When it comes to preparing bacon, most people think of frying it in a skillet or baking it in the oven. However, did you know that you can also cook bacon on the grill? Not only is it a tasty alternative, but it’s also a great way to cook bacon without filling your kitchen with smoke. In this guide, we will show you how to cook bacon on the grill, providing you with all the tips and tricks to make mouthwatering bacon every time.
Preparing the Bacon for the Grill
Before you begin to grill, you need to prepare the bacon. This preparation will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t fly off the grill. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Type of Bacon
When selecting bacon for grilling, choose thick-sliced bacon. It will cook better than regular bacon because it’s less likely to burn and curl up. Also, choose bacon that has an even thickness throughout, as thinner portions will cook faster than the thicker ones.
Step 2: Soaking the Skewers or Toothpicks
Take skewers or toothpicks and soak them in water for 30 minutes. Soaking the sticks will prevent them from burning while on the grill.
Step 3: Preparing the Bacon
Now it’s time to prepare the bacon. Take each slice and weave it back and forth through the skewers or toothpicks using the same over-under-weave pattern. This weaving technique helps the bacon remain flat and evenly cooked.
Grilling Bacon
Once you have prepared the bacon, it’s time to grill it. Grilling bacon is easier than you think, and it’s best done over indirect heat to prevent flare-ups and burning. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat the grill to medium heat while keeping one side of the grill on low heat. This will create an indirect heat zone that’s vital for cooking bacon without burning.
Step 2: Place the Bacon on the Grate
Place the bacon skewers perpendicular to the grates over the low heat side of the grill, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Step 3: Cover the Grill
Cover the grill and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. But, keep an eye for flare-ups or any signs of burning. This cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the grill’s temperature. Therefore, keep checking it every few minutes.
Step 4: Flip the Bacon
Once you see the bacon’s edges starting to curl up, carefully flip the bacon over using tongs. Be gentle with the bacon, so it doesn’t break apart.
Step 5: Cook the Other Side
Cover the grill again and cook the bacon for another 5-10 minutes or until you reach the desired level of crispiness. Again, keep an eye for flare-ups and burning.
Concluding thoughts on how to cook bacon on the grill
Cooking bacon on the grill is an easy and delicious alternative to traditional cooking methods. The prep is simple, and the bacon comes out crispy with a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. Remember, to get the best bacon, you must choose thick-sliced bacon and cook it over indirect heat.
FAQs about how to cook bacon on the grill
Q: Can you grill bacon without skewers or toothpicks?
A: Yes, you can. But, we recommend using skewers or toothpicks because they help cook the bacon evenly. Without skewers or toothpicks, the bacon may curl up, cook unevenly, and even fall through the grates.
Q: Can you use aluminum foil instead of skewers or toothpicks?
A: Yes, you can. Place the bacon directly on a sheet of aluminum foil and place it on the indirect heat side of the grill. However, using skewers or toothpicks is much easier and will make flipping the bacon more manageable.
Q: How long should I soak the skewers or toothpicks?
A: Soak the skewers or toothpicks in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This will prevent them from burning while on the grill.
Q: Is it better to grill bacon on gas or charcoal?
A: Both gas and charcoal grills can be used to cook bacon. However, charcoal grills add a smoky flavor that many people prefer. The choice is entirely up to your preference.
In conclusion, grilling bacon is a delicious and easy way to prepare this breakfast favorite, and it’s an excellent option when you want to cook bacon without filling your kitchen with smoke. We hope this guide on how to cook bacon on the grill has given you all the tips and tricks you need to make perfect bacon every time. Remember, take your time, and keep an eye on the bacon while grilling to ensure it turns out just how you want it.
