Welcome to the world of microwaving bacon – a quick and convenient way to satisfy your breakfast cravings.
For those busy mornings when time is of the essence, turning on the stove and waiting for bacon to crisp up can seem like an eternity.
But with a trusty microwave, you can have crispy bacon in just minutes.
However, there has always been one question on everyone’s mind: How long to microwave bacon?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we will dive into all things related to microwaving bacon – from the right cooking times to tips and tricks for perfectly cooked strips every time.
So grab your favorite cut of bacon and let’s get started!
How Long To Microwave Bacon?
Now, let’s get to the main question – how long should you microwave bacon?
The answer may vary depending on your microwave’s power level, the amount of bacon being cooked, and personal preference.
But as a general guideline, here are some recommended cooking times for microwaving bacon:
For starters, the thickness of the bacon plays a significant role in determining the correct microwaving time.
Regular bacon usually takes about 4 minutes to cook thoroughly.
It’s essential to lay the bacon strips side by side on a microwave-safe dish lined with paper towels to absorb the grease.
If you prefer your bacon on the crispier side, aim for the higher end of this time range.
For those who enjoy thick-cut bacon, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Thick-cut bacon typically requires 5 minutes to reach its optimal level of crispiness.
Again, halfway through the cooking process, flip the bacon strips to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
It’s important to note that microwaves vary in power.
Most of the cooking times provided here are based on a microwave with a power output of about 1000 watts.
If your microwave has a lower wattage, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two.
Conversely, if your microwave is more powerful, you might need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
By following these detailed guidelines on microwaving bacon, you can enjoy delicious, crispy bacon with minimal fuss and cleanup, making it a quick and convenient option for any meal.
Simple Process of Homemade Microwaving Bacon
After discovering the appropriate time to microwave bacon, let’s now learn how it’s done.
But first of all, ensure that you have the right ingredients to microwave your bacon and they include:
Ingredients You Will Need
1. Slices of bacon: This is the main ingredient. You will be microwaving it to achieve the perfect level of crispiness as per your preference.
Note: Choose your desired cut, keeping in mind that thicker slices may require more cooking time.
2. Paper towels – These are essential for absorbing the excess fat that renders from the bacon as it cooks.
Besides, you will need a microwave-safe dish and some tongs or fork to flip the bacon strips halfway through cooking.
How To Microwave Bacon?
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the process of microwaving bacon:
Step 1: Prepping Your Microwave
Before you even start cooking, ensure your microwave is clean and free of any old food particles that could affect the taste or smell of your bacon.
It might seem like a small detail, but it can make a difference in the final output.
Step 2: Using The Right Dish
Opt for a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to accommodate the number of bacon slices you’re cooking without overcrowding them.
This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving that perfect crispiness.
Step 3: Layering For Less Mess
When you lay out your paper towels, consider double-layering both under and over the bacon slices.
This not only helps in absorbing excess grease but also keeps your microwave clean by preventing any grease splatter.
Step 4: Microwave Settings
If your microwave has it, use the ‘bacon’ setting as it is tailored for cooking bacon.
If not, make sure you set your microwave on high power for best results.
Adjust the time based on the thickness of your bacon slices and the wattage of your microwave, as mentioned earlier.
Step 5: Checking For Doneness
After the initial recommended time, check your bacon for doneness.
Since microwaves vary greatly, your bacon might need less time or a bit more.
This step ensures you don’t end up with undercooked or overly crispy bacon.
Step 6: Resting Time
Once your bacon is cooked to your liking, allow it to rest for a minute on the paper towel-lined dish.
This resting time lets the bacon cool down slightly and continue to crisp up without the risk of burning your fingers or the bacon becoming too brittle.
Step 7: Serving Suggestion
For an extra touch, you might lightly pat the cooked bacon with another paper towel to remove any residual surface grease.
This will leave you with a cleaner, crispier finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
By following these detailed steps and additional tips, you’ll ensure that your microwaved bacon turns out perfectly every time.
Pros and Cons Side Of Microwaving Bacon
Before we get into the specifics, let’s discuss the pros and cons of microwaving bacon.
