Rating: 3.59
(51)

Microwave Bacon

May 21, 2026

Microwave Bacon is one of the fastest and easiest ways to cook crispy, savory bacon with minimal mess and cleanup. Perfect for busy mornings or quick meals, this method delivers surprisingly consistent results in just a few minutes, making it a popular choice for anyone who wants bacon without using a stovetop or oven.

The process works by using paper towels to absorb excess grease while the bacon cooks in the microwave. As the heat rapidly renders the fat, the strips become crisp and golden. The paper towels help prevent splattering and keep the bacon from sitting in its own grease, resulting in a cleaner, lighter texture.

To make Microwave Bacon, strips are typically laid out in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Another layer of paper towel is placed on top to catch any splatter. Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the bacon and the power of the microwave, but it usually takes just a few minutes. The bacon continues to crisp slightly after it is removed, so it’s often taken out just before it reaches the desired level of crunch.

One of the biggest advantages of this method is convenience. There is no need to preheat a pan, watch for splattering oil, or deal with stovetop cleanup. It’s especially useful for small portions or when cooking bacon as part of a larger breakfast spread. Many people also use this method in dorm rooms or small kitchens where stovetop cooking is limited.

Microwave Bacon can be used in the same way as traditionally cooked bacon. It pairs well with eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, salads, and burgers. It can also be crumbled over dishes like baked potatoes, potato galette or pasta for added flavor and crunch.

While it may not have the exact smoky depth or even sear of pan-fried bacon, Microwave Bacon is an excellent alternative when speed and simplicity are the priority. With a little attention to timing, it can still deliver a satisfying balance of crisp edges and tender bites.

Quick, practical, and mess-free, Microwave Bacon is a reliable kitchen shortcut that makes enjoying crispy bacon easier than ever, especially on rushed mornings or when you just want a fast, flavorful addition to your meal.

Microwave Bacon
Microwave Bacon
3.59 from 51 votes
Cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy bacon without the mess. Perfect for a fast breakfast.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bacon use as many slices as you need

Instructions
 

  • Place a microwave-safe plate lined with two layers of paper towels.
  • Lay the bacon strips on the plate in a single layer.
  • Cover the bacon with another paper towel to prevent splatters.
  • Microwave on high for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on how crispy you want your bacon.
  • Check the bacon halfway through and rearrange if needed for even cooking.
  • Once cooked, let it sit for a minute to allow the bacon to crisp.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 200kcalProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 100mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 200kcal
Meal Type: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon, cooking, microwave
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar angelo.mraz63 says:

    5 stars
    This is the best way to make bacon! It’s so easy and super crispy. Love it!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! Microwave bacon is life-changing! 😍

    2. User avatar major.metz13 says:

      2 stars
      Really? I thought bacon should only be cooked in a skillet! 🤔

  2. 5 stars
    Sooo good! Perfectly crispy! Who knew it could be this simple?

  3. User avatar rosa.boyer96 says:

    1 star
    Bacon in the microwave? No way!!!

  4. User avatar chas.jenkins says:

    4 stars
    No more grease splatters on my stove! Thanks for sharing this microwave method, lifesaver!

  5. User avatar steve_maga says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Just made it and came out great! Who needs a frying pan?

  6. User avatar ryann.hagenes16 says:

    1 star
    Bacon in the microwave? Really? Just fry it like normal! 😒

  7. 2 stars
    I tried it but my bacon ended up too chewy, maybe my microwave is too strong? Not sure. 🙁

  8. User avatar Shadout Mapes says:

    3 stars
    I tried this and my bacon ended up a little rubbery. Next time, I’m sticking to the pan.

  9. User avatar jettie.jacobs says:

    5 stars
    This is a game changer! Perfect bacon in minutes!

    1. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

      5 stars
      I tried this and it really does work! So quick and easy! No more messy pans.

  10. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

    3 stars
    The only downside is the paper towels but what can you do.

    1. User avatar Fiddlesticks says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, it’s kinda annoying. But the bacon is so good, it’s worth it!

  11. User avatar elmo.barrows85 says:

    3 stars
    I guess it works fine, but I prefer the traditional way of cooking it on the stove. Just doesn’t taste the same.

  12. 4 stars
    I was skeptical at first, but wow, this really works! #GameChanger

    1. 5 stars
      I always thought bacon had to be cooked in a pan! This is a lifesaver! Thanks for sharing!

