How To Cook Frozen Bacon in the Microwave (Easy Guide)

Categorized as Microwave Cooking
How To Cook Frozen Bacon in the Microwave

Have you ever wanted to whip up some bacon for a quick and easy breakfast, only to find out that your bacon is frozen solid? You don’t have to wait hours for it to thaw – you can cook frozen bacon in the microwave in just minutes! In this blog post, I’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to cook frozen bacon in the microwave. 

Can You Cook Bacon From Frozen in the Microwave?

Yes, you can cook bacon straight from frozen in the microwave. However, before you put it in the microwave it’s important to separate each piece of bacon. This will ensure that each piece cooks evenly and prevents them from sticking together during the process. To separate the bacon, try prying each piece apart with your hands or a fork.

The microwave offers several benefits when it comes to cooking bacon compared to other methods, such as pan-frying or baking. For starters, it is incredibly quick and easy; all you need is a few minutes and a microwave!

Secondly, it doesn’t require any extra oil or fat to be added, which means that the bacon comes out a lot healthier and less greasy. Finally, there’s less mess to clean up afterwards – all you need to do is throw away the paper towel which absorbed the excess grease during cooking.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Frozen Bacon In The Microwave? 

The amount of time it takes to cook frozen bacon in the microwave depends on the thickness of the bacon. Thin-sliced bacon takes 3-5 minutes, while average-thickness bacon takes 5-7 minutes. Thick-sliced bacon takes 7-10 minutes. 

For this guide, I use 1000-watt microwaves, so cooking times may vary depending on the power of your microwave. Be sure to check the bacon every few minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

How To Cook Frozen Bacon In The Microwave: Step-By-Step Guide 

Follow these simple steps to cook frozen bacon in the microwave:

1. Separate the frozen bacon strips using a fork or your hands. Make sure you don’t overlap any pieces as this can cause uneven cooking of the bacon. 

2. Place the separated strips on a microwave-safe plate or dish and cover them with a paper towel. This helps absorb excess fat and steam during cooking so you get crispy bacon instead of soggy strips.  

3. Pop your plate into the microwave and set it at high heat for 3-10 minutes depending on how thick your bacon is.  

4. Check your progress halfway through cooking and adjust the time if needed for even cooking all your slices!  

5. Once cooked, remove your plate from the microwave carefully and let it cool before serving up that delicious crispy goodness! 

Is It Safe To Cook Bacon From Frozen In The Microwave?               

Yes, it is safe to cook bacon from frozen in the microwave. If you’re worried about foodborne illness, you can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your bacon once it has cooked. The USDA recommends cooking bacon to an internal temperature of at least 148 °F to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Choosing Your Frozen Bacon for Microwaving 

Choosing your frozen bacon for microwaving can be a tricky task due to the many nuances involved. Thick versus thinly sliced bacon is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting your frozen bacon. Thinly sliced bacon cooks faster and will have crispier edges, but thick-cut bacon has more flavor and tends to cook evenly throughout.

The quality of the frozen bacon you choose is also an important factor when deciding which to buy. When reading ingredient lists, look out for added fats or preservatives that could alter the taste or texture of the finished product.

Additionally, inspect the package for any signs of damage or discoloration as these can indicate a lower-quality product. It is also important to determine whether it is pre-cooked or uncooked bacon as this will influence cooking times and how much fat it contains. 

Lastly, there are many different types of frozen bacon available, such as turkey bacon, smoked bacon, and slab bacon. Each type varies in terms of flavor, texture, and fat content so it is important to do research into each variety before making a selection. Depending on the recipe and flavor profile you are going for, one type may be better suited than another. 

Can You Cook a Lot of Bacon in the Microwave at Once?

While you may not be able to fit an entire pack of bacon into a single layer on the plate, it is possible to create multiple batches with some simple steps. 

It starts with layering your bacon. Place a single layer of bacon strips on the plate, and then cover them with a thin paper towel. Add a second layer of bacon strips, and then another paper towel.

For best results, three layers of bacon should be the maximum when cooking in the microwave – any more than that could result in uneven cooking and potential burning.

How to Store Cooked Bacon

Storing cooked bacon properly is essential to ensure maximum freshness and quality. The most important thing to remember when storing cooked bacon is that it must be kept in an airtight container or sealed bag. This will help to prevent the bacon from drying out, as well as prevent moisture from entering the container and spoiling the bacon more quickly.

Once the bacon has been placed into an airtight container or sealed bag, it should be stored in the refrigerator. The bacon should be consumed within 5 days of cooking, and any leftovers should be discarded if they have been kept longer than that. 

What Goes Well with Microwaved Bacon?

There are few things that can match the deliciousness of bacon. But did you know that there are plenty of foods out there that pair perfectly with bacon? Whether you’re looking for a side dish or an ingredient to add to your favorite recipes, these perfect pairings will make any dish sing with flavor. Let’s take a look at some of the best sidekicks for bacon.

Eggs and Cheese 

Bacon and eggs are a classic combination that no one can resist. But why stop there? Add some cheese into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a hearty breakfast that’s sure to start your day off on the right foot. Cheddar, Swiss, feta—the possibilities are endless! Sprinkle some cheese over your scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon for a meal that’s sure to put a smile on your face. 

Vegetables

If you’re looking for something with a little more crunch, try adding vegetables to your plate. A simple salad with some crispy bacon strips is always a great choice. Or, if you want something heartier, try sautéing up some broccoli or Brussels sprouts in olive oil and seasoning them with salt and pepper before adding some thick-cut bacon pieces into the mix. The result is an irresistible side dish that everyone will love!

Fruits

Believe it or not, fruit goes surprisingly well with bacon too! Try wrapping slices of apple or pear in thinly sliced pieces of bacon before baking them in the oven until they’re golden brown and crispy. Or if you’re in the mood for something sweet, top your favorite pancakes with crumbled bacon bits and drizzle them with maple syrup for an extra special treat!

Conclusion

With just a few simple steps, you can have tasty frozen bacon cooked perfectly in no time! All it takes is separating out your slices, popping them onto a plate, covering them with paper towels, and microwaving them for a few minutes. So next time you want some piping hot breakfast without taking up too much of your morning routine, try cooking up some frozen bacon – it’ll be ready before you know it!

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!