Quick and crispy Microwave Bacon is perfect on mornings when there’s no time to babysit the frying pan!
Who among us hasn’t woken up with a bacon craving on a busy weekday morning? The laborious task of frying bacon is full of messy obstacles: grease splattering on the stovetop, flipping the slices at the right times, cooking in batches, and burning your hands on hot bacon fat. None of these are ideal when you have to get kids ready for school and yourself ready for work. Well, friends, there is a better way to get crispy bacon on the weekday breakfast plate: use your trusty microwave!
While we’re most used to frying bacon on the stovetop, microwaving it is an ideal shortcut that results in crispy slices. The simple step of layering your raw bacon between paper towels prevents grease splatters during cooking, and you can microwave it to your desired level of crispiness.
In about five minutes, you’ll have a plate of salty, satisfying bacon that goes perfect with your buttered toast and so much more. Don’t deny yourself a weekday bacon craving!
Is Microwave Bacon Healthy?
Most people don’t associate bacon with health, and rightly so. It’s high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should definitely be consumed in moderation. That said, you can also use this method with turkey bacon, which is leaner than regular bacon.
More Than A Breakfast Staple
Bacon is more than just a breakfast favorite—its irresistible flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. In salads, crispy crumbled bacon adds texture and savory goodness. What would a Cobb salad or Caesar salad be without the richness of bacon? I also love crumbling it over spinach salads or a salad made with crisp frisée lettuce and topped with a poached egg.
Bacon pairs beautifully in pastas with both creamy and tomato-based sauces, adding depth and umami. Ever tried crumbling bacon over a bowl of creamy risotto? Bliss! Similarly, quiches and frittatas gain a flavorful edge with bacon.
Bacon also enhances dips—blend it into creamy ranch, spinach-artichoke dip, or spreads with cheese. It even has a place in sweet-savory pairings such as crumbled atop maple-glazed donuts. And let’s not forget bacon-wrapped vegetables and stuffed mushrooms. Is there anything bacon doesn’t make better?
How To Make Ahead And Store
To prepare bacon ahead of time, cook as directed below, and let it cool before placing it in an airtight container. It can stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days and up to a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. Microwave it in 20-second intervals until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
A few strips of crispy bacon are great for breakfast alongside fried eggs and buttered toast. If you have extra time to make a big breakfast, consider serving your bacon alongside these delicious Breakfast Potatoes with a few Poached Eggs, or as a side to some Old-Fashioned Pancakes topped with maple syrup or Strawberry Sauce. You can also use this bacon to create my favorite sandwich: a BLT Sandwich. Or, for a walk on the lighter side of lunch, try a BLT Grilled Romaine Wedge Salad With Lemon Dill Vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon
Instructions
- Line a microwave-safe plate or glass container with 2 layers of paper towels, then lay some of the bacon on top. Don’t let the bacon overlap; just place as many pieces as you can fit.
- Cover the bacon with another paper towel.
- Place the plate in the microwave and cook on high for 4 minutes, or until it’s crispy. Repeat until all bacon is cooked.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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