Making turkey bacon in the microwave is really easy. My husband taught me how to do it!
The most important lesson he’s taught me, though, is how to make bacon in the microwave.
Yes, out of all of the things I’ve learned from Mr. Riley, this one kitchen hack has added so much joy to my life.
I wish I were joking, but learning how to make turkey bacon in the microwave IN LESS THAN A MINUTE has changed my life. For years I ruined pans and stood over a hot stove to fry it. For real.
Cooking turkey bacon in the microwave is a quick and easy way to make crispy, delicious bacon in just minutes. But how long should you actually microwave turkey bacon to get it perfectly cooked? The cooking time can vary based on a few factors.
What Impacts Microwave Turkey Bacon Cooking Time?
There are three main things that impact how long to microwave turkey bacon
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Number of slices – The more slices you cook, the longer the cook time. For just a few slices, start with 1-2 minutes. For a full package, you may need 2-3 minutes.
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Crispiness preference – If you like your bacon soft and pliable, cook for less time. For crispy bacon, cook longer.
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Microwave wattage – Higher wattage microwaves cook faster A 1200 watt microwave will cook bacon quicker than a 700 watt model
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Thickness of the bacon – Thicker cut bacon takes longer to cook than thin sliced bacon.
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Microwaving method – Directly on a plate vs. in a bacon tray can impact cook time.
Taking these factors into account will help you nail the perfect microwaved turkey bacon every time!
Recommended Turkey Bacon Microwave Times
As a general guideline, here are the recommended microwave times for turkey bacon:
- 2-3 slices, pliable: 45 seconds to 1 minute
- 2-3 slices, crispy: 1 minute 15 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds
- 4-6 slices, pliable: 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds
- 4-6 slices, crispy: 1 minute 45 seconds to 2 minutes
For a full package of turkey bacon (typically 8-12 slices), increase cook time to 2-3 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Add more time if needed for desired crispness.
Always check for doneness before removing from the microwave. Turkey bacon should be sizzling hot and starting to get crispy edges when it’s ready.
Microwaving Tips for Perfect Turkey Bacon Every Time
Follow these handy tips for microwave success:
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Separate slices and lay in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. This prevents sticking.
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Don’t overlap slices. Allow space between each piece.
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Cover with another paper towel to minimize splatters.
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For even cooking, arrange in a circular pattern vs straight lines across the plate.
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Microwave in 30 second intervals, flipping bacon and rotating the plate each time. Check frequently.
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Let stand 1-2 minutes before eating. The residual heat will finish cooking it to perfection.
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Adjust cook times based on your microwave wattage and personal texture preferences.
Signs Your Turkey Bacon is Done Microwaving
How can you tell when microwave turkey bacon is fully cooked? Look for these cues:
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Bacon has lost its raw color and turned opaque.
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It sizzles and pops while cooking.
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The edges begin to visibly crispen.
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The bacon strips lift easily from the plate when prodded with tongs.
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Internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a food thermometer.
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The bacon slices are hot to the touch when removing from the microwave.
Quick & Easy Microwave Turkey Bacon Recipes
Beyond just a simple breakfast side, creatively cooked microwave turkey bacon makes for easy meals and snacks. Try these recipe ideas:
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BLT sandwiches – Crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo stacked on bread.
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Turkey club wraps – Bacon, turkey, cheese, lettuce and tomato wrapped in a tortilla.
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Chopped turkey bacon salad – Chopped romaine, turkey bacon crumbles, avocado, tomato and ranch dressing.
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Loaded baked potatoes – Baked potatoes topped with bacon bits, cheese, sour cream and chives.
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Turkey bacon mac & cheese – A twist on classic macaroni and cheese with crispy crumbled bacon.
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Bacon & egg microwave “mug” – Whip up fluffy scrambled eggs with bacon right in the microwave.
With the right techniques and cook times, you can enjoy perfectly crisped microwave turkey bacon in just minutes. Experiment to find the ideal times for your microwave wattage, bacon thickness and texture preferences. In no time, you’ll be a microwave bacon pro!
Does Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Taste Good?
I can admit, I was skeptical at first.
I’ve never been a big microwave chef.
However, a single mom who used to cook every night learns a few things when she moves in with a bachelor who makes all of his meals in the microwave.
The first time Terrence used the microwave to make turkey bacon, I gave him the side-eye for the whole sixty seconds that the bacon was cooking.
As the strips popped in the microwave, all I could think about was how crazy my husband was.
How to make turkey bacon in the microwave
You will need the following items to microwave turkey bacon:
- Turkey bacon
- Paper towel
- Microwave safe plate
Here’s what you do:
1. Separate the strips and place them on a paper towel.
2. Place that paper towel on a microwave safe plate.
3. Microwave the bacon for 50 seconds.
4. Once the microwave stops, flip the bacon over and nuke it for another 5 seconds. Yes, that’s right—your bacon only needs a few more seconds. ).
Your turkey bacon will be nice and crunchy, and perfect with toast, or crumbled over salads.
Here are some times that should work for most microwaves. If you use a different type of bacon, you may need to change them a little.
How To Microwave Turkey Bacon
FAQ
How long does it take bacon to cook in the microwave?
Is microwave turkey bacon healthy?
How to microwave Oscar Mayer turkey bacon?
How long to cook turkey bacon in microwave?
Layout your desired number of turkey bacon slices on the paper towels in a single layer. The longer you microwave the bacon, the crispier it becomes. The usual cooking time is from 1-2 minutes. The time may also vary if you have more slices. Start by cooking 1 minute. Then check the bacon, turn it, and cook longer if necessary.
Can You reheat turkey bacon in the microwave?
Microwave for 20 seconds to reheat the turkey bacon. Check whether the pieces are hot enough, and if necessary you can microwave for an extra 20 seconds or until the turkey bacon reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the turkey bacon to a clean sheet of paper towel to drain the excess grease before serving.
How long to cook bacon in microwave?
Place the plate in the microwave. Set the time on the microwave per the level of soft to crispy that you want to enjoy. Cooking time suggestions for microwaving the bacon is listed above. It ranges from 1 – 3 minutes.
Can You reheat turkey bacon?
If the turkey bacon passes quality control, then proceed with reheating using the technique you prefer. Common practices for reheating turkey bacon are using a microwave, oven or frying pan. If you choose the microwave method, the process is no different from using a microwave to reheat bacon.
How long does cooked turkey bacon last?
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. PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
How do you cook bacon?
Bacon can be cooked in multiple ways including the microwave, pan frying, oven baked or even in an air fryer. Pan frying has always been the classic way to cook bacon, but these other methods produce similar results. Pork bacon tends to get a bad reputation because it is both high in fat and sodium.