Craving a hot meal but allergic to effort? This recipe turns pre-cooked bacon and canned spinach into a 5-minute microwave masterpiece with zero culinary gymnastics required.
No pans, no cleanup – just layer, zap, and devour. Perfect for dorm rooms, late-night snacks, or days when even takeout feels like too much work.
We’ll walk through microwaving pre-cooked bacon, jazzing up canned spinach, and combining them into a dish that’s surprisingly tasty.
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Lazy Microwave Bacon and Spinach Delight
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Dinner, LunchCuisine: American2
2
minutes6
minutes180
kcal8
minutesThis recipe utilizes lazy microwave techniques to whip up a delicious meal with pre-cooked bacon and canned spinach. It’s perfect for those who want tasty food without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is ideal for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner after a long day.
Ingredients
pre-cooked bacon
of spinach drained
olive oil
garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
cheese . optional for topping
Directions
- Lay the pre-cooked bacon on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through, then set aside, Drain the canned spinach thoroughly and transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl, Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the spinach, and stir to combine.
- Microwave the spinach mixture on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway for even cooking.
- Chop the heated bacon into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the spinach, Microwave for an additional minute to allow the flavors to blend.
- If desired, top with grated cheese and microwave for another 30 seconds until melted..
Notes
- For a little extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes. This meal is versatile, so you can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Consider pairing it with bread or rice for a more filling meal!
Can You Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked bacon thrives in microwaves because it’s already fully cooked – you’re just reheating it. We recommend 30-60 seconds on high depending on thickness. Layer slices between paper towels to absorb grease explosions (learned this after Uncle Peter turned a family reunion microwave into a bacon-scented crime scene).
Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a splatter guard or another paper towel. Watch closely – overcooking turns bacon into salty cardboard. For crispier results, let it rest 15 seconds post-zapping as residual heat works its magic.
Can You Microwave Canned Spinach?
Yes, but with one non-negotiable step: drain that can juice. Canned spinach already comes cooked, so we’re reheating it while avoiding swampy textures. My brother Joseph once skipped draining and created a spinach tsunami that flooded his microwave tray – don’t be Joseph. For a quick and easy meal, pairing canned spinach with lazy microwave boxed rice can make for a delicious and nutritious dish. Using both together takes minimal effort and ensures you get your veggies without sacrificing flavor.
Empty the can into a microwave-safe bowl, stir in a teaspoon of water or butter, and heat for 1-2 minutes on high. Stir halfway to prevent cold spots. For extra flair, add garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon before nuking. This trick works just as well when you use it alongside other lazy microwave dishes like bacon and spinach.
Ready to assemble your lazy feast? Let’s talk ingredients and smart swaps next.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Bacon and Spinach Delight
You’ll need exactly two heroes here: pre-cooked bacon and canned spinach. But let’s talk upgrades. Last Tuesday, my roommate swapped in turkey bacon and nearly started a kitchen debate – so here’s your cheat sheet. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to prepare turkey bacon, the microwave is a great option. It cooks evenly and saves time, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Pre-cooked Bacon Alternatives
- Turkey bacon: Lower fat, same crunch (microwave 45 seconds)
- Plant-based bacon: Adds smoky flavor without meat (check for 30-sec heat times)
- Pre-cooked sausage crumbles: For those craving spicy kicks
Canned Spinach Substitutes
- Frozen spinach: Thaw and squeeze dry first (microwave 2.5 minutes)
- Fresh baby spinach: Toss 2 handfuls in a bowl with 1 tsp water (zap 1 minute)
- Kale (yes, really): Chop finely, mix with olive oil, microwave 1.5 minutes
Pro tip: Keep Parmesan packets from last week’s pizza delivery. They’re clutch for sprinkling. When adding flavor to quick snacks, consider using those leftover packets to enhance dishes like microwave garlic parmesan chips. These chips are a simple and delicious way to enjoy a savory treat in no time.
Also See: Orzo Salad With Summer Herbs (Microwave-friendly)
How to Make Lazy Microwave Bacon and Spinach Delight
This isn’t rocket science – it’s lazy science. But follow these steps to avoid my 2019 “burnt bacon smoke alarm incident.” For a quick and tasty meal, lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon can be a game changer, especially when paired with baked potatoes. It’s a simple way to enjoy crispy bacon without the hassle.
