How To Reheat Bacon In Microwave –
2 Methods & 5 Easy Steps

Bacon is one of those foods that everyone seems to love. It’s crispy, salty, and goes perfectly with eggs or pancakes. Do you love bacon but don’t have time to cook it up in the morning? 

Bacon is a breakfast favorite for many, but what do you do if you don’t have time to cook it up on the stove? Are you looking for the best way to reheat bacon in microwave? You’re in luck because today we’re going to show you how to do it.

Fear not, because there is a simple way to reheat bacon in microwave. In just a few minutes, you’ll have crispy and delicious bacon without any of the hassles.

Plus, we’ve got some tips to help make sure your bacon is cooked perfectly every time. Keep reading for all the details!

Wait a minute, for the purpose of having a crispy crust but still retaining the softness of the water in the bacon, you will want a device that meets this need and that is nothing more than a combination of microwave and air fryer. You can click the link to see about it.

What Is Bacon?

Before we go any further about how to reheat bacon in microwave, let’s talk about bacon.

✅First of all, it is delicious.

✅Second, it is made from pork belly that has been cured using salt or brine and then smoked slowly over burning wood chips (usually hickory). It’s different than ham because it uses the belly instead of the back leg meat of a pig.

Bacon is a type of salt-cured pork. It typically comes from the sides or belly of a pig, but it can come from other parts as well. Bacon is available in many different styles and flavors, but in general, you’ll find it sliced and ready to cook.

Types of Bacon

There are several different types of bacon available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. They include:

1) Rendering Bacon Lard

Cuts from the sides of a pig are known as side bacon or streaky bacon. There are two varieties available, including traditional style (with layers) or smoked (usually cut into small pieces).

If you want to make crispy fried chicken without frying, this is the kind you’ll use!

2) Back Bacon

The cuts used for back bacon come from further up on the pig’s body near the loin section. This type is usually leaner than other types of bacon, which means it’s lower in fat but also has less flavor.

3) Canadian Bacon

This type of bacon is cut from the pork loin muscle, which is located between the ham and the shoulder. The meat in this cut is leaner than other types of bacon, so Canadian bacon has less fat and calories per slice!

4) Sliced Pork Bacon

This type of bacon is sliced into flat strips before cooking. It’s available with or without added chemicals for preserving freshness.

American-style slices are usually found in packs of 18 to 24 slices, while Danish-style slices are usually packed in strips 13 to 16 ounces long that can be more easily broken apart after cooking.

5) Pancetta

Pancetta is an Italian variety made from pork belly meat that has been cured but not smoked. It’s usually rolled into a log shape, which makes it easier to slice thin pieces for cooking.

In addition to the different types of bacon available, you’ll find rindless and rinded options as well. The rind is a thin layer of fat that protects the meat from drying out while cooking, so if you choose skinless bacon, make sure you watch it carefully or cook it in a covered pan to prevent overcooking.

The nutritional content of Bacon

The nutritional content of Bacon varies depending on the cut and the preparation method, but for reference, here’s a look at what you can expect from three different types:

1 slice (about 1/3 ounce) of raw or cooked bacon

• Sliced pork belly: 110 calories, 8.5 grams fat
• Canadian style bacon: 70 calories, 5 grams fat

To help put this in perspective, remember that one 3 ounces serving of chicken contains about 170 calories and 4 to 6 grams of fat. If you like to eat your meat with some skin attached, keep in mind that poultry skin is actually higher in saturated fat than beef (.9 vs .4 g per ounce).

Why is Bacon so popular?

Bacon has become incredibly popular over the past few years. People absolutely love it, in part because it’s so versatile. Bacon can be cooked in many different ways in order to provide a range of textures and flavors, including crispy, crunchy, chewy or soft.

You can enjoy bacon either on its own or paired with other ingredients like eggs or pancakes. It also works well in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, casseroles, soups, and more. Lastly, bacon is delicious when cooked properly because of its unique flavor when well-seasoned.

It might sound like something that isn’t good for you, but in reality bacon is pretty healthy! While it does contain some fat and high calories from the bacon grease that can drip through while cooking, one slice of regular cut bacon only contains about 80 calories! It also provides people with essential nutrients such as vitamin B1 (thiamin), selenium and zinc. 

