! It's an obvious breakfast choice, perhaps with microwave scrambled eggs.
It's also excellent in lettuce wrap sandwiches. And it makes a great topping for burgers.
Storing leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently, covered in a paper towel, in the microwave.
Or enjoy the leftovers cold! Cold cooked bacon is surprisingly delicious.
- Beef Bacon
- Duck Bacon
- Bacon Chips
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Foodie Newsletter
I send out a weekly newsletter with a recipe and tips. Want these recipes in your inbox?Subscribetoday! You can unsubscribe at any time.
Recipe Card
4.98 from 511 votes
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
Crispy Microwave Bacon
Microwaving bacon is the easiest and fastest way to cook it. It comes out wonderfully crispy and evenly cooked.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 54kcal
Author: Vered DeLeeuw
Ingredients
- 8 oz bacon (1 package, 8 medium-thick slices)
Instructions
Place two paper towels on a microwave-safe dinner plate.
Arrange four slices of bacon on the paper towels, not touching each other.
Place two more paper towels on top of the bacon slices.
Microwave on high until crispy. In my microwave, this takes 4 minutes.
Remove the plate carefully from the microwave. It will be very hot.
Repeat with the four remaining slices.
Video
Notes
Microwave ovens greatly vary, so check on the bacon after 3 minutes. You can always add 1 more minute if needed.
If you use thin or extra-thick bacon, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave! It will be very hot. Use the edges of the paper towels to hold it, or use oven mitts.
And be sure to remove the slices from the paper towels fairly quickly, or they tend to stick to the paper towels.
Add Your Own Notes
Click here to add your own private notes. They're only visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they'll be lost.
Nutrition per Serving
Serving: 2slices | Calories: 54kcal | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 231mg
Made this Recipe?
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment sharing your experience with others. Thank you so much!
Subscribe
I send out a weekly newsletter with a recipe and tips. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.
Follow Me
Disclaimers
Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.
More Keto Breakfast Recipes
- Chaffles Recipe
- Breakfast Egg Muffins
- Mushroom Frittata
- Turkey Hash
About the Author
Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Nikki Krakauer
I weave my bacon since I usually only use it in sandwiches. I cut the package in half vertically to fit a slice of bread. Then, I use six half slices, weave them, and cook. I do the whole package in the microwave, one weave at a time. If storing, I place a weave on parchment paper, put another on top, then put them into a Ziploc gallon bag, flat. Store in the fridge or freezer. The package is thin enough to slide on top of other frozen foods.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
Sounds great, Nikki!
Reply
