How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven

It is easy to learn how to cook turkey bacon in the microwave oven. I have been microwaving both pork and turkey bacon in the microwave oven for years.  I always thought that microwaving bacon would result in uneven cooking or strips that were not crispy. I was wrong and though I still prefer it oven-baked, cooking bacon in the microwave is still just as tasty. 

Cooking turkey bacon in the microwave is a simple and splatter-proof way to make it. Turkey bacon is a healthy option that turns out perfectly crispy every time when cooked in the oven and the clean-up is so easy.  It is by far the fastest way to cook turkey bacon.  It is perfect for busy weekday mornings when you want some protein at breakfast.  If you do have more time, you can also try How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven for another great way to have a yummy breakfast. 

Can You Microwave Bacon?

Well the simple answer to if you can or should you microwave bacon to cook it, is yes.  The key to microwaving turkey or pork bacon is making sure you have the right equipment and you cook it for the right amount of time.  You can buy specific equipment made just for cooking bacon in the microwave or you can use items you already likely have. In addition, the amount of time needed to microwave bacon depends on how you like your bacon. 

The Best Microwave Bacon Trays & Products

There are many great products on the market for microwaving bacon.   We have a small tray that comes with a lid and it works great. It has ridges on the inside so the bacon is elevated above the fat drippings while it cooks. The vented lid contains the splatter and lets the steam release so the bacon is crispy and not soggy. I highly recommend several different products and they all are inexpensive and easy to use, clean, and store.  

 

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How to Cook Bacon so it is a Healthy Option

Turkey bacon is a low-calorie and low-fat option compared to regular pork bacon.  Turkey bacon is also a lower-sodium often.  It is a good breakfast treats for those on special diets like keto, low-carb, low-salt, or diabetic. To find out more about if turkey bacon is healthy and what is turkey bacon made from, check out this article from HealthLine – Is Turkey Bacon Healthy; Nutrition, Calories, & More. 

• TURKEY BACON VS PORK BACON ( 2 slices  brands may vary) 
• 70 CALORIES vs 90 CALORIES
• 5g FAT vs 7g FAT
• 0g CARBS vs 0g CARBS

The above is based on Oscar Meyer Turkey Bacon vs Oscar Meyer Hardwood Smoked Pork Bacon

It is still processed meat and should be limited but when you wish to enjoy some turkey bacon, microwaving it is a clean healthy cooking method.  Both methods I share below cook the turkey bacon so it is not sitting in what little fat may render from the cooking process.  Here are the two best ways to cook bacon in the microwave. 

Microwaving Bacon with Paper Towels 

The easiest option that requires no additional kitchen equipment is to simply microwave turkey bacon between paper towels.  This paper towel plate method works for both turkey and pork bacon. Here is the easy step-by-step for microwaving bacon using paper towels.

• Simply line a microwave-safe plate with paper towels.  This layer will help absorb the small amount of fat from cooking the bacon
• Next, layer 3-4 strips of turkey bacon on the paper towels in a single layer and so they are not touching. 
• For the final step, add more paper towels to cover so that the splatter from the bacon will be absorbed instead of making a mess.   

Cooking with Microwave Bacon Tray & Equipment

If you have one of the bacon microwave trays shared above, great news. You are on your way to some yummy turkey bacon.  Use your product based on the manufactures instructions.  I will share the steps I do when I use my tray. I currently have the first one listed above to the far left in this post but I have had other products in past too that works great. 

• Open the lid off the tray and add 3 - 4 strips of bacon in a single layer. 
• Place the lid and place it in the microwave to cook. 

How Long to Microwave Turkey Bacon

For how long to cook turkey bacon in the microwave, depends on two things. Microwave cooking times for making turkey bacon depend on how many strips you are making and how crispy you want it.  Here are my estimates for microwave cooking times for turkey bacon.  (it may also vary slightly also based on the type of bacon/thickness you are making and your model of a microwave oven)

SOFT & CHEWY COOKED TURKEY BACON

3-4 strips = 1 minute

MEDIUM COOKED TURKEY BACON

3-4 strips - 1 ½ minutes

CRISPY WELL DONE TURKEY BACON

3-4 strips - 2 minutes

How to Tell When Turkey Bacon is Done

Everyone has a different idea of how they like bacon cooked. Some people like it still a bit soft or pliable and others like it very well done and crispy.  So based on how you like it, see the cooking times above. 

You can tell when turkey bacon is done because it will no longer be soft in the center or edges and should not be sticking to the paper towel or cooker. Once it is cooked and a bit crisp, it should lift easily when using cooking tongs.

Make sure it is cooked all the way through, some brands are raw or uncured. Certain brands are truly raw/uncooked turkey bacon & not safe to eat.

What to Serve with Turkey Bacon

Besides serving bacon with eggs, pancakes, or as a BLT, here are some great recipes to enjoy with your oven-baked turkey bacon.  You can enjoy it with these recipes or use the cooked turkey bacon in these recipes to replace the regular bacon.  There are breakfast, dinner, keto, gluten-free, and a ton of other recipe ideas here to make with bacon. All of these recipes ideas go well with and are great to serve with turkey bacon. 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Store Leftover Cooked Turkey Bacon

Leftover cooked turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator.  I like to wrap it up in the paper towels I placed it on after cooking. Then I place that into an air-tight container that is long enough to store the bacon strips whole.  Cooked turkey bacon will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

To reheat leftover bacon, place in the microwave on a paper towel-lined plate and heat for 15-20 seconds for a slice or 30 seconds for up to 3 slices. Leftover crumbled turkey bacon is great to top salads, baked potatoes, soups, vegetables, and pasta. 

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