How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave: A Step-by-Step Guide with Tips and Recipes

Introduction

Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast foods around the world, but many people avoid cooking it because of the mess it creates. Luckily, there is a way to cook bacon quickly and easily without creating a lot of mess, and that is in the microwave. In this article, we will show you how to cook bacon in the microwave, step-by-step, and share some tips on how to get it just right. We’ll also discuss some pros and cons of cooking bacon in the microwave and provide some creative ways to add flavor to your bacon while cooking it. Read on to learn more!

Step-by-step Recipe

Cooking bacon in the microwave is quick and easy, but it requires some attention to detail to make sure that it cooks uniformly without getting too crispy or burned. Below are the steps you should follow:

1. Take a microwave-safe plate and lay out a few strips of bacon on it, ensuring that they do not overlap. If needed, cut the bacon in half to fit it on the plate.
2. Cover the bacon with a few layers of paper towel. This will help absorb any excess grease and prevent it from splattering all over the microwave.
3. Cook the bacon on high for 4-6 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave and the thickness of the bacon. Start with 4 minutes and increase one-minute increments until it is cooked. Check it halfway through and flip it over.
4. Remove the plate from the microwave and use tongs to transfer the bacon to another plate lined with paper towels, which will help soak up any extra grease. Be careful not to burn yourself as the plate will be hot!
5. Let the bacon cool for a minute or two, then serve it up and enjoy!

Note: Depending on the amount of bacon you are cooking, you may need to repeat the process a few times. Alternatively use multiple plates and cook them together in batches.

Pros and Cons

When compared to other cooking methods like stovetop or oven, cooking bacon in the microwave has some pros and cons to consider. Let’s delve deeper into each of these factors to evaluate whether or not this method is right for you.

Pros:

• Quick cooking time: Bacon can be microwaved in as little as 4 minutes, which is much quicker than other methods.
• Less mess: Cooking bacon in the microwave is a less messy option as there is no grease splattering all over the stove.
• Less cleanup: Using a plate with paper towels means less clean-up, just toss the towels after use.

Cons:

• Not as crispy: Some people might miss the crisp texture of pan-seared or oven-baked bacon. This is because microwaved bacon tends to be softer but still delicious.
• Smaller batches: Cooking all your bacon in the microwave at once may not be possible if you have a small microwave and a large family.
• Uniformity issues: Microwaving bacon can sometimes result in uneven cooking.

Bacon cooking decisions are important. Consider these factors before deciding on how to cook bacon.

Microwave Techniques

To get the best out of your microwave bacon, you need to follow certain guidelines and techniques. Below are some techniques that can help:

• Use a microwave-safe plate to prevent it from breaking or melting in the microwave.
• Make sure the strips do not overlap to help them cook evenly.
• Cover with paper towels to absorb excess grease and prevent splatters.
• Flip halfway through cooking to achieve even browning and avoid burning.

Flavored Bacon

If you desire to bring some variety into your bacon flavor, microwaving offers a chance to add some flavor. Try these seasoning tips:

• Add honey on top of your bacon for some sweetness.
• Try some chili flakes to get some spice.
• Use garlic-infused oil to give your bacon a different flavor.
• Experiment with new types of bacon and see how they work out in the microwave.

Dinner Recipes

Besides being a great breakfast option, bacon can also bring new life to your dinner meals. Here are a few recipes that will amaze you:

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Halve 12 jalapeño peppers and remove seeds. Fill each half with cream cheese, then wrap each half with half slice of bacon. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes until bacon is crisp and cheese is bubbly.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a small slit in 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and stuff with 2 cheese cubes and 1 tbsp of chives. Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 strips of bacon. Place in a baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

Conclusion

Cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick and simple option for those who want to enjoy bacon without the mess and hassle of stovetop cooking. Follow the steps we provided in this guide, and you’ll have delicious bacon in no time. While there are some disadvantages to microwaving bacon, such as the lack of crispiness, the advantages are also impressive, like producing less mess. Use our tips, techniques, and recipes to help make your bacon as perfect as it can be.