On one hand, it is quick, convenient, and requires minimal clean-up – making it a great option for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Plus, microwaving bacon can also result in a healthier end product as the excess fat drips off during cooking.
However, on the other hand, microwaving bacon can also result in a less crispy and more soggy texture compared to traditional stovetop cooking.
Additionally, some may argue that microwaved bacon lacks the smoky flavor that comes from cooking it in a pan or the oven.
So while microwaving bacon may be a time-saver, it may not be the preferred option for those who crave a perfectly crispy and flavorful strip of bacon.
The Best Bacon For Microwaving
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons, let’s talk about the best bacon to use for microwaving.
Thicker-cut bacon tends to hold up better in the microwave compared to thinner cuts, which can become too crispy or even burnt.
It is also important to choose bacon with less fat, as excessive grease can lead to a soggy end product.
Turkey bacon is also a great option for microwaving as it tends to have less fat and can cook evenly in the microwave.
Ultimately, the best bacon for microwaving will depend on personal preference and taste.
Tips For Perfectly Crispy Bacon In The Microwave
If you’re looking for some extra guidance to achieve the perfect bacon in the microwave, here are a few tips that will come in handy:
1. Avoid Overcrowding – Make sure there is enough space around each bacon strip so that they can cook evenly without overlapping.
2. Flip Halfway Through – Flipping the bacon halfway through cooking ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.
3. Use Lower Power Setting – If your microwave has a defrost setting, try using it to cook the bacon at a lower power level. This allows for slower cooking and helps prevent burning or over-crisping the bacon.
4. Try Different Sauces – Bacon is versatile and can pair well with various sauces, seasonings, or glazes before or after microwaving. Explore and experiment to find your perfect combination.
5. Bacon Grease – Don’t discard the bacon grease leftover in the microwave-safe dish. It can be saved and used for cooking other dishes, adding a delicious smoky flavor.
6. Customize to Your Liking – Ultimately, cooking is all about personal preference. Adjust the cooking time and power level to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
By following these tips and experimenting with different techniques, you can elevate your microwaved bacon to a whole new level.
How To Serve With Microwaved Bacon?
Microwaved bacon is a versatile addition to any meal.
There are some ways you can serve and enjoy your perfectly crispy bacon.
For instance, you can chop it up and sprinkle it over a classic Cobb Salad for a crunchy texture contrast.
It also elevates an Ultimate Club Sandwich, providing that essential crisp element.
Consider tucking it into a Grilled Cheese BLT for a comforting, indulgent lunch.
Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites offer a protein-packed start to your day, with the bacon adding a smoky depth.
Lastly, Loaded Baked Potatoes become a hearty meal with the addition of crumbled bacon, transforming a simple side into a main dish.
Each of these options showcases the versatility and irresistible appeal of microwaved bacon in enhancing meals across the day.
Conclusion
In summary, microwaving bacon perfectly balances convenience with culinary delight, offering a speedy route to crispy, succulent strips that can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
By following the step-by-step guide and applying the shared tips, you’ll master the art of microwaving bacon, ensuring it’s done to your exact preference every time.
Whether incorporated into breakfast classics, salads, sandwiches, or topped on baked potatoes, microwaved bacon brings a smoky depth that enhances flavors, making each dish more satisfying and delicious.
How Long To Microwave Bacon?
Ingredients
- 4-6 slices of bacon
- Paper towels
- Microwave-safe dish
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by cleaning your microwave to remove any residual smells or particles. This ensures your bacon tastes as it should.
- Select the Right Dish: Use a microwave-safe dish that’s big enough to hold your bacon slices in a single layer without overcrowding them.
- Reducing Mess: Double-layer paper towels both under and over your bacon slices to absorb excess grease and prevent splatters, keeping your microwave clean.
- Microwave Settings: Utilize the 'bacon' setting if available. If not, cook on high power, adjusting the time based on bacon thickness and microwave wattage.
- Check Doneness: Microwave powers vary, so check your bacon once the initial cooking time is up to ensure it’s cooked to your preference.
- Resting: After cooking, allow the bacon to rest on the paper towels for a minute to cool and crisp up further without overcooking.
- Serving: Optionally, pat the cooked bacon with another paper towel to remove surface grease before serving for a cleaner taste and appearance.