The allure of bacon is undeniable. That smoky, salty, crispy goodness is a breakfast staple, a sandwich superstar, and a delightful addition to countless dishes. But what if you want to take your bacon game to the next level? What if you crave bacon with an even more pronounced smoky flavor? The answer, my friends, lies in the realm of outdoor cooking: the barbecue. So, can you cook bacon on the BBQ? Absolutely! And we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring bacon-fueled bliss.
Why BBQ Bacon? The Benefits of Grilled Goodness
While skillet-cooked bacon is a classic, and oven-baked bacon offers convenience, grilling bacon brings a unique set of advantages to the table. The most obvious benefit is the amplified smoky flavor. Cooking over charcoal or wood chips infuses the bacon with a depth of flavor that you simply can’t achieve indoors. This is especially true if you experiment with different wood types, such as hickory, applewood, or mesquite.
Beyond the smoky flavor, grilling bacon can also be a cleaner process. It keeps the grease splatter outside, preventing your kitchen from becoming a greasy battlefield. Plus, the open flame can render the fat more efficiently, leading to extra crispy bacon. Finally, let’s be honest, cooking outdoors is just plain fun, and bacon on the grill elevates any backyard barbecue.
Choosing the Right Bacon for Grilling
Not all bacon is created equal, especially when it comes to grilling. The type of bacon you choose will significantly impact the final product. Opt for bacon that is thick-cut. Thin bacon tends to curl up, burn easily, and can even fall through the grates. Thick-cut bacon, on the other hand, is sturdier and more forgiving.
Consider the flavor profile you desire. Standard hickory-smoked bacon is a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Applewood-smoked bacon offers a sweeter, fruitier flavor, while peppered bacon adds a spicy kick. Center-cut bacon, which is leaner than traditional bacon, is another excellent choice for grilling, as it reduces the amount of grease that drips onto the coals.
Finally, pay attention to the quality of the bacon. Look for bacon with good marbling (streaks of fat) throughout the meat. This ensures that the bacon will be flavorful and moist. Avoid bacon that is overly processed or contains artificial ingredients.
Preparing Your BBQ for Bacon Perfection
Before you even think about throwing bacon on the grill, you need to prepare your barbecue properly. The key is to set up a two-zone cooking system. This means creating a direct heat zone for searing and indirect heat zone for slower cooking.
For a charcoal grill, arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. For a gas grill, turn on the burners on one side of the grill and leave the other burners off. This allows you to move the bacon between the two zones as needed, preventing it from burning while ensuring it cooks evenly.
Clean your grill grates thoroughly before cooking. Greasy grates can lead to flare-ups, which can burn the bacon. Use a grill brush to remove any debris and then lightly oil the grates with cooking oil. This will help prevent the bacon from sticking.
Consider using a grill mat or a cast iron skillet. A grill mat prevents bacon from falling through the grates and makes cleanup easier. A cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and allows you to cook multiple strips of bacon at once.
The Art of Grilling Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve chosen your bacon and prepared your grill, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to grilling bacon to perfection.
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Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F) with the two-zone cooking system in place.
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Arrange the bacon: Place the bacon strips on the indirect heat side of the grill. Make sure the strips are not overlapping to ensure even cooking. If using a grill mat or cast iron skillet, arrange the bacon on the mat or in the skillet.
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Cook slowly: Allow the bacon to cook slowly on the indirect heat side of the grill. This will allow the fat to render and the bacon to cook evenly without burning. Depending on the thickness of the bacon, this may take 10-15 minutes.
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Move to direct heat: Once the bacon has rendered most of its fat and is starting to crisp up, move it to the direct heat side of the grill.
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Crisp to perfection: Watch the bacon carefully and flip it frequently to prevent burning. Cook until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
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Remove and drain: Remove the bacon from the grill and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve the bacon immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Avoiding Common Grilling Mistakes
Grilling bacon seems simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your bacon experience. Here are some tips to avoid them.
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Don’t overcrowd the grill: Overcrowding the grill can lower the temperature and prevent the bacon from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
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Watch for flare-ups: Bacon fat dripping onto the coals can cause flare-ups, which can burn the bacon. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to extinguish any flare-ups.
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Don’t walk away:** Bacon cooks quickly, especially over direct heat. Don’t walk away from the grill while the bacon is cooking, or you risk burning it.
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Use a meat thermometer:** Although it is not common to use a thermometer on bacon, the USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Experimenting with Flavors and Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique of grilling bacon, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques. Try marinating the bacon in maple syrup or brown sugar before grilling for a sweeter flavor. Or, sprinkle the bacon with chili powder or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
You can also try grilling bacon-wrapped appetizers, such as bacon-wrapped dates or bacon-wrapped scallops. These are always a crowd-pleaser at barbecues. Consider using bacon as a topping for grilled burgers or pizzas. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Strip: Creative BBQ Bacon Applications
Grilled bacon isn’t just for breakfast anymore. It can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes to add a smoky, savory flavor. Crumble grilled bacon and sprinkle it over salads, soups, or baked potatoes. Use it to make bacon jam, a sweet and savory spread that’s perfect on toast or crackers. Add it to pasta dishes or omelets for a boost of flavor.