So, How to reheat bacon in microwave? Keep reading…

Reheat Bacon In Microwave

Is it safe to reheat bacon in microwave?

Yes, it is safe to reheat bacon in microwave. This is a quick and easy method for when your craving for some crispy bacon arises! You don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals in the bacon that might transfer into your food when you reheat it.

Microwave reheating to your already cooked or raw bacon is safe. However, for safety reasons, you should use an appropriate dish that allows the heat to circulate all around the bacon to avoid any unsafe conditions like hot spots which may lead to under-heated food.

Some research suggests it’s actually safer and faster than pan-frying in oil to cook your bacon in order to reduce the risk of getting burned by splattering grease at high temperatures when cooking it in a pan.

Methods to reheat bacon in microwave 

Method #1 – Using Wax Paper (for Raw Bacon)

You can simply wrap up 3-4 slices of bacon wax paper (I also tried parchment paper and it worked well ) and re-heat 5-7 minutes in the microwave at 50% power or until desired crispness.

You can also make a bacon bowl using aluminum foil instead of using wax paper for reheating your cooked bacon.

Method #2 – Using Microwave Plastic Wrap (for Cooked Bacon)

You can use plastic wrap to cover up your cooked bacon slices, re-heat at full power for 15 seconds, then remove from the oven and let stand 1 minute before serving.

This is the most convenient way I’ve found that doesn’t waste too much plastic wrap, but you can adjust time accordingly if needed.

How to Reheat bacon in microwave

Bacon is a commodity that is often used as a condiment or topping due to its ability to add a salty and smoky taste to foods such as salads, pasta and sandwiches. It also goes well with breakfast items such as omelets, pancakes and waffles. 

However, bacon can become dry and tough if it’s overcooked. When reheating leftover bacon, many people prefer to nuke the slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick breakfast or appetizer. This article will teach you how to quickly and safely reheat bacon in microwave without sacrificing crispiness!

Here are instructions on how to reheat bacon in microwave:

Step 1. Wrap your bacon in a piece of paper towel

Before placing the bacon slices into the microwave, first wrap them up with a paper towel for easy clean-up. This is especially helpful if you are reheating cooked or crispy bacon slices so they don’t become flimsy and cause an explosion in the microwave!

Step 2. Place your bacon between two sheets of parchment paper

Next, place 1 slice of bacon between two pieces of parchment paper (or wax paper) on a microwavable plate.

The parchment paper will prevent any splatter that might otherwise occur when heating your bacon using alternative methods.

If you’re cooking more than 1 slice of crispy bacon then simply stack them all up together to be heated inside the microwave.

Step 3. Set your microwave to 50% power and heat for 1 minute

Finally, set your microwave to 50 percent power and heat the slices of bacon for 60-90 seconds. If you are microwaving frozen or cold bacon then you may need to increase the time slightly (15-20 seconds more per slice).

Make sure not to overcook as this will cause the bacon to become tough and chewy rather than crispy!

Tips:

• When heating multiple slices, be sure they do not overlap as this prevents them from cooking evenly inside the microwave.
• If necessary, rotate or flip over each slice halfway through reheating time so that all sides become equally crisp.
• Microwave ovens vary in size and wattage. Depending on your oven, you may need to increase or decrease the reheating time slightly (5-10 seconds at a time).

Step 4. Let It Cool!

After removing the bacon from the microwave, let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving so that you can avoid burning your tongue or fingers when handling it! Enjoy your breakfast meal!

How to Reheat uncooked bacon in microwave

It’s best to use a ceramic plate so you can cook the bacon evenly and not burn it. If you don’t have a ceramic plate, that’s fine, but your cooking time will be different.

A good guide is that if your bacon is still raw when looking at it from the side, microwave for 20-30 seconds. If it looks raw in the middle when you cut into it, start with 10-15 seconds or until done before cutting into it.

Cooking times may vary depending on how crispy you prefer your bacon to be since microwaves tend to defrost and reheat unevenly due to their lack of directional heat emission compared to ovens.

An important note about this method is that microwaving raw bacon does give off some grease splattering, so you may want to use a small ceramic plate and place it over the top of the bacon before microwaving in order to avoid this messy issue.

Suggested Bacon Reheating Methods:

1. If you prefer your cooked bacon crispy and crunchy: Cover raw bacon with wax paper, microwave at 50% power for 1 minute (or until done), let stand 1 minute before serving.

