Imagine starting your day with the smoky crunch of bacon, the warmth of maple, and creamy oats—all ready before your coffee brews. This isn’t just oatmeal—it’s breakfast magic in a mug.
Whip it up in 5 minutes using one bowl (yes, bacon included!). We skip the stovetop splatter and deliver cozy comfort faster than you can say “syrup drizzle.”
Craving the details? We’ve got your back—from crispy bacon hacks to avoiding oatmeal volcanoes.
Jump To:
Microwave Maple Bacon Oatmeal
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: BreakfastCuisine: American2
5
minutes2
minutes350
kcal7
minutesIf you're looking for a breakfast that's both delicious and easy to make, look no further than this microwave maple bacon oatmeal. Combining the nutty flavor of oats with crispy bacon and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, this recipe takes traditional oatmeal to the next level. It's packed with flavor and can be made in just a few minutes, making it perfect for any busy morning.
Ingredients
rolled oats
water or milk of choice
cooked bacon
crumbled
maple syrup
pinch of salt
toppings (e.g.
sliced bananas
chopped nuts
or additional maple syrup).
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the rolled oats and water or milk, stir to combine.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then stir the mixture.
- Microwave for an additional 30 seconds, or until the oats are cooked to your desired consistency.
- While the oatmeal is cooking, crumble the cooked bacon and set aside.
- Once the oatmeal is ready, stir in the maple syrup and salt.
- Top the oatmeal with crumbled bacon and any optional toppings you desire.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious microwave maple bacon oatmeal..
Notes
- For extra flavor, feel free to experiment with different types of toppings, such as diced fruits, nuts, or seeds. Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your preference for sweetness. This oatmeal is best enjoyed immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a creamier oatmeal, consider using milk instead of water.
What Does Maple Bacon Oatmeal Taste Like?
Picture this: John once described our maple bacon oatmeal as “a campfire breakfast in mug form.” He’s not wrong—it’s like summer camp mornings meets grown-up brunch. The smoky saltiness of bacon dances with rich maple sweetness, while creamy oats tie it all together.
You get contrasting textures too—crispy bacon crumbles against soft, steaming oats. It’s savory enough to feel substantial but sweet enough to satisfy syrup cravings. John still jokes it’s the only reason he survived early morning fishing trips at camp!
Ingredients for Microwave Maple Bacon Oatmeal
Grab these pantry staples (measurements for one hungry human):
- ½ cup quick oats (they microwave faster than rolled oats)
- 1 cup water or milk (dairy or plant-based—we’ve used almond milk for 5 years straight)
- 2 strips bacon (turkey bacon works; John insists on thick-cut hickory)
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (imitation syrup? We don’t know her.)
- Pinch of salt (trust us—it amplifies the maple)
Optional upgrades: Cinnamon sprinkle, brown sugar dusting, or a pat of butter for extra richness. Adding a dash of cinnamon not only enhances flavor but also pairs perfectly with the convenience of lazy microwave instant oatmeal. This delicious combination makes breakfast quick, easy, and satisfying.
Fun fact: This recipe scales beautifully. Just double everything if you’re feeding a John-sized appetite. If you’re in the mood for a quick meal, trying simple microwave recipes can be a game changer. Here are 9 microwave recipes that taste like takeout, perfect for those busy nights.
How to Make Microwave Maple Bacon Oatmeal
Step 1: Microwave the Bacon
Lay bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cook on high for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Watch closely—bacon goes from perfect to charcoal faster than John finishes coffee. Cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick and convenient method that saves on cleanup. It’s an easy way to enjoy crispy bacon without the fuss of a frying pan.
Transfer bacon to a paper towel, then crumble. Save that glorious grease! We’ll use it later. If you’re looking to make the bacon easier and quicker, a microwave bacon recipe can be a game changer. This method not only saves time but also makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Prepare the Oatmeal Base
In a large microwave-safe mug, mix oats, water/milk, and 1 tsp reserved bacon grease (secret flavor booster!). Microwave uncovered for 1.5-2 minutes. This quick recipe highlights how versatile the microwave can be for breakfast. For a complete meal in just two minutes, consider trying a microwave bacon egg breakfast mug as well.
Stop mid-way to stir—this prevents oatmeal volcanoes. Ask me how I learned that lesson…
Step 3: Combine and Sweeten
Stir maple syrup and salt into cooked oats. Fold in ¾ of bacon crumbles, reserving the rest for topping. Taste and add more syrup if needed—we won’t judge. For a quick and easy breakfast option, consider making turkey bacon in the microwave. This method yields crispy bacon in just a few minutes, adding extra flavor to your dish.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Pile remaining bacon on top. Drizzle extra syrup if you’re feeling fancy. Let sit 1 minute (mug gets HOT)—then dig in. Pro tip: Pair with black coffee to balance the sweetness. For a mess-free cooking experience, using a coffee mug to microwave bacon can help minimize splatter, ensuring a quicker cleanup while enjoying your delicious meal.
Ready to tweak your technique? Let’s talk microwave mastery…
Also See: How to Make Sunny Side Up Eggs in the Microwave
Tips &Amp; Tricks for Perfect Microwave Maple Bacon Oatmeal
Want bacon that crisps like it’s sunbathing? Use high power (100%) and check every 30 seconds. Thicker cuts may need 10-15 extra seconds—John’s “maple-glazed mishap of 2022” taught us patience pays.
Prevent oatmeal eruptions by choosing a large, deep mug (we’ve rescued ceilings from oat splatter). If your microwave tends to run hot, reduce cook time by 15-20 seconds and stir twice.
- Bacon swap: Pre-cooked crumbles work—toss 1 tbsp into oatmeal base before microwaving.
- Sweetener hack: Replace syrup with 1 tsp brown sugar + ½ tsp vanilla extract.
- Creamy upgrade: Stir in 1 tbsp half-and-half post-microwave for silky texture.
Plant-based? We’ve nailed it with tempeh bacon and coconut aminos. Just promise not to tell John. Using the right microwave symbols can make vegan cooking even easier. Familiarizing yourself with the top five microwave symbols can help you prepare meals quickly and efficiently without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.
Got leftovers? Let’s talk storage secrets while your coffee brews…
Also See: Quick & Easy Microwave Steamed Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Breakfast!
Microwave maple bacon oatmeal is the ultimate sweet-savory breakfast hack—ready in minutes with minimal cleanup. We love how the smoky bacon balances the rich maple syrup, creating a flavor bomb that’ll make mornings exciting.
Give this recipe a spin and tweak it with your favorite toppings. Once you’ve tried this speedy microwave method, you might never go back to stovetop oatmeal again!