How many calories are in microwaved bacon?

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

A single slice of microwaved bacon can contain as few as 38 calories, though this varies based on brand and thickness. Knowing how many calories are in microwaved bacon is a quick way to assess if it's a lighter option for your morning routine compared to other cooking methods.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for microwaved bacon fluctuates depending on the cut and brand, but it's generally lower than pan-fried versions because excess fat is absorbed by paper towels during cooking, making it a lighter alternative.

Key Points

Calorie Count Varies: The number of calories in microwaved bacon depends on slice thickness, brand, and the amount of fat drained during cooking.
Leaner Method: Microwaving on paper towels helps remove more fat than pan-frying, resulting in a lower calorie count per slice.
Rough Estimate: A single, standard-thickness slice of microwaved bacon contains approximately 38 to 45 calories.
Brand Specifics: Pre-cooked or "microwave-ready" bacon products from brands like Hormel specify their calorie counts; for example, two slices can be around 70 calories.
Efficient Fat Removal: The use of paper towels during microwaving is key to absorbing rendered fat, significantly reducing the final calorie content and making it a crispier finish.
Thick-Cut Warning: Thick-cut bacon will have a higher calorie count per slice than regular bacon due to its higher initial meat and fat content.
Crispy Results: Microwaving is an excellent way to achieve perfectly crispy bacon quickly and with less mess than traditional frying.

The Calorie Breakdown for Microwaved Bacon

The precise number of calories in microwaved bacon can vary significantly. Factors influencing the final count include the initial thickness of the raw bacon slice, the brand, and most importantly, how effectively the rendered fat is removed during cooking. The magic of microwaving bacon lies in using paper towels, which absorb a considerable amount of the rendered fat, directly impacting the final calorie total. This differs from pan-frying, where bacon often reabsorbs some of its fat, resulting in a higher calorie and fat content.

Standard Thin-Cut Bacon: For a standard, average-thickness slice, you can expect a calorie count in the range of 38 to 45 calories.
Thick-Cut Bacon: A thicker, heartier cut will naturally have more calories per slice. Depending on the brand, this could be well over 50 calories, as it contains more meat and fat.
Pre-Cooked Microwave Bacon: Products like Hormel's Microwave Ready Bacon are designed for quick preparation. According to their nutritional information, two cooked slices contain around 70 calories, averaging about 35 calories per slice.

How Microwaving Reduces Calories and Fat

Microwaves cook food by agitating water molecules, which quickly heats up the bacon and causes the fat to render and drip out. By placing the bacon on paper towels on a microwave-safe plate, you create a system that draws this rendered fat away from the meat. The paper towels act as an absorbent barrier, preventing the fat from re-coating the bacon as it cools. This process is highly effective and is the primary reason microwaved bacon tends to be a leaner option compared to pan-fried bacon. The degree of crispiness also plays a role, as cooking longer and draining more fat will further reduce the caloric content.

Microwaved vs. Pan-Fried Bacon: A Nutritional Comparison

To better understand the difference, a side-by-side comparison of microwaved versus pan-fried bacon is helpful. The figures below are approximate and can vary by brand and slice size. These estimates are based on a standard slice of cured pork bacon.


Nutrient (per slice)	Microwaved Bacon (Approx.)	Pan-Fried Bacon (Approx.)
Calories	38-45 kcal	40+ kcal
Protein	3.0 g	3.5 g
Fat	2.8 g	3.8 g
Sodium	155 mg	180+ mg
Saturated Fat	0.9 g	1.5 g

A Guide to Reducing Calories Further

For those looking to make their bacon as lean as possible, a few simple techniques can help. These steps leverage the natural fat-rendering process of microwave cooking.

Use multiple layers of paper towels above and below the bacon slices to maximize fat absorption.
Consider using a specialty microwave bacon rack. These elevated racks allow the fat to drain into a reservoir below, ensuring the bacon isn't sitting in its own grease.
For thick-cut bacon, consider blotting the bacon with a fresh paper towel after removing it from the microwave to catch any additional surface fat.

Simple Steps for Microwaved Bacon

Prepare the Plate: Line a microwave-safe plate with at least two layers of paper towels.
Arrange the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a single layer on the paper towels, ensuring they don't overlap for even cooking.
Cover with Paper Towels: Place another two layers of paper towels on top of the bacon to prevent splattering and absorb more fat.
Microwave: Cook for 4-6 minutes, checking periodically. Thicker bacon will require more time. Start with less time and add more as needed to prevent burning.
Let it Rest: Allow the bacon to rest on the paper towels for a minute or two. It will continue to crisp up as it cools, and the towels will absorb more fat. Blot with a fresh paper towel for extra fat removal.

Other Nutritional Considerations

While calories and fat are often the main focus, it's important to remember that all bacon, regardless of cooking method, is a processed meat cured with sodium. A single slice contains a significant amount of sodium, and many bacon products contain sodium nitrite as a preservative. Therefore, moderation is key when incorporating bacon into a balanced diet. Microwaved bacon does, however, provide a decent amount of protein and some minerals, such as phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count for microwaved bacon is lower than its pan-fried counterpart, primarily because the paper towel method effectively drains excess fat. While the exact number depends on factors like slice thickness and brand, an average slice typically falls in the 40-70 calorie range. As a quick, easy, and less messy cooking method that results in a leaner, crispy strip, microwaving bacon is a great option for those who enjoy bacon in moderation while being mindful of their fat and calorie intake. For the most accurate nutritional information, always check the specific product's packaging.

USDA FoodData Central offers a comprehensive database for detailed nutritional facts on various foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a single slice of microwaved bacon can range from approximately 38 to 45 calories, depending on the bacon's thickness and brand. Some specialty pre-cooked products might have slightly different values.

Generally, yes. Microwaving bacon on paper towels draws out and absorbs more of the rendered fat compared to pan-frying, which often allows the bacon to reabsorb some of its grease. This results in a lower fat and calorie final product.

Microwaving efficiently cooks bacon while allowing the rendered fat to be absorbed by paper towels. This process reduces the overall fat content of the cooked product, making it a leaner option than frying.

Thick-cut bacon will contain more calories per slice than regular, thin-cut bacon because each slice has more meat and fat initially. While microwaving will still reduce its fat, it will start with a higher baseline.

Yes, like all cured bacon, microwaved bacon is high in sodium. The cooking method does not significantly alter the sodium content, so moderation is recommended.

Yes, microwaving bacon is an effective and easy way to achieve a crispy texture. Cooking the bacon between several layers of paper towels allows it to cook evenly and renders the fat away, resulting in a crispy finish.

To get rid of the most fat, use multiple layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate and a couple of layers on top of the bacon. After cooking, let the bacon rest on the towels for a minute or two to allow for maximum fat absorption.