Grilled bacon can even be used in desserts. Chocolate-covered bacon is a surprisingly delicious treat, and bacon ice cream is a trendy and unexpected flavor combination. Don’t be afraid to get creative and explore the many ways you can use grilled bacon in your cooking.
Cleaning Up After Your Bacon BBQ Bonanza
Cleaning up after grilling bacon can be a bit messy, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. The most important thing is to clean the grill grates while they’re still warm. Use a grill brush to remove any debris and then wipe the grates with a damp cloth.
If you used a grill mat, simply wash it with soap and water. If you used a cast iron skillet, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and seasoning. Dispose of any excess bacon grease properly. Do not pour it down the drain, as it can clog your pipes. Instead, pour it into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Conclusion: Embrace the Grilled Bacon Life
Cooking bacon on the BBQ is a simple yet rewarding way to elevate your bacon game. The smoky flavor, crispy texture, and outdoor cooking experience make it a truly special treat. By following these tips and techniques, you can grill bacon to perfection every time. So fire up your grill and embrace the grilled bacon life! Your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Can you really cook bacon on a BBQ grill?
Yes, absolutely! Cooking bacon on a BBQ grill is a fantastic way to add a smoky flavor that you simply can’t achieve indoors. The heat from the grill renders the fat beautifully, resulting in crispy bacon with a delicious, slightly charred taste. It’s also a great way to avoid splattering grease on your stovetop and filling your kitchen with bacon fumes.
However, grilling bacon successfully requires a bit of technique to prevent it from burning or sticking to the grates. Proper temperature control and careful monitoring are essential. Indirect heat and using a cast iron skillet or griddle can also significantly improve your results and make the process much cleaner and easier.
What type of grill works best for cooking bacon?
While you can technically cook bacon on any type of BBQ grill, gas and charcoal grills offer slightly different advantages. Gas grills provide easier temperature control, making it simpler to maintain a consistent heat ideal for even cooking. This is beneficial for preventing scorching and ensuring the bacon crisps up nicely.
Charcoal grills, on the other hand, impart a more intense smoky flavor to the bacon. If you’re seeking that authentic, wood-fired taste, charcoal is the way to go. However, charcoal grills require more attention to temperature management and may involve a steeper learning curve for novice grillers. Pellet grills are another good option offering a balance of smoky flavor and temperature control.
What temperature should I use to grill bacon?
Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for perfectly grilled bacon. Aim for a medium-low heat, ideally between 250-300°F (120-150°C). This allows the bacon to cook slowly and evenly, rendering the fat without burning the edges. Too high a temperature will lead to charred bacon that’s still chewy in the center.
Using a grill thermometer is highly recommended to monitor the temperature accurately. If your grill doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, an oven-safe thermometer placed on the grates will do the trick. Adjust the grill’s settings or the amount of charcoal to achieve and maintain the target temperature throughout the cooking process.
Do I need to use indirect heat when grilling bacon?
Using indirect heat is generally recommended when grilling bacon, especially on a charcoal or pellet grill. Indirect heat involves placing the bacon away from the direct flames or heat source. This prevents flare-ups from the rendered bacon fat, which can cause burning and uneven cooking.
On a gas grill, you can achieve indirect heat by only turning on one or two burners and placing the bacon on the unlit side. With a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to one side and cook the bacon on the opposite side. This method allows the bacon to cook gently and evenly, resulting in crispy, perfectly rendered slices.
Should I use a cast iron skillet or griddle on the grill?
Using a cast iron skillet or griddle on the grill is an excellent way to cook bacon. It creates a more even cooking surface and helps contain the rendered fat, minimizing flare-ups and making cleanup easier. The cast iron also helps distribute the heat more evenly, preventing hot spots that can burn the bacon.
Simply place the skillet or griddle on the grill grates and allow it to preheat before adding the bacon. This will ensure that the bacon sizzles immediately upon contact, preventing it from sticking. A cast iron pan also imparts a subtle, desirable sear that enhances the bacon’s flavor.
How long does it take to cook bacon on the grill?
The cooking time for bacon on the grill will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the temperature of your grill. However, as a general guideline, expect it to take approximately 10-15 minutes. Thicker-cut bacon will require a longer cooking time than thinner slices.
It’s crucial to monitor the bacon closely during the cooking process and flip it occasionally to ensure even cooking on both sides. Look for a deep golden-brown color and crispy edges as indicators of doneness. Use tongs to remove the bacon from the grill once it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
What are some tips for preventing bacon from sticking to the grill?
Preventing bacon from sticking to the grill grates is essential for achieving perfectly cooked slices. Ensure your grill grates are clean before cooking. A clean surface minimizes the chances of the bacon adhering to residue from previous cooks. Lightly oiling the grates before placing the bacon is also highly effective.
Additionally, using a cast iron skillet or griddle eliminates the sticking issue altogether, as it provides a smooth, non-stick surface. Avoid moving the bacon around too much during the initial cooking stages, as this can disrupt the rendering process and increase the likelihood of sticking. Once the fat starts to render, the bacon will naturally release from the surface.