This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Start every morning with ease when you learn How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave! This easy foolproof method is quick, hassle-free, and pretty hard to mess up. When you’re got an empty belly and no time in the morning, skip the frying pan and turn to your microwave for seriously good bacon.

Several strips of cooked bacon are presented by a fork.

Bacon? Cooked in the microwave? Yes! I’m not talking about reheating already cooked bacon, either. You can straight up COOK raw bacon in the microwave, and it’s the best way to make a quick breakfast on a busy morning. In the microwave, bacon cooks in just about 5 minutes with no hot grease popping on your arms. Save yourself the hassle of a hot griddle with this easy recipe!

The best part about making bacon in the microwave, besides just how easy it is, is how crispy the bacon turns out! When you first hear about microwave bacon, I’m sure your thoughts aren’t along the lines of crispy, crunchy bacon. Well, think again! It’s still got the slight bacon chew to it that we all know and love, but microwave-made bacon is also – dare I say – even crunchier than traditional stove top bacon.

Whether you’re running out of the house to make it to work on time or need a quick and easy brunch option for your friends, this is the recipe to turn to! It’s seriously so simple, and the clean up is SO much better than what you’re used to. There’s not hot pan full of grease to deal with once you’re finished enjoying this bacon, and that’s enough for me to make it time and time again.

Raw bacon is placed on a sheet of paper towels.

How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave

You’ll (probably) never go back to the hot, greasy pan again!

  1. Line a plate. Line a microwave safe plate or platter with two layers of paper towels.
  2. Arrange the bacon. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the plate and cover with another two layers of paper towel.
  3. Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon in the microwave for 3 minutes at full power (for a 1200 watt microwave).
  4. Flip the bacon. Carefully remove the plate from the microwave, uncover and flip the bacon over.
  5. Cook again. Cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the desired degree of doneness.
  6. Enjoy! Remove the bacon from the microwave and serve immediately.
A stack of cooked bacon is placed on a paper towel.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & get this recipe sent to your inbox.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Tips for the Best Microwaved Bacon

  • Be careful not to overcook the bacon. It does continue to crisp up after you remove it from the microwave, so it’s best to remove it a little earlier if your microwave is more powerful.
  • If you’re wondering where the plastic tray is that you remember seeing from the early 2000’s that the bacon hanged on while microwaving, guess what? It’s in a landfill somewhere, because you really don’t need it. Don’t waste your money when all you need is paper towels and a plate!
  • Speaking of paper towels, don’t skip out on them! The paper towels are essential not only in making sure the bacon cooks correctly, but also that the grease is absorbed and not all over the plate.
  • Use any kind of bacon you’d like. This cooking method isn’t specific to any flavor or brand of bacon. With that in mind, though, I can’t guarantee that this method will work with plant-based bacon, only because it’s made of entirely different ingredients.
  • Eat your bacon just the way it is, or enjoy it in a variety of different ways! Crumble it into bacon bits, place it in a sandwich, the list goes on and on.
A sheet of paper towels is topped with cooked bacon and a single fork.

Bring home the bacon with these easy recipes!

For more easy bacon recipes, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

How to Microwave Bacon

4.50 from 2 votes
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 7 minutes
Servings: 3
Crispy, perfect bacon in the microwave without any mess! Super easy and perfect for breakfast any day of the week.

Equipment

  • microwave
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 pound thick sliced bacon

Instructions 

  • Line a microwave safe plate or platter with two layers of paper towel.
  • Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the plate and cover with another two layers of paper towel.
  • Cook the bacon in the microwave for 3 minutes at full power (for a 1200 watt microwave).
  • Carefully remove the plate from the microwave, uncover and flip the bacon over.
  • Cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the desired degree of doneness.
  • Remove the bacon and serve immediately.

Notes

Be careful not to overcook the bacon. It does continue to crisp up after you remove it from the microwave so it’s best to remove it a little earlier if your microwave is more powerful.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 500mg, Potassium: 150mg, Vitamin A: 28IU, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Leave a comment below!

Free email guide

Your “Healthy-ish” Meal Plan
Healthy meals don’t have to be difficult. Let me show you.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

6 Comments

  1. Leticia says:

    You’re instructions were spot on. Thanks for sharing. The bacon came out so crispy

    1. Kellie says:

      You’re welcome!

  2. Tom McManus says:

    This was a great idea, turned out very delicious.

    Thanks

    1. Kellie says:

      You’re welcome. I’m happy you liked it!

  3. Tim Shepperson says:

    I’ve done this for years and it’s terrific. However, I use a regular microwave bacon tray but the paper towels is a good idea and I will have to try it next time.

    1. Kellie says:

      Thank you so much for your comment!