Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon & Diced Peppers

We’ve all been there: ravenous hunger strikes, and cooking feels like climbing Everest. Enter this 90-second microwave marvel that delivers smoky bacon crunch and zesty pepper sweetness without dirtying a pan.

Zero prep, zero stress—just pre-cooked bacon and canned peppers teaming up for maximum flavor with minimal effort. This dish is your kitchen’s emergency exit when time’s tight but taste matters.

Below, we’ll break down ingredient swaps, microwave tricks, and creative twists to turn this lazy hack into your secret weapon.

What is Pre-cooked Bacon?

Pre-cooked bacon is exactly what it sounds like: fully cooked strips that just need reheating. We’re talking crispy, smoky strips that skip the splatter-fest of raw bacon. Most brands bake or smoke it, then vacuum-seal it for shelf stability. My grandpa always stashed these in his RV for impromptu picnics—no grease fires, no mess, just instant BLTs.

Store unopened packs in your pantry for up to 90 days. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 5 days. Pro tip: microwave it straight from the fridge for 15-30 seconds to revive that just-cooked crispiness without turning it into jerky.

What Are Canned Diced Peppers?

Canned diced peppers are pre-chopped peppers preserved in water, brine, or mild acid. You’ll find green, red, or jalapeño varieties—all softer than fresh but packed with sweet-tangy flavor. My mom Linda swears by them for “emergency chili” during rainy picnics. They’re the ultimate lazy cook’s veggie hack. For an even easier meal, consider pairing them with lazy microwave canned chili crackers for a quick and delicious treat. This combination takes minimal effort, perfect for those busy or lazy days when cooking feels like too much work.

Drain them well to avoid soggy results. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Fun fact: the canning process softens their texture, making them ideal for quick microwave dishes where fresh peppers might stay too crunchy. Canned diced peppers are especially convenient when creating cheap microwave meals like scrambled eggs. Add them to your next egg dish for a burst of flavor without breaking the bank.

Ready to see how these two pantry heroes collide? Let’s talk about the flavor fireworks they create together. If you’re looking to enhance your cooking experiences, consider incorporating a rum punch beachy vibes microwave spice mix. This mix can bring that tropical flavor right to your kitchen in no time!

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

Imagine smoky saltiness from the bacon tangoing with sweet-tangy pepper confetti. The pre-cooked bacon brings deep umami crunch, while canned peppers add soft, jammy texture with mild acidity. It’s like a breakfast taco filling without the tortilla—or effort. For a quick and easy way to enjoy that bacon flavor, try a microwave bacon recipe. This method saves time and delivers crispy bacon with minimal cleanup.

My college roommate once called this combo “lazy man’s charcuterie” during our 2 AM study binges. The flavors balance beautifully: fatty, salty, and just enough veggie brightness to trick yourself into feeling virtuous. To enhance that veggie brightness even further, using a special microwave trick can elevate their flavor to restaurant quality. This simple technique transforms ordinary vegetables into a delicious side that impresses anyone at the table.

Also See: A Week Of Keto Breakfasts: 5 Easy Microwave Ideas

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Canned Diced Peppers

You need just two MVPs plus optional upgrades:

• Pre-cooked bacon (2-4 strips per serving)
• Canned diced peppers (¼ cup drained per serving)
• Optional: ½ tsp olive oil or butter
• Optional: Black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika

Ingredient Substitutes and Alternatives

Out of something? We’ve got hacks:

• Turkey bacon works but needs 5-10 extra microwave seconds
• Fresh peppers? Dice and nuke 45 seconds with 1 tsp water
• Add shredded cheddar for melty indulgence (10 seconds post-cooking)
• Swap in canned diced tomatoes with green chiles for heat

Also See: How to Cook Chestnuts in the Microwave: Quick Method

How to Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon

I’ve nuked enough bacon to wallpaper my kitchen. Here’s the no-fail method:

1. Place 2-4 strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels
2. Cover with another paper towel to prevent splatter tanning
3. Microwave 15-30 seconds at 1000W until sizzling but not stiff

Pro tip: Arrange bacon like sun rays—no overlapping—for even crisping. If your microwave’s weaker than a polite apology, add 5-second bursts until satisfied. This is especially handy when you’re cooking bacon in the microwave for those lazy moments paired with pre-cooked bacon and canned diced peppers.

Now that your bacon’s perfectly crisped, let’s tackle the peppers—they’re even faster.

How to Microwave Canned Diced Peppers

Let’s talk peppers. I once dumped a whole can into a bowl without draining and created a pepper soup disaster. Learn from my mess: drain those peppers like your sanity depends on it. Shake the can, press the lid against the peppers to strain, or use a colander. Soggy-free is the way to be. Adding canned diced peppers to lazy microwave boxed rice makes a quick, tasty meal without the fuss.

1. Drain ¼ cup peppers per serving using a sieve or can lid.
2. Toss into a microwave-safe bowl (I repurpose rinsed yogurt containers).
3. Add ½ tsp olive oil or butter if avoiding stickage.
4. Cover with a damp paper towel—steam softens them further.
5. Microwave 30-45 seconds at 1000W until warm but not shriveled.

Want zest? Stir in a pinch of cumin or chili powder pre-nuking. My dog Baxter once knocked over my spice rack mid-recipe—now I keep it simple. For a quick and flavorful snack, consider trying quick microwave chili lime nuts. They offer a delightful kick that’s easily prepared in no time, adding a perfect crunch to your meals or enjoying as a standalone treat.

Step-by-step Recipe Instructions

Time to unite bacon and peppers. Picture this: smoky, salty confetti meets sweet-tangy confetti. Here’s how we throw the party:

1. Nuke bacon strips 15-30 seconds per 2 slices (see previous section).
2. While bacon heats, microwave peppers 30-45 seconds (drained!).
3. Chop bacon into bite-sized bits—scissors work faster than knives.
4. Toss bacon and peppers in a bowl. Add black pepper or hot sauce.
5. Optional: sprinkle shredded cheese and zap 10 seconds to melt.

My niece calls this “confetti surprise”—she thinks I’m magic. Pro tip: layer bacon first, then peppers, then cheese for optimal structural integrity.

Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes

We’ve all nuked things into oblivion. Here’s how to dodge bacon-pepper pitfalls:

• Overcrowding: Bacon strips need space. Overlapping = chewy spots.
• Undrained peppers: Excess liquid makes bacon soggy. Press ’em dry!
• High wattage: Microwaves vary. Start with 30 seconds, then add 10s bursts.
• Metal bowls: Just don’t. Use glass or ceramic to avoid spark shows.

Once, I forgot the paper towel on bacon and spent 10 minutes scrubbing the microwave. Learn from my laziness—always layer those towels. A simple trick to prevent mess while microwaving is to cover the bacon with a plate while microwaving. This can keep the splatters contained and make cleanup a breeze.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s tackle keeping leftovers fresh (because even lazy chefs deserve next-day deliciousness). With a few clever techniques, leftover meals can be transformed into gourmet dishes in no time. Learning some simple microwave tricks can elevate those leftovers and make them taste brand new.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from pre-cooked bacon’s crispy potential to canned peppers’ smoky sweetness. This lazy microwave combo delivers big flavor with minimal effort – perfect for rushed mornings or late-night cravings.

Why not experiment tonight? Toss those peppers into scrambled eggs or crumble bacon over a loaded potato. The microwave makes it foolproof, and we’re confident you’ll love the results. Just remember: 30-second intervals are your friend when reheating!