Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Cheese Grits

Craving comfort food but allergic to effort? Our lazy microwave bacon and cheese grits deliver smoky richness in under 5 minutes without dirtying a pan. Seriously—pre-cooked bacon skips the frying, and instant grits handle the rest.

This recipe combines crispy bacon crumbles, sharp cheddar, and creamy grits into one gloriously indulgent mug. We’ll walk through choosing shelf-stable pre-cooked bacon (no refrigeration needed!), nailing grits texture, and avoiding rubbery cheese disasters.

Grab your mug—we’re covering ingredients, microwave hacks, and spicy/herb twists to keep your taste buds entertained.

What Are Pre-cooked Bacon Strips?

Pre-cooked bacon strips are fully cooked, shelf-stable bacon that skips the splatter-fest of pan-frying. We’re talking crispy pork magic that’s ready in 30 seconds – just unbox, microwave, and crumble. Most brands like Oscar Mayer or Hormel use preservative-free curing (hello, celery powder!) for salty-smoky flavor.

At last year’s chaotic holiday party, my sister Candice tossed pre-cooked bacon into five dishes while Aunt Clarice argued it “wasn’t real food.” Guess which appetizer vanished first? The bacon-stuffed dates – microwaved mid-argument while wine chilled.

What Are Grits?

Grits are coarsely ground corn kernels (hominy) boiled into a creamy Southern staple. Instant grits – our lazy recipe hero – cook in 90 seconds versus stone-ground’s 20-minute simmer. Texture ranges from porridge-smooth to slightly grainy, depending on grind size. Similarly, creamy corn chowder can be quickly prepared in the microwave, making it another fantastic option for a comforting meal. This quick microwave version delivers a rich flavor in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.

Pro tip: Swap water for chicken broth when microwaving. At that same holiday party, Aunt Clarice begrudgingly admitted broth-infused grits “tasted less lazy” – high praise from someone who irons napkins. Add cheese for richness, bacon for crunch, and watch skeptics become fans. However, not all foods are meant to be microwaved in the same way, and certain items can lead to disappointing results if cooked improperly. It’s important to be aware of the five common foods that people often microwave incorrectly.

Up next: We’ll tackle nuking bacon without rubbery results and grits without volcanic eruptions. Cooking bacon in the microwave can save time and reduce mess. It’s a quick method that results in crispy strips, perfect for breakfast sandwiches or salads.

Can You Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Grits?

Absolutely – microwaving pre-cooked bacon and grits is our lazy kitchen hack for smoky, cheesy comfort in minutes. Quick meals can be made even easier by pairing them with lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon canned soup for a delicious twist. Let’s nuke myths (and breakfast) with science.

Microwaving Pre-cooked Bacon Safely

Pre-cooked bacon thrives in microwaves. Place 2-3 strips between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 15-30 seconds until warm but not leathery. Paper towels absorb excess grease – unlike that one time I used napkins and ignited a small bacon-fueled spark. Lesson learned. To avoid any mess while microwaving, consider using specific techniques that contain grease splatters. A fun trick is layering a colander over your plate to catch any drips while keeping the bacon crispy.

Why Microwave Grits?

Instant grits are designed for microwaves. They absorb liquid faster than stovetop versions, cutting cook time by 75%. Plus, microwaving prevents the dreaded “grit volcano” – no stirring every 30 seconds like a pot-watching sentry. Swap water for broth if you want to impress Aunt Clarice-level critics.

Also See: Camping Quesadillas: Quick Microwave Cheese Melt

Ingredients for Microwave Bacon and Cheese Grits

Gather these pantry staples for a single-serving hug in a mug. Measurements matter here – grits expand like sponges on caffeine. For a quick and satisfying breakfast option, consider making a 2-minute microwave cheesy grits breakfast mug that combines creamy texture with delightful cheese flavor.

