Craving bacon but short on time? Your microwave can deliver crispy, savory bacon in minutes without the mess of stovetop splatter.
We’ll show you how to make bacon the easy way and use it in two more tasty microwave dishes.
This article shares our favorite fast bacon recipes plus pro tips for perfect results every time.
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Quick and Sweet Microwave Maple Bacon Oatmeal
We’ve found the perfect way to combine sweet and savory in one quick breakfast bowl. This maple bacon oatmeal gives you crispy bacon bits mixed with creamy, sweet oats – all ready in under 5 minutes.
From our own experience, the key is cooking the bacon first, then using those rendered drippings to add flavor to your oats. What we love most is how the maple syrup balances the salty bacon perfectly.
We strongly suggest chopping your cooked bacon into small pieces before stirring it in. This way you get bacon in every spoonful instead of big chunks that overpower the oats.
One mistake we made early on was adding the maple syrup too hot. Let the oatmeal cool for about 30 seconds first, or the syrup will just sink to the bottom instead of mixing evenly throughout.
Speedy Microwave Bacon and Egg Breakfast Mug
This breakfast mug recipe has become our go-to when we need protein fast. You get fluffy scrambled eggs with crispy bacon pieces all cooked in a single mug – perfect for busy mornings.
What I found works best is pre-cooking the bacon and breaking it into bite-sized pieces before adding the beaten eggs. The bacon stays crispier this way rather than getting soggy in the egg mixture.
From my own experience, microwaving in 30-second intervals prevents the eggs from becoming rubbery. We stir between each interval to ensure even cooking throughout.
I strongly suggest using a large mug – at least 12 ounces. The egg mixture will puff up significantly during cooking, and we’ve learned the hard way that small mugs lead to messy microwave cleanup.
Mastering the Art Of Crispy Microwave Bacon
We’ve perfected our microwave bacon technique through lots of trial and error. The secret is using a microwave-safe rack with paper towels to absorb grease while allowing air circulation around each strip.
From our own experience, thick-cut bacon needs about 1 minute per slice, while regular bacon takes 45-50 seconds per slice. What we love is how evenly the bacon cooks compared to stovetop frying.
One mistake I made was overcrowding the plate. Bacon strips should never overlap or they’ll cook unevenly with some parts staying chewy while others burn.
I strongly suggest starting with less time rather than more. You can always add 15-30 second intervals if needed, but there’s no fixing overcooked, burnt bacon. We’ve found that slightly underdone bacon will continue cooking from residual heat even after removing from the microwave.
Also See: Microwave Pancake Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
Essential Tools for Microwave Bacon Success
From my own experience, having the right tools makes all the difference between soggy bacon and crispy perfection. A microwave bacon rack is your best friend – it elevates the bacon strips above rendered fat for even cooking.
What I found works best is using heavy-duty paper towels both under and over the bacon. The bottom layer absorbs grease while the top layer prevents splatter. We’ve tried cheaper paper towels, but they fall apart and stick to the bacon.
I strongly suggest investing in a microwave-safe plate with raised edges. Flat plates let grease pool around the bacon, making it greasy instead of crispy. One mistake I made was using regular dinner plates – the bacon juices ran everywhere and created a mess.
A good pair of tongs is essential for flipping thicker bacon strips halfway through cooking. We’ve learned that metal tongs work fine since they don’t stay in the microwave during cooking. Plastic tongs tend to melt if they accidentally touch hot bacon grease.
Perfecting Your Microwave Bacon Cooking Time
Getting bacon timing right took us lots of practice and plenty of burnt strips. Microwave wattage makes a huge difference – what works in our 1000-watt microwave won’t work the same in a 700-watt model.
From my own experience, regular thickness bacon needs 45-60 seconds per slice in a standard 1000-watt microwave. Thick-cut bacon requires 75-90 seconds per slice. What we love is starting with less time and adding 15-second intervals as needed.
I strongly suggest checking the bacon at the minimum time first. One mistake I made was setting a long timer and walking away – burnt bacon is bitter and inedible. We’ve found that bacon continues cooking from residual heat even after the microwave stops.
The number of strips affects timing too. Two strips cook faster than six strips due to moisture content and spacing. We typically add 10-15 seconds to our base time when cooking 4 or more strips at once.
Time to Get Cooking With Your Microwave!
We’ve shared our favorite bacon-powered microwave recipes that transform your kitchen into a breakfast haven in minutes. Each recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the cleanup hassle of stovetop cooking. The maple bacon oatmeal brings comfort food vibes, while our breakfast mug creates a complete meal in one container.Your microwave is waiting to become your new bacon-cooking best friend! Start with whichever recipe speaks to you most, and don’t be afraid to add your own creative twists. Whether you’re rushing to work or enjoying a lazy weekend morning, these recipes prove that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
