Crispy And Tasty: How To Microwave Thick Cut Bacon In 5 Minutes

Craving bacon but short on time? Look no further! Learn the art of microwaving thick cut bacon and enjoy crispy, flavorful bacon in minutes. This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right bacon to selecting the optimal microwave settings.

Choosing the Right Bacon

1. Thickness Matters: Select thick cut bacon for the best microwave results. It cooks more evenly and stays crispy longer.
2. Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality bacon made from premium pork. Look for brands that use natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives.
3. Freshness: Use fresh bacon for the best flavor and texture. Avoid bacon that has been sitting in the fridge for too long.

Prepping Your Bacon

1. Pat It Dry: Before microwaving, pat the bacon slices dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes even cooking.
2. Arrange Neatly: Place the bacon slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Avoid overcrowding the plate, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
3. Cover with Paper Towels: Cover the bacon with two layers of paper towels. This helps absorb excess grease and prevents splattering.

Microwave Settings

1. Power Level: Set your microwave to a medium-high power level (70-80%). This ensures the bacon cooks evenly without burning.
2. Cooking Time: Start with a cooking time of 2 minutes per slice. Adjust the time as needed based on your desired crispiness.
3. Flip and Continue: After the initial cooking time, flip the bacon slices and continue microwaving for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

1. Visual Inspection: Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks. Look for the edges to curl and the bacon to turn a golden brown color.
2. Texture Check: Use a fork to gently poke the bacon. If it feels crispy, it’s done. If it still feels chewy, continue microwaving for a few more seconds.

Crispy Bacon Tips

1. Use a Microwave-Safe Plate: Ensure you’re using a microwave-safe plate that can withstand the heat and prevent splattering.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Plate: Avoid overcrowding the plate with bacon slices. This can lead to uneven cooking and soggy bacon.
3. Flip the Bacon: Flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking time ensures even cooking and prevents one side from becoming too crispy while the other remains undercooked.
4. Drain Excess Grease: After cooking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This helps keep the bacon crispy and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

1. Breakfast Delight: Enjoy crispy bacon with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a classic breakfast treat.
2. BLT Goodness: Make a delicious BLT sandwich with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
3. Salad Topper: Add crumbled bacon to salads for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
4. Pizza Perfection: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on your favorite pizza for a savory twist.

Beyond Crispy Bacon: Creative Uses

1. Bacon Bits: Crumble cooked bacon into small pieces and use it as a topping for baked potatoes, pasta dishes, or soups.
2. Bacon Jam: Simmer cooked bacon with brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to create a sweet and savory bacon jam. Serve it on crackers, bread, or as a glaze for meats.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff dates with crumbled bacon and wrap them in bacon slices. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the dates are softened.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap asparagus spears with bacon slices and bake until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.

A Farewell to Soggy Bacon

With this comprehensive guide, you can bid farewell to soggy bacon and embrace crispy, flavorful bacon in minutes. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, microwaving thick cut bacon is a quick and easy way to satisfy your bacon cravings. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking times and techniques until you find the perfect crispy bacon that suits your taste.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use regular cut bacon instead of thick cut bacon?

Yes, you can use regular cut bacon, but it may cook faster and become crispy more quickly. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.

2. What if I don’t have paper towels?

You can use parchment paper instead of paper towels to cover the bacon. It helps absorb grease and prevents splattering.

3. How do I store leftover microwaved bacon?

Store leftover microwaved bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.