How To Cook Bacon In Your Microwave Mess Free
Are you looking for quick and mess-free instructions for how to cook bacon in your microwave? I’m going to teach you a method that’s fast, clean, and delivers perfectly cooked bacon with minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings.
All you need is bacon, paper towels, and a microwave-safe plate. Whether you’re craving a crispy side for eggs or need bacon crumbles for a breakfast salad, this no-splatter method gets it done in under five minutes. Whether you’re building a breakfast sandwich with Flaky 2 Ingredient Biscuits Recipe or need bacon to stir into Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites, this no-splatter method gets it done in under five minutes.
Let’s Make Microwave Bacon
You are going to want to use this recipe for its no mess and quick cleanup appeal. It’s incredibly beginner friendly, which means anyone can master it without special tools. I love how quickly it comes together in under 5 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those “I need bacon now” mornings. It’s budget friendly since you can use any bacon on sale, and you don’t need a skillet or oven. Want a big batch or crispier results? Just stack it with a paper towel sandwich and add 30 second bursts.
Ingredients and Equipment
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. Be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post for detailed instructions.
- Bacon: Use your favorite thickness. Thin slices cook quicker, but thick cut gives more chew. Try center cut for less fat. Substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Paper Towels: Use 6 total, 4 below and 2 above, to absorb grease. Avoid recycled towels that may bleed.
- Microwave Safe Plate: Ceramic or glass plates work best. Avoid plastic, which can warp or leach.
Gina’s Quick Tips Before You Get Started
- Room Temperature: Bacon can go straight from the fridge. No need to bring to room temperature. Easy right?
- Prep Ahead: Cut your bacon in half with kitchen scissors before opening for easy layering.
- Tools Needed: Microwave, paper towels, scissors (optional), and a large plate.Common
- Common Mistakes: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. And don’t walk away—check every 30 seconds after 3 minutes.
How To Make Bacon In the Microwave
Step 1: Cut the Bacon
If needed, cut your bacon in 1/2 with kitchen scissors. For mess-free prep, I do this right in the package.
Step 2: Prepare Bacon for Cooking
Add 4 paper towels to a microwave-safe plate or dish. Place strips in a single layer. If needed, cut the bacon in half. Add 2 more paper towels over the top to keep it mess free.
Make it Crispy
We all have that family member who only eats it crispy, so for them, cook it for about 4 minutes. We all have that family member who only eats it crispy, so for them, cook it for about 4 minutes and layer it into 7-Up Biscuits or Sourdough Discard Biscuits with eggs and cheese for an easy breakfast sandwich.
Make It Rubbery
For those who like it rubbery, cook for about 3 minutes.
Pro tip: Refer to the chart below for microwave wattage and time to cook.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a light maple glaze or a little brown sugar before cooking. You could also add a little cracked pepper to the raw bacon for an extra bite.
- Tips for Success: Check microwave wattage. Stronger microwaves may finish quicker. I have a chart below to help you cook it perfectly. Always vent paper towels slightly to avoid steam sogginess.
- How to keep bacon from sticking to towels? Let it rest 10 seconds before removing. Transfer to a clean plate right away.
- Can you microwave turkey bacon? Yes, same method, but reduce the time—start with 2 minutes.
Microwave Bacon Cook Time Chart
Use this chart to help you adjust for different microwave wattages and doneness preferences. Times listed are for 2–4 bacon slices. Add 30 seconds for each additional slice. Always monitor closely after 3 minutes.
| Microwave Wattage | Rubbery Texture (Approx Time) | Crispy Texture (Approx Time) |
|---|---|---|
| 600W | 5 minutes | 6.5 minutes |
| 800W | 4 minutes | 5 minutes |
| 1000W | 3 minutes | 4 minutes |
| 1200W | 2.5 minutes | 3.5 minutes |
Microwave Type Note: Inverter microwaves cook more evenly. For older models, rotate the plate halfway through.
Safety Tip: Let bacon rest 10 seconds before removing towels to avoid sticking or burning.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Serving Ideas
- Stir into Bacon and Tomato Egg Bites Recipe
- Pair with Cottage Cheese Egg Bites (Just 4 Ingredients!)
- Serve alongside Fluffy Sourdough Discard Pancakes
How To Cook Bacon In Your Microwave: Mess Free
Equipment
- Microwave-safe dish or plate
- Paper towels
- Kitchen scissors (optional)
Ingredients
- Bacon any thickness
Instructions
Prepare To Cook Bacon
- Place 4 layers of paper towels on the bottom of a microwave-safe plate to absorb grease.
- If your bacon strips are too long for the plate, cut them in half using kitchen scissors. I like to cut the package in 1/2 before opening the bacon.
- Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the paper towels. The slices can be close together but should not touch.Bacon
- Add 2 more layers of paper towels on top, fully covering the bacon to prevent splattering.
Optional: Cook More Layers
- To cook more bacon at the same time, repeat the layering, finishing with 2 layers of paper towels on top.
Microwave
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Lift the top paper towel carefully and check doneness. If needed, microwave in 30-second bursts until the bacon is almost cooked. Crispy or rubbery, it's your choice. Tip: Bacon will crisp up a little more as it cools.
- Move cooked bacon to a clean plate right away to prevent sticking to the paper towel. If it's still greasy, pat on another paper towel to get excess fat.
Notes
Microwave Bacon Cook Time Chart
Use this chart to help you adjust for different microwave wattages and doneness preferences. Times listed are for 2–4 bacon slices. Add 30 seconds for each additional slice. Always monitor closely after 3 minutes.| Microwave Wattage | Rubbery Texture (Approx Time) | Crispy Texture (Approx Time) |
|---|---|---|
| 600W | 5 minutes | 6.5 minutes |
| 800W | 4 minutes | 5 minutes |
| 1000W | 3 minutes | 4 minutes |
| 1200W | 2.5 minutes | 3.5 minutes |