2. If you prefer your cooked bacon chewy with softer texture: Cover cooked bacon with plastic wrap, microwave at full power for 15 seconds (or until done) and let stand 1 minute before serving.

NOTE: Microwave ovens vary in cooking times and temperature, adjust if needed.

3. If you prefer your cooked bacon crispy with crunchier edges: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, cover cooked bacon with aluminum foil, bake for 10-15 minutes or until desired crispness before serving.

4. If you prefer your cooked bacon a little chewy with crispy edges: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until desired cooking time and crispness before serving.

5. If you prefer your raw bacon on the almost raw side: Wrap fresh raw bacon in parchment paper, bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes or until light brown and slightly opaque in color before serving.

6. If you prefer your raw bacon almost raw: Wrap fresh raw bacon in wax paper, place on top of the ceramic plate (covered), microwave at 50% power for 1 minute  (or until done) before serving.

7. If you prefer your raw bacon slightly cooked: Wrap fresh raw bacon in wax paper, place on top of the ceramic plate (uncovered), microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds before serving.

8. If you prefer your raw bacon almost crispy: Place fresh raw bacon on a wire rack over an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until light brown and opaque in color with slightly crisp edges before serving.

Do’s and Don’ts for Reheating Bacon In Microwave

✅ Do:

• Cook bacon until it is golden brown and very crispy but not burnt  — remember that overcooked bacon will become dry and unappetizing! 
• Blot any extra grease with another sheet of paper towel after microwaving and before serving  — primarily if you want to avoid the grease and subsequent mess on your plate!
• Cook bacon in batches as large as three slices at once for even cooking  — make sure to stir the bacon halfway through microwaving.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat or poultry, as well as before touching anything else, including cooking utensils and dishes.
• Check bacon every 30 seconds for doneness while microwaving to prevent overcooking.
• Remove cooked bacon from the microwave only when it is golden brown and crispy but not burnt.

🚫 Don’t:

• Don’t use paper towels that are dry  — the lack of moisture will lead to excess grease being absorbed by the paper towel!
• Don’t cook more than three slices at once in order to prevent overcooking by not all microwaves cook evenly  — if possible, stir bacon halfway through microwaving.
• Don’t prepare more bacon until the previous batch has been removed from the microwave  — always be careful when removing a hot plate from the microwave!
• Don’t heat bacon for longer than two minutes  — this can result in overcooking and ultimately burnt bacon.

Tips to Reheat Bacon in Microwave

1) Before touching anything else, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat or poultry because this will prevent contamination of other surfaces that could lead to food poisoning. 

2) Check the amount of time that is needed to cook each slice of bacon depending on its thickness. If possible, try microwaving one slice at a time until cooked through but not overly dried out.

3) Try adding a minute to the recommended time in order to cook the bacon more thoroughly if it still appears undercooked.

4) Microwave only one slice of bacon at a time — this will help ensure even cooking because microwaves vary in power levels.

5) If you are cooking more than three slices of bacon at once, stir them halfway through microwaving to ensure even cooking throughout.

6) If microwaving more than one slice of bacon, use a separate plate(s), bowls, dishes, plates covered with wax paper, etc . — never stack items on top of each other! While microwaves still cook food unevenly, stacking could result in overcooking some parts while undercooking others. 

7) If you’re using the microwave, preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) before putting in your bacon.

For best results, place your thinly sliced cooked bacon on a wire rack over an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until desired crispness.

8) While removing cooked bacon from the microwave, be sure to wear oven mitts or thick kitchen towels over your hands because the plate will be very hot.

9) Do not overcook bacon in the microwave oven – cooked too long, it becomes tough and rubbery instead of crispy. The temperature of food should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when removed from the microwave oven.

10) As an alternative to microwaving bacon, consider grilling, baking or even frying your bacon to achieve desired results.

Recipe Notes:

1) If you microwave more than 3 slices of bacon at once, the outer slices will cook faster and could be overcooked by the time the inner slices are done. If this is a concern, microwaving fewer slices is recommended.

2) For thinner bacon, follow the above cooking instructions but reduce cooking times by one minute.

3) For bacon that is already cooked, consider placing the slices in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes or until crispy to refresh it  – reduce cooking times by one minute.