Essential Ingredients

• Pre-cooked bacon: 2 strips (Oscar Mayer or Hormel work best)
• Instant grits: ¼ cup (not stone-ground – we’re lazy, remember?)
• Liquid: ½ cup water, milk, or chicken broth
• Cheese: ¼ cup shredded cheddar (or Velveeta for extra creaminess)

Bacon and Cheese Substitutes

Turkey bacon crisps similarly but needs 5 extra seconds. Vegan? Use coconut bacon and nutritional yeast. Cheese alternatives: pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for depth, or (gasp) a cheese-less sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Microwaving turkey bacon is a quick way to get that crispy texture without the mess of frying. It’s a simple method that makes breakfast prep easier and more efficient. We don’t judge here.

Also See: Quick & Delicious Microwave Almond Joy Oatmeal Recipe

How to Make Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Cheese Grits

Time to transform pantry items into glory. Set your microwave to high and your patience to low – this takes 3 minutes max.

Step-by-step Microwave Instructions

1. Nuke bacon: Layer bacon between paper towels. Microwave 20 seconds. Crumble.
2. Prep grits: In a large mug, mix ¼ cup grits + ½ cup liquid. Microwave 1 minute.
3. Stir & cheese: Remove, stir vigorously. Add cheese and half the bacon. Microwave 30 seconds.
4. Top & serve: Mix, add remaining bacon, and let sit 1 minute. Beware magma-hot cheese.

Tips for Creamy, Clump-free Grits

Stir grits twice – after microwaving and post-cheese addition. Use a fork to break up lumps better than spoons. Too thick? Add 1 tbsp milk. Too runny? Microwave 15 seconds more. For silkier texture, whisk in 1 tsp butter pre-cheese. Yes, butter makes everything better – except maybe cholesterol. Melting cheese in the microwave makes it easy to achieve a creamy and luxurious texture for your grits. With just a few seconds in the microwave, cheese transforms into a delightful addition that elevates the dish.

Now that your mug is a vessel of comfort, let’s explore how these grits taste compared to your grandma’s all-day simmered version. Spoiler: You might not tell the difference after two mimosas.

What Do Microwave Bacon and Cheese Grits Taste Like?

Imagine velvety corn porridge cradling salty microwaved pre-cooked bacon nuggets, with cheddar’s tang cutting through the richness. The grits offer mild sweetness from the corn, while pre-cooked bacon adds smoky crunch without greasy heaviness. It’s like a hug from a Southern grandma who secretly loves shortcuts.

My college roommate once sniffed, “Microwave meals taste like regret.” Then she tried these grits mid-all-nighter. Now she bulk-orders pre-cooked bacon – progress. The cheese binds everything into creamy-cozy territory, with bacon’s umami keeping it from feeling nursery-food bland. For an even easier option, lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon mac takes convenience to a new level, perfect for those quick meals after a night of studying.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even lazy recipes have pitfalls. Let’s troubleshoot texture tragedies and bacon blunders before they strike.

Overcooked Bacon Fixes

Pre-cooked bacon turns into jerky fast. If yours resembles shoe leather, chop it finely and mix into grits – the moisture revives it slightly. Next time, microwave in 10-second bursts and check flexibility. For prevention, place a damp paper towel under bacon strips to add steam.

Adjusting Grits Consistency

Grits too thick? Stir in 1 tsp milk or broth until smooth. Too runny? Microwave another 15 seconds uncovered. If they’re lumpy, whisk aggressively with a fork – or embrace the “rustic texture” and blame the corn’s artisanal vibe. For ideal viscosity, aim for lava flow thickness: slowly oozing, not watery or cement-like. If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, microwave canned corn serves as a convenient option that pairs perfectly with grits. Using microwave canned corn can simplify your meal prep and add a burst of flavor to your dishes.

Mastered the basics? Let’s explore jalapeño kicks and herby twists to keep your taste buds on their toes. When it comes to adding a flavorful punch to your dishes, microwave jalapenos can be a game changer. They offer a quick and easy way to enjoy that spicy zing without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from pre-cooked bacon safety to achieving that perfect creamy grits texture in the microwave. This lazy recipe delivers smoky, cheesy comfort in under 5 minutes—no stovetop mess required.

Grab your favorite mug, microwave-safe bowl, and let those grits work their magic. Don’t forget to share your cheesy bacon masterpiece with us!