It’s surprisingly simple to cook perfectly crispy bacon in the microwave. This method is quick, low-mess, and reliable, making it an ideal option when you need a small batch of bacon fast. Whether you want bacon for breakfast, a sandwich, or to sprinkle over salads, the microwave delivers excellent results with minimal cleanup.
Short version: For a crowd, oven-baked bacon is great, but for speed and convenience the microwave is unbeatable. With a microwave-safe plate and a few paper towels you can cook bacon in about 6–8 minutes depending on thickness. The process is mess-free, fast, and consistent.
Everything You Need for Microwave Bacon
You don’t need special trays or gadgets to microwave bacon. Keep it simple. Here’s what you’ll use:
- Your favorite sliced bacon (thin, medium, or thick)
- A large microwave-safe plate that fits comfortably in your microwave
- 3–4 sheets of paper towel to catch the grease
How long does it take to microwave bacon?
Microwave bacon typically takes between 6 and 8 minutes, but the exact time depends on the bacon’s thickness and your microwave’s power. Start with the recommended time below, then add short increments until the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispness.
Microwave Bacon Cook Time
Thin cut: Start with 2 minutes on high, flip the slices, then microwave for another 2 minutes. If needed, continue in 30–60 second increments until done.
Medium or thick cut: Begin with 3 minutes on high, flip, then microwave for 3 more minutes. After 6 minutes, continue in 30–60 second increments until the bacon is cooked to your liking.
Crispy Bacon vs. Floppy Bacon
There’s no single “right” way to cook bacon. Some diners prefer it very crispy while others like it tender and flexible. The microwave method lets you control the texture by adjusting cooking times and short incremental bursts after the initial period. If you want softer bacon, stop earlier; for crispier strips, add extra 30-second bursts until the desired texture is reached.
Serving Suggestions
Microwave bacon pairs well with many breakfast and brunch dishes. Use it to top scrambled eggs, fold into omelets, layer on pancakes or toast, or crumble over salads and baked potatoes. It also works beautifully in breakfast sandwiches or as a crunchy garnish for soups.
- Almond flour or regular pancakes
- Scrambled eggs or omelets
- Egg bites or mini quiches
- Smoothies on the side for a balanced breakfast
- Healthy breakfast bowls and toast toppings
More favorite bacon ideas
Bacon Recipes
- How to cook bacon in the oven for large batches
- Bacon-wrapped vegetables or appetizers
- Bacon-wrapped egg cups for grab-and-go breakfasts
How to Microwave Bacon
To microwave bacon, all you need is raw bacon, a microwave-safe plate, and paper towels. Follow these clear steps for consistent, tasty results.
Author: Linley Hanson
Prep: 5 mins Cook: 6 mins (plus increments) Total: 11 mins Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 12 oz. medium or thick-cut bacon (or adjust amount to fit your plate)
Instructions
- Line a large microwave-safe plate with 3 layers of paper towel. The paper towels absorb grease and keep cleanup simple.
- Arrange 4–6 slices of bacon on the plate in a single layer without overlapping. Work in batches if you need to cook more bacon.
- Microwave on high: for medium/thick bacon, start with 3 minutes. Carefully flip each slice using tongs, then microwave for another 3 minutes.
- After the initial 6 minutes, continue microwaving in 30–60 second increments until the bacon reaches your preferred crispness. For thin bacon, begin with 2 minutes per side and adjust as needed.
- When done, transfer bacon to a clean paper towel for a moment to drain excess grease. Repeat until all bacon is cooked.
Tips & Notes
- Bacon thickness: Adjust initial times by thickness. Thin bacon cooks faster—try 2 minutes per side to start. Thick slices benefit from 3 minutes per side before fine-tuning.
- Microwave power: Microwaves vary. If yours is less powerful, add short increments; if it’s very powerful, reduce time slightly and check early.
- Batch cooking: Do not overlap slices. Cook in batches so every piece browns evenly.
- Safety: Use tongs or a fork to flip and remove bacon to avoid burns from hot grease. Let plates cool slightly before handling.
- Cleanup: Discard used paper towels and wipe the plate with a soapy sponge. If grease splatters in the microwave, wipe the interior while it’s cool to prevent buildup.
- Storage: Store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15–30 seconds or crisp briefly in a skillet.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 130 kcal, Carbohydrates: 2 g, Protein: 10 g, Fat: 8 g, Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
Enjoy Your Bacon
If you loved this quick method, try it with different bacon cuts to find the texture you prefer. Microwave bacon is a fast, no-fuss way to add flavorful crunch to many meals.