Bacon goes great with burgers which is why it’s a great idea to grill it when grilling your burger patties. But because it’s a much thinner and more delicate meat than your patty, it will require different cooking temperatures and conditions when grilling. In this guide, we’ll show you how to grill bacon properly so it complements your burgers perfectly.
What Type of Bacon Should You Use for Grilling?
Bacon can be of 3 types: thin-cut bacon, regular-cut bacon, and thick-cut bacon:
- Thin-Cut Bacon: This bacon is sliced very thin, usually around 1/32 inch thick. It cooks quickly and crisps up fast.
- Regular-Cut Bacon: This is the most common type of bacon, sliced to about 1/16 inch thick. It tends to become overly crispy if not watched carefully.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: This type has maximum bacon fat and is sliced to about 1/8 inch thick. Due to its thickness, it tends to get crispy edges and a chewy center.
For grilling, thick-cut bacon is the best choice. It doesn’t fall apart easily and cooks evenly.
How to Grill Bacon
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C). If using a gas grill, preheat with all burners on. For charcoal grills, arrange the charcoal for indirect heat cooking.
- Place a grill pan/ grill basket or a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil on the grill grates. The grill pan should have holes to allow the bacon drippings to drip away. If using foil, poke a few holes to allow the grease to escape.
- Lay the bacon slices on the foil or in the grilling basket/pan in a single layer. Make sure the strips don’t touch each other and overlap.
- Keep a close eye on the bacon as it cooks. Use tongs to turn the bacon every 3-4 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides. Thick-cut bacon takes about 10-15 minutes to cook thoroughly. If you notice any bacon strips cooking too quickly or burning, move them to a cooler part of the grill.
- The bacon is done when it is golden brown and crispy around the edges but still slightly chewy in the center.
- Using tongs, remove the crispy bacon from the grill and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- After cooking, be sure to clean the grill pan or dispose of the foil carefully. Bacon grease can be flammable, so take care when handling it.
Alternative Grilling Methods for Bacon
Here are some alternative methods for cooking bacon on the grill:
Using Skewers:
Skewers can be a great way to grill bacon. Thread each strip of bacon onto a skewer in a wave-like pattern, so the bacon is not flat but has small loops. Place the skewers directly on the grill grates over medium heat. Cook the bacon for about 10-15 minutes. Turn the skewers every few minutes to ensure all sides are cooked.
Using a Cooling Rack:
A cooling rack can also be used to cook bacon. Place a metal cooling rack on top of a baking sheet. Lay the bacon strips on the rack in a single layer. Put the baking sheet with the cooling rack on the grill and cook at medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Turn the bacon halfway through.
Using a Cast Iron Skillet or Cast Iron Frying Pan:
Place the skillet directly on the grill grates and preheat it for a few minutes. Lay the bacon strips in the skillet. Cook the bacon over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to flip the slices halfway through cooking.
Tips for Grilling Bacon
- Be aware of hot spots on your grill. Move the bacon around as needed to ensure even cooking, especially if you notice certain areas cooking faster than others.
- A grill mat can be useful for frying bacon. It prevents the bacon from falling through the grates and makes cleanup easier. Just place the mat on the grates and lay the bacon on top.
- For perfectly cooked bacon, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Creative Serving Ideas for Grilled Bacon
- Use grilled bacon to wrap around stuffed dates, water chestnuts, or jalapeño poppers.
- Crumble grilled bacon over salads, soups, or baked potatoes.
- Wrap grilled bacon around chicken breasts, shrimp, or asparagus bundles before grilling.
- Layer grilled bacon with lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a classic BLT, or create a gourmet grilled cheese with melted cheese and grilled bacon.
Summary
Grilling bacon is a great way to add a delicious, crispy touch to your meals. Choose thick-cut bacon and consider using aluminum foil, skewers, a cooling rack, or a cast iron skillet for the best results.
Looking for an easy and efficient way to grill bacon? Try the MisterChef Electric Grill! With precise temperature control and easy cleanup, it’s perfect for all your grilling needs. Shop with us today.