Alternative Ways to Reheat Bacon in Microwave

Reheat Bacon In The Oven

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

On a wire rack over an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, place bacon slices in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until desired crispness.

Turn slices halfway through cooking time.

Reheat Bacon In An Air Fryer

On a wire tray placed inside the air fryer, arrange bacon slices in a single layer.

Set cooking time to 4-5 minutes or until desired crispness.

Turn slices halfway through cooking time.

Reheat Bacon In A Skillet

In a skillet on top of the stove, cook bacon over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until desired doneness is reached  — do not add oil.  Stir occasionally and remove cooked bacon from heat when golden brown and crispy but not burnt.  

Remove cooked bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon. Drain excess grease from the pan by tapping the handle of the spoon on side of the skillet. Sprinkle lightly with salt, if desired.

Reheat Bacon In A Frying Pan

In case you’re wondering how to reheat bacon without a microwave, the next best option is to take advantage of bacon’s natural fatty by frying it up either in a single skillet (better for cooking smaller batches) or a large pan.

To reheat your bacon in a frying pan, either add it to the cold pan and then gradually turn up the heat or place the thinly sliced bacon directly into a hot frying pan. If you’re using a non-stick any good quality frying pan, there’s no need to add oil (you could certainly use butter if you wanted).

As the bacon sizzles away, be sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t get burned — instead of stirring too frequently, simply shake the pan every few seconds until all of your slices are evenly crisp and golden brown.

Well, now you know how to reheat bacon with or without the use of a microwave oven. With this knowledge in mind, you can now enjoy your bacon crispy and hot even when you’re busy doing other things around the house. 

How To Properly Store Bacon

Store bacon in the refrigerator at 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) or below.

Safest Bacon Cooking Instructions

1) Cook until juices run clear and the center of the thickest strip reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer  — cooking times vary depending on thickness, type of cut, etc . so be sure to check the package for more details.

2) Drain cooked bacon on paper towels  — this will help prevent your cooked product from becoming soggy especially if you’re planning to serve it later without microwaving it again.

How To Freeze Bacon For Later Use

Place the desired amount of slices in a single layer inside resealable freezer bags — mark with date, then freeze for up to 6 months.

Thaw bacon in the refrigerator for 24 hours before use.

Thawed bacon can be kept refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bacon can be microwaved or pan-fried from frozen — cooking times may vary.

How To Keep Bacon Warm and Crispy As Long As Possible

You can keep your cooked bacon warm and crispy for up to an hour by doing the following:

1) Line a large baking sheet with foil and lay out slices in a single layer  — this way, you won’t need to use as much grease when cooking.

2) Set oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).

3) Place baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and cook bacon for 10-16 minutes depending on thickness — again, do not flip slices.

4) Remove from heat and let bacon rest on a wire rack until crisp before serving/packaging for later use.

How To Make Crunchy Bacon Bits

Many people love the crunchy, crispy texture that comes from cooking bacon. It can even get quite addictive! This is especially true when you’re cooking strips in your frying pan because every time you flip over the meat, you’ll hear an audible crackling sound. That means it’s done right!

To cook your bacon so that it has this perfect crispiness, follow these instructions:

1) Line baking sheet with foil.

2) Cook bacon in the oven for 30-45 minutes or until desired crispness is reached — do not flip slices.

3) Remove pan from oven then, working quickly, use tongs to transfer cooked strips to another wire cooling rack set over a piece of foil (for easy clean up).

4) Allow the grease to drain completely before transferring bacon bits to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.  Freeze if you plan on storing for more than 48 hours.

5) If not planning on using immediately, cover bacon bits with fresh parchment paper and let cool at room temperature before placing inside an airtight container/plastic bag and returning to freezer.

Other Quick Tips

1) Line a large baking sheet with foil before cooking bacon in the oven to save on time and effort — no need to line pans with parchment paper. You still have the option of using another wire rack if you want, though lining the pan will prevent the bacon from sticking.

2) To keep your hands clean while cooking bacon, simply use tongs or spatulas instead.

3) Bacon bits are perfect for salads, soups, pasta dishes, casseroles, etc. Remember that any uncooked bacon should be well wrapped and placed inside an airtight container/plastic bag before returning it to the freezer for later use.

