How to Microwave Bacon without Paper Towel | Step-by-Step

Bacon is delicious and can be quick and easy if you cook it in the microwave.  Cook it in the microwave without using paper towel by placing it over an upside-down bowl. Place the bowl on a plate and microwave it for around 1 minute.

The oil will drain down the side of the bowl and be caught by the plate.  Place a dish cloth under the bowl to catch the oil that will drip down the sides.

This article will explore the easy steps to microwave bacon without paper towel. check them out below.

How to microwave bacon without paper towel

When you microwave bacon it will release its fat or oil as it cooks.  Many people would normally reach for the paper towel to line the plate or bowl but if you don’t have any, you can use dish cloths to catch the drips.

You can then reuse the dishcloth by washing it in warm, soapy water.  You will need to use soapy water to remove the oils.

Steps to microwave bacon without paper towel

Here are the easy steps to microwave bacon without paper towel.

  1. Find a plate and a small bowl. Make sure the plate is at least 1 inch wider than the bowl.
  2. Place a dish cloth folded up under the bowl
  3. Place 1 slice of bacon on top of the bowl
  4. Microwave on high until the bacon goes crispy, this could take 1-2 minutes. This can take longer depending on the size and thickness of the bacon
  5. Remove the plate and bowl carefully, use oven gloves or a tea towel to protect your hands.
  6. Let the bacon cool slightly, then transfer it to your plate.

roll or whatever you are planning to eat it with. Enjoy!

Check out this great video that shows and easy way to microwave bacon without paper towel.

In my microwave I cooked a piece of bacon, which was large and fairly thick for 90 seconds. It could have been cooked for an extra 30 seconds to make it even crispier.

I suggest start by cooking for 1 minute then an extra 30 seconds at a time if it still needs further cooking.  It makes quite a loud popping noise in the microwave as the fat heats up but it didn’t make any mess in my microwave.

All of the fat was caught by the blue dish cloth.  There actually was only a little bit of fat that dripped out of this piece, even though it was streaky bacon. I also chose a maple glazed bacon which made it even more delicious. 

What else can I use instead of paper towels to microwave bacon?

You could line the base plate with all sorts of things to catch the oil, try these below:

  • Dish or Chux cloths
  • Microfibre cloths
  • Tea Towels
  • Unpaper towels
  • A thin sponge
  • Material napkins

Tips to microwave bacon without paper towel

If you are going to microwave your bacon using the bowl method, I have found this works best with thin sliced bacon.  It cooks quickly and comes out well. I have also found specific “microwave bacon” in my supermarket which also works well when cooked on a plate without paper towel.

Can you cook raw bacon in the microwave?

You can definitely cook raw bacon in the microwave.  A thin slice will cook through in a microwave in around 1-2 minutes depending on how powerful your microwave is. If you have thicker slices this will take longer.

If you want to cook multiple pieces at a time, this will also take a little longer. I do recommend that if you want to cook more than 3 slices, that you grab out the pan and grill them instead.

Does bacon go crispy in the microwave?

Sort of. It certainly cooks well but is not as crispy as cooking it in a pan or barbecue. It still tastes good though.

Is it healthy to cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels?

Cooking the bacon over a bowl with a plate underneath will help to remove some of the fat from the bacon.  As the bacon is heated, the fat will melt and drip down the side of the bowl and will be caught in the plate, or a dishcloth if you place one underneath.

This technically will make your bacon a little bit healthier but remember that bacon is definitely a ‘sometimes food’.  Choose shortcut bacon for the healthiest choice of the bacon range, but keep this food as a treat.

How many minutes to cook bacon in the microwave

It will take around 1-2 minutes to cook 1 thin rasher of bacon, a little longer for thick cut and even longer for multiple pieces. Remember if you need to cook a lot of bacon, it will be easier just to grab a pan and do it the traditional way.

Is it safe to cook bacon in the microwave?

It is safe to cook bacon in the microwave, as long as you cook it all the way through.  Be careful when you remove the plate and bowl that you don’t burn your hands. Use a tea towel or oven gloves if the plate and bowl have become hot. 

Let the bacon cool slightly before removing with tongs and placing on your plate (or egg roll).

Can you get bacon that is made for the microwave?

I have found that my supermarket now has bacon that is made for the microwave. I placed this directly on a plate and microwaved for 30 seconds and then another 20 seconds (50 seconds all up).

My microwave is fairly low power so I always find I need to cook things for a little longer than the instructions say. This one tasted a little dryer than the maple glazed streaky bacon but still tasted delicious. Microwave bacon is a good choice if you don’t have a pan or skillet to use.

Happy cooking.