  13. User avatar isaias.cassin52 says:

    4 stars
    Bacon in the microwave? Sounds like sorcery. But hey, I’ll try anything once!

  14. User avatar jeffrey.dare says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know… microwaving bacon just ain’t right. It tastes weird.

  15. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    4 stars
    Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but this really works. My bacon was crispy and delicious!

    1. 5 stars
      Wow, that’s awesome to hear! I’ve always struggled with making bacon in the pan. I’ll have to give this a try!

  16. User avatar Grunthos the Flatulent says:

    1 star
    Why would you put bacon in the microwave? Just fry it like everybody else!

  17. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    4 stars
    Super quick and easy! I’ll never go back to the frying pan.

  18. User avatar Treebeard says:

    3 stars
    I usually fry, but this microwave thing is kinda weird. Does it really taste good?

  19. User avatar jacalyn.ankunding says:

    4 stars
    My dog is begging for bacon too, haha! Time to share some!

  20. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    2 stars
    Why would you ever microwave bacon? That’s just wrong!

  21. User avatar lorie.marquardt1952 says:

    2 stars
    Not sure if I’m sold on this. I heard you can’t get the same crispness. Anyone else have thoughts?

    1. User avatar polly.sauer says:

      4 stars
      I’ve tried this method and it works fine! You just gotta make sure to watch it while it’s cooking. I’ve gotten pretty crispy bacon in the microwave.

    2. 2 stars
      Nah, I don’t think it can be as good as frying it in a pan. Bacon deserves the real treatment, not a microwave.

  22. User avatar andrew.ebert60 says:

    5 stars
    Bacon can be made in microwaves? Who knew! 😲

  23. User avatar trey.block53 says:

    5 stars
    I love how quick it is. I can make it while I prep eggs! 10/10 would recommend!

  24. 5 stars
    This is the best way to cook bacon! No mess at all!

    1. User avatar rocco.bednar71 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! This method saves so much time and keeps my kitchen clean. Love it!

    2. User avatar stephan.bins94 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, I really like my bacon fried in a pan. This microwave thing seems weird…

  25. User avatar Trin Tragula says:

    2 stars
    Meh. I burnt mine. Watch it carefully, people!

  26. User avatar veronique.bauch says:

    5 stars
    This is the best way to cook bacon! So easy and quick.

  27. User avatar Dwarven Shpere says:

    5 stars
    I did this in like 5 minutes and now it’s my go-to for breakfast! Thanks!

  28. User avatar malisa.ryan says:

    1 star
    I don’t trust microwaves for bacon. Seems sketchy to me.

    1. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

      5 stars
      Seems fine to me, lol. Bacon is bacon. Ain’t no sketch, just cook it and eat it! 😜

    2. User avatar gail.grady2017 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get where you’re coming from! Microwaves can be weird. But bacon in the microwave is actually pretty good. Just gotta keep an eye on it!

  29. User avatar Shane Lemke says:

    3 stars
    I tried this but my bacon ended up kinda chewy. Maybe I should’ve cooked it longer?

    1. 5 stars
      Yeah, cooking it longer can definitely help! I usually go for 6 mins for extra crunch.

    2. User avatar Ra'zhinda says:

      3 stars
      Nah, I think microwaving just doesn’t make great bacon. Better off frying it!

  30. 5 stars
    OMG, I didn’t know making bacon could be this easy! Thanks!

  31. User avatar bernard.prosacco1 says:

    5 stars
    This is a game changer! Perfect bacon in minutes!

  32. 2 stars
    I thought bacon was supposed to be crispy. This was just soggy…

    1. User avatar jennefer.kuphal1955 says:

      4 stars
      I hear ya! Sometimes microwaving just doesn’t cut it for bacon. Have you tried frying it in a pan? Much crispier!

    2. User avatar jarvis.botsford says:

      3 stars
      Soggy bacon? That’s a bummer. But honestly, I always get it crispy in the microwave. Just gotta keep an eye on it.

  33. User avatar darius.schmeler says:

    4 stars
    Best bacon method ever! I’m never going back to the pan again!

  34. 4 stars
    So fast and convenient! Just toss it in and grab a coffee ☕

  35. User avatar delpha.kutch2012 says:

    2 stars
    Why would anyone want microwave bacon when you can fry it? Just saying.

3.59 from 51 votes
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