And there you have it — now know how long does cook bacon last in the fridge, how to reheat bacon in microwave and without a microwave, and easy ways to make your cooked product crispy for packing or eating.

FAQs on Reheat Bacon In Microwave

Why bacon does not stay crispy?

Bacon becomes soggy because of the liquids that come out when cooking. If you’re planning on eating your bacon within a day or two, then just cook it in the oven for longer to achieve that perfect crunch. You can also cut down on cooking time by using thinner slices.

Why do bacon bits get soggy?

When you microwave bacon bits, all the moisture from each slice converges and causes sogginess which is why it’s best to let them rest over paper towels to prevent this from happening.

Are there health concerns when reheating cooked bacon in the microwave?

It depends on whether you cooked your bacon with or without oil and whether you have high or low heat settings. If you’re cooking bacon with healthy oil, then it will be less likely to form free radicals. If not, the high heat used in microwaving usually burns off any nutrients present.

Is microwave bacon unhealthy?

When microwaving bacon, make sure that you use low heat settings as this helps eliminate harmful compounds from forming. If using high heat, make sure to stand away from your oven as chemicals called “acrylamides” are produced at around 230 degrees Fahrenheit (over 100 C). These can lead to an increased risk of cancer so it’s best to monitor the temperature carefully.

Can you reheat leftover bacon?

Yes! You can reheat leftover bacon by using the oven, microwave, or stovetop. If you’re going to use a common kitchen appliance like a microwave, a fry pan, or toaster oven, make sure that the meat is in small pieces and that you cook it on low heat until it’s warm throughout.

How do you get crispy bacon?

One of the most ideal ways to cook your bacon so that it’s extra crispy is to place it inside an oven for 20-30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Make sure not to discard any grease as this will help keep everything from sticking together — just pour off excess liquid every now and then if necessary.

How do you keep bacon bits from sticking to the foil?

If you want your bacon bits to not stick on the foil, simply line it with parchment paper or a reusable non-stick cooking mat prior to cooking. Just make sure that it’s heatproof before using it on high heat surfaces like stovetops.

Can you prepare bacon the night before?

Yes, you can. By cooking your bacon in the oven, you can allow it to cool at room temperature before wrapping each strip individually in parchment paper and placing it inside an airtight container or resealable bag. You can also freeze it for up to two months.

Do you need to add water when reheating bacon in microwave?

No, there’s no need to add water or anything else. The microwave will steam and cook the bacon for you. If you overcook the bacon in the microwave, however, it could start to release grease back into your food. Since microwaves vary – experiment with cooking times until it’s done how you like it!

How long do you reheat bacon in microwave?

It depends on how much bacon is being reheated and whether or not it was cooked beforehand or then thawed. In general, however, microwaving bacon is something that should be done for short periods of time only – the longer you cook the bacon, the more grease may drip into your food.

How do you take cold cooked bacon out of the fridge?

The best way to not contaminate fresh food with bacteria found in previously cooked items is to let them cool down at room temperature first before returning them to the refrigerator. Do this within two hours or so and make sure they are sealed properly first. Once cooled, you should eat all your leftover reheated bacon within a few days just like any other cooked meat product.

Conclusion

Reheat bacon in microwave for best results. We know that when it comes to cooking, some people are proponents of ovens while others stand by frying pans or grills. But what about microwaves? Can you reheat bacon in microwave too? The answer is yes! 

And not only can this be done quickly and easily, but it also yields even better results than using an oven. For maximum flavor retention, simply place slices on a paper towel-lined plate before heating them in the microwave until they reach desired crispiness (usually 3 minutes). Then enjoy your delicious breakfast without having to worry about overcooking or burning any pieces!

Microwaving bacon is a quick and easy way to reheat your breakfast. However, it’s important that you reheat bacon in microwave for just 3 minutes instead of 5 or more because microwaves can dry out the meat. The high heat from cooking will also cook off some fat and cause it to crisp up nicely in the process so enjoy! 

We hope this article has been helpful and we look forward to hearing about how much you love our next blog post on what foods should never be frozen too long.

Further reading

Top 9 Best Retro Microwave In 2022

Can You Microwave Paper Plate?

How To Defrost Ground Turkey In Microwave?

How To Reheat Pizza In Microwave Properly?