Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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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!

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

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.

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

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.

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)

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.

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)

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.

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (5)
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Recipe Card

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (10)

4.98 from 511 votes

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Crispy Microwave Bacon

Microwaving bacon is the easiest and fastest way to cook it. It comes out wonderfully crispy and evenly cooked.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time4 minutes mins

Total Time9 minutes mins

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.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 2slices | Calories: 54kcal | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 231mg

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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.

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More Keto Breakfast Recipes

  • Chaffles Recipe
  • Breakfast Egg Muffins
  • Mushroom Frittata
  • Turkey Hash

About the Author

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (21) 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

    Leave a Comment

  1. Nikki Krakauer

    Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (22)
    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

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Crispy Microwave Bacon - Healthy Recipes Blog? ›

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 the bacon on high until crispy. In my microwave (1000 watts), it takes 4 minutes.

Is bacon cooked in the microwave healthier? ›

In studies², scientists found bacon cooked by microwaves have significantly lower levels of carcinogenic nitrosamines than conventionally cooked bacon.

Can bacon get crispy in the microwave? ›

Although it seems counterintuitive, bacon crisps up beautifully in the microwave oven. Plus, you won't splatter your stovetop with grease while you're cooking it. Without a doubt, if you just want a few slices of crunchy bacon, the microwave is the quickest, cleanest, and fastest way to make it!

Is crispy bacon healthier than regular bacon? ›

The healthiest way to cook bacon is to cook it until crispy (but not burned), which allows the most fat to melt off.

What is the healthiest way to cook bacon? ›

The healthiest way to cook bacon is in the oven. It allows the bacon to get nice and crispy while draining off the fat. An air fryer is also a good option for cooking bacon.

Why is microwaved bacon so good? ›

Pros: Cooking bacon in the microwave is fast--it takes just a few minutes. There's minimal mess and grease spattered because the bacon is cooked between paper towels. It's hands-off--the opposite of standing over a skillet full of spattering grease.

Is it better to microwave or fry bacon? ›

You can cook a few slices in a skillet or the microwave, but when cooking a big batch, the oven is the surefire way to go. This method is almost entirely hands-off and results in perfectly crispy, chewy, evenly-cooked bacon.

What makes bacon crispy? ›

Cooking bacon in the oven creates perfectly crispy, delicious bacon. It's also super easy, creates less mess than cooking it on the stovetop and allows you to multitask in the kitchen. If you've never baked bacon, give it a try!

How to make things crispy in the microwave? ›

Use a Microwave Crisper

Crisper sheets are specially designed trays that can be used to give your food a nice, crispy texture. Placing the sheet on top of your food will help keep moisture out and allow heat to reach all sides evenly, resulting in an evenly cooked and delicious meal.

Why is crispy bacon better? ›

Bacon in nature is not thick it is just thin strips of meat. So when your bacon is firm and crunchy or burned it does not break your teeth and provides a bounty of flavor, while chewy bacon simply provides a floppy greasy disappointment thats is hard to chew.

Is 2 pieces of bacon a day bad? ›

“For general good health, I would recommend keeping processed meats limited to once a week or once every other week. At that rate, a serving could be three to four slices. If you eat bacon more often than that, one to two slices should be a serving,” says Derocha.

Is there such a thing as healthy bacon? ›

Turkey bacon is likely healthier for you than conventional bacon since it's not red meat. Turkey bacon, however, is still processed meat. Stick to small portions, pair it with nutrient-rich foods, and choose nitrate-free versions if you enjoy turkey bacon and want to keep eating it. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What is the healthiest bacon you can buy? ›

"When choosing bacon, opt for no-sugar and uncured options, ensuring a delicious and healthier choice for your plate," says Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT. She recommends Pederson's Natural Farms Organic Uncured Bacon, as it's sourced from humanely raised animals and is free from nitrates, nitrites, MSG, gluten, and soy.

Is bacon once a week bad for you? ›

In light of the more recent evidence, it's best to reduce your intake of all processed meats to once every couple of weeks. Therefore, keeping your bacon intake to a minimum is recommended – eating it every couple of weeks is best. Read more: How much red meat is safe to eat?

Why is restaurant bacon better? ›

If you think there might be a pro chef hack happening here, you'd be right. There's a fantastic technique that many restaurant cooks use that makes hot, crispy bacon strips fast. Chefs often par-broil bacon in lots of oil first to lock in moisture and then keep these slices cold until an order comes in.

Is bacon healthier, grilled or fried? ›

Grilling bacon can be a healthier option than frying, as the fat can drip off into the grill, reducing the overall amount. To grill bacon, preheat your grill to a high temperature. After heating, cook the bacon rashers for two minutes on each side until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Why do Americans microwave bacon? ›

Cooking your bacon in the microwave is quicker, easier, cleaner, and more hands-off than any other method.

Can you eat bacon and still be healthy? ›

Bacon has lots of sodium, cholesterol, and fat, all of which can increase your risk of heart disease. But bacon does have other nutrients, like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Just keep in mind that if you eat bacon, it's best to do so occasionally and in small amounts.

Is microwave cooking healthier? ›

According to some studies, microwave cooking may be one of the healthiest cooking methods because it heats food quickly, which preserves nutritional properties, and requires minimal liquids or oils, which reduces fat and calories.

Can bacon be cooked healthy? ›

Cooked on a rack

If you have an ovenproof rack then this can be used to cook bacon evenly in the oven and allows the fat to drip off making it a slightly healthier method.

References

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