Step 1: Microwave the Pre-cooked Bacon
- Arrange 4-6 bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels
- Cover with another paper towel (grease force field activated)
- Microwave on high 30-45 seconds until warm
Watch closely – bacon goes from “perfect” to “petrified” in 10 seconds. Let sit 20 seconds post-zap for maximum crispness. If you’re looking for a quick way to enjoy crispy bacon without the mess, a microwave bacon recipe might be just what you need. Perfectly cooked bacon can be achieved simply by layering strips on a plate and microwaving them for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Canned Spinach
- Drain spinach thoroughly (seriously – pour off that murky green liquid)
- Mix in 1 tsp butter or olive oil + pinch of garlic powder
- Microwave in a bowl for 1.5 minutes, stirring halfway
Fun fact: Adding acid (lemon juice/vinegar) cuts through the metallic canned taste. My college survival hack!
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Chop bacon into bite-sized bits
- Layer spinach in a bowl, top with bacon crumbles
- Optional: Add shredded cheese, hot sauce, or everything bagel seasoning
I once added a fried egg on top and pretended it was brunch. Roommates were impressed. Zero effort.
Also See: Easy 90-second Sunflower Bread Recipe!

What Does Microwave Bacon and Spinach Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite diner’s $15 spinach salad – but cheaper and in pajamas. The bacon brings smoky saltiness, while properly drained spinach offers earthy freshness. Add cheese, and you’ve got creamy umami goodness. This delightful combination can also be transformed into a cozy dip. Microwave spinach artichoke dip is a quick and tasty way to enjoy these flavors in a whole new form.
Texture is key here. When microwaved right, bacon stays crisp against the spinach’s slight tenderness. It’s comfort food without the guilt (or dishes). My gym buddy calls it “sad diet food” – until he tried my paprika-sprinkled version. Now he steals my lunch. Microwaving brings out the best in certain foods, enhancing flavors and textures that baking can’t achieve. For example, there are 9 foods that taste better microwaved than baked, making meal prep quick and satisfying.
Up next: Let’s tackle common mistakes so your lazy meal doesn’t become a cautionary tale.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even lazy recipes have pitfalls. Let’s dodge the disasters I’ve survived (like the Great Spinach Splatter of 2022) with these quick fixes.
Mistake: The Soggy Spinach Swamp
Forgetting to drain canned spinach is a one-way ticket to Soggy Town. My cousin’s roommate once nuked undrained spinach – it resembled algae soup. Fix: Press the spinach against the can lid with a fork, then tilt to drain for 10 seconds. Double-draining prevents sogginess.
Mistake: Bacon Overcrowding
Stacking bacon slices like Jenga blocks leads to cold spots and floppy strips. Fix: Arrange pre-cooked bacon in a single layer with space between slices. If your plate’s tiny, microwave bacon in batches. Yes, laziness has limits.
Mistake: Container Catastrophes
Metal cans + microwaves = light show (and fire alarms). Fix: Always transfer spinach to a microwave-safe bowl. I use dollar store ramekins – they’re cheap and handle heat like champs. For a quick and easy meal option, consider using canned spinach and eggs in the microwave. A budget-friendly dish like cheap microwave egg canned spinach can be both nutritious and delicious.
Mistake: Crispy Calamity
Zapping bacon beyond 60 seconds creates charcoal briquettes. Fix: Start with 30 seconds, then add 10-second bursts. Remember: Bacon continues crisping as it cools. Patience, grasshopper. And if you’re reheating bacon for your Lazy Microwave Bacon and Spinach Delight, this technique will help it come out just right.
Mistake: Bland Greens Blues
Plain microwaved spinach tastes like regret. Fix: Stir in seasoning BEFORE heating. My go-to: ¼ tsp garlic powder + lemon zest. Taste buds will thank you. When you’re ready, cook your spinach in the microwave as part of your lazy microwave bacon and spinach delight.
Nailed these fixes? Let’s tackle storing leftovers without summoning the food safety police.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from microwaving pre-cooked bacon to jazzing up canned spinach for this quick meal. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite seasonings or cheese for extra flavor.
Give this lazy microwave bacon and spinach delight a whirl next time hunger strikes. It’s faster than ordering takeout and surprisingly satisfying. Let us know how your version turns out!


