Craving a hearty meal without the hassle? This lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon and potato dish delivers crispy bacon and fluffy spuds in under 10 minutes.
No chopping, no pans, and zero patience required—just a microwave and your couch-ready self. Plus, we skip the skillet—your microwave handles all the sizzling while you kick back.
Here’s how to master this lazy genius recipe (and avoid common microwave mishaps).
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Lazy Microwave Pre-Cooked Bacon and Potato
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Breakfast, Dinner, LunchCuisine: American2
5
minutes5
minutes350
kcal10
minutesThis lazy microwave recipe offers you a delicious combination of pre-cooked bacon and tender potatoes without the hassle of a traditional cooking method. Ideal for those who want a satisfying meal in a fraction of the time, this dish is perfect for quick breakfasts or late-night snacks.
Ingredients
frozen diced potatoes
pre-cooked bacon
shredded cheese optional
salt and pepper to taste
chives or green onions for garnish optional
Directions
- Place the frozen diced potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a tablespoon of water to the bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Once the potatoes are tender, remove them from the microwave and drain any excess water.
- Cut the pre-cooked bacon into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the potatoes.
- Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Microwave the mixture for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the bacon is heated through.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and microwave for an extra 15-30 seconds until melted.
- Remove from the microwave, garnish with chopped chives or green onions if using, and serve hot..
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite seasoning or vegetables to customize the dish. For a spicy kick, consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes. This recipe is easy to double for larger servings and can be adjusted based on available ingredients. Perfect for a no-fuss meal any time of the day!
Can You Microwave Bacon?
John once tried “time-saving” bacon hacks during his grad school all-nighters—let’s just say our smoke detector became his alarm clock. But yes, you can microwave bacon safely! Modern microwaves excel at rendering fat without charring your kitchen. Microwaving bacon is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious treat. Not only does it save time, but it also minimizes the mess typically associated with frying.
How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave
Line a microwave-safe plate with 3 paper towels. Arrange 4-6 bacon strips in a single layer (no overlapping!). Cover with 2 more paper towels—this absorbs grease and prevents splatter wars inside your microwave.
Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. Check at 4 minutes: bacon should curl slightly with golden edges. For extra crispness, add 30-second increments. Thick-cut? Bump initial time to 5-6 minutes. Our rule: underdo and add beats overcooked carbon strips.
Can You Microwave Potatoes?
Joseph once microwaved a whole potato without pricking it—we still find starch confetti in odd corners. Potatoes microwave beautifully if you let steam escape. The result? Fluffy centers perfect for lazy recipes, like our Lazy Microwave Pre-Cooked Bacon and Potato.
How to Microwave Potatoes for the Recipe
Wash 2 medium russet potatoes (skin on!). Stab each 6-8 times with a fork—channel your inner vampire hunter. Place on a microwave-safe plate, spaced apart. Nuke for 5 minutes, flip, then 3-5 more minutes. Squeeze gently: they should yield like a stress ball. Cooking potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy them. Just remember to check their doneness as microwaves can vary in power.
Let rest 2 minutes before slicing. Want skins crispier? Zap an extra minute. For sweet potatoes, add 1-2 minutes—they’re divas that demand more stage time. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy snack option, 2 minute microwave sweet potato chips with no oil can be a fantastic choice. These chips provide a delicious crunch while keeping things simple and nutritious.
Now that we’ve tamed bacon grease and potato grenades, let’s assemble this lazy feast with ingredients you likely already own. For a truly easy meal, consider incorporating a microwave bacon recipe. Cooking bacon in the microwave not only saves time but also minimizes the mess.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Potato
Grab these staples from your fridge or pantry. We’re keeping it minimalist—no fancy herbs or obscure spice racks required. For a quick and satisfying meal, consider adding cheap microwave ramen and canned diced peppers to your cooking lineup. Together, they create a delicious and easy dish, perfect for any time of day.
- 4-6 slices pre-cooked bacon (store-bought or leftover)
- 2 medium russet potatoes (washed, skin on)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional but life-changing)
Ingredient Substitutes and Alternatives
Out of russets? Swap in Yukon Golds for creamier texture. No garlic powder? A pinch of onion powder or smoked paprika works. For butter haters (we exist!), try bacon grease—it’s free flavor from your pre-cooked strips. For a quick and tasty side dish, microwave Yukon Gold potatoes for perfectly tender results.
Vegetarian? Use plant-based bacon or crispy coconut flakes with liquid smoke. Dairy-free? Olive oil or vegan butter keeps things golden. We’ve even used leftover BBQ jackfruit instead of bacon during “clean out the fridge” weeks. If you’re looking for a quick and easy option, microwave bacon is a great choice. It cooks perfectly in minutes and can add that savory touch to any meal.
Also See: One-pot Jambalaya (Microwave Fast Version) in Minutes!
How to Make Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Potato
This isn’t a drill: your microwave does 95% of the work here. We’ll handle the remaining 5% with strategic assembly — kind of like the perfect microwave trick for corn.
Step-by-step Instructions With Tips and Tricks
- Prep potatoes using our earlier microwave method (stab, nuke, rest). Slice into 1/2-inch cubes once cool enough to handle.
- Crisp bacon in microwave for 30-45 seconds if using pre-cooked. Watch closely—it goes from “meh” to “burnt confetti” fast.
- Toss potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with butter/oil and garlic powder. Microwave 1 minute to absorb flavors.
- Mix in bacon and microwave 30-60 seconds until sizzling. Let sit 1 minute—steam will finish softening any stubborn taters.
Pro tip: For extra crunch, add potatoes to a dry non-stick skillet for 2 minutes post-microwave. But let’s be real—we’re here for laziness. If you’re looking for a hassle-free meal, a lazy microwave instant mashed potato bowl is the perfect solution. It offers a quick and easy way to enjoy creamy potatoes without any fuss.
Also See: Pesto Pasta Mug Bowl: Microwave Spin in Minutes!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overcrowding the plate: Microwaves hate crowds. Spread bacon in a single layer and give potatoes breathing room. Cook in batches if needed—your patience will be rewarded with crispiness.
Skipping paper towels: Bacon grease loves to redecorate your microwave walls. Always layer paper towels above and below strips. For potatoes, a damp paper towel over the bowl prevents dry-out during reheating.
Undercooked spuds: If potatoes feel rock-hard after microwaving, zap in 30-second bursts. They should dent easily when pressed—think ripe avocado, not a baseball. Microwaving potatoes is a quick way to prepare them for any meal. It offers a convenient cooking method that keeps them tender and delicious without much effort.
Once your plate is clean (or not), let’s talk about keeping leftovers as stress-free as the recipe. One handy option for quick meals is a lazy microwave mug omelet, perfect for utilizing leftover ingredients. By using a mug and the microwave, you can create a delicious, easy breakfast that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
With crispy bacon and tender potatoes ready in minutes, this lazy microwave meal is a game-changer for busy days. We’ve covered everything from prep tricks to storage hacks so you can nail it on your first try.
Why not whip up a batch tonight? Just grab your microwave-safe plate, layer those ingredients, and let the magic happen. Tell us how your lazy bacon-potato creation turns out!


