Perhaps you’ve wondered, from time to time, whether you might just save yourself from using an extra pan by dropping your bacon straight down onto the grill. Well, despite the apparent strangeness of this cooking method, we can confirm that it is indeed possible, and is an efficient and delicious manner of cooking bacon. However, like most things, there’s a way to go about it! First, let’s take a look at the ingredients we’ll need. Then we’ll look at exactly how to cook your bacon on a grill. Let’s get right into it!
Ingredients
The first ingredient you’ll need is, of course, your bacon. How many bacon strips depends on your love for this delectable breakfast protein, as well as the serving size of the meal, but we’d say 12 strips is a good place to start. You don’t want to overburden yourself with the mission of flipping too many strips of bacon! (Perhaps add an extra strip for the dog!)
The second ingredient is oil, of which you need 2 tablespoons. We recommend healthy olive oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. All are perfectly viable options; however, you might find grapeseed oil works best because it’s a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Thickness of Bacon
When cooking bacon on direct heat, it’s important that you use thick-sliced bacon. This is because the strips will cook more evenly, are easier to turn with your spatula or tongs, and are less likely to fall through the gaps between the grates. Make sure your butcher gets it right! We want thick, juicy cuts, no skinny stragglers!
Equipment
For this cooking exercise you’re going to need:
- Barbecue grill or grill grate
- Wire brush
- Silicone brush
- Long-handled spatula or cooking tongs
- Roll of paper towels
Instructions
Now that you’ve got what you need, how should you go about cooking the bacon? Follow these easy steps and you’ll be sure to get it right the first time.
Step 1: Clean your grill grate thoroughly before use with the wire brush. This process is to ensure the bacon has a clean, hygienic surface to cook on and does not stick to the grill.
Step 2: With the silicone brush, coat the grate with the oil of your choice.
Step 3: Make sure your grill is on a moderate heat of about 325 degrees F so that your bacon doesn’t burn.
Step 4: If you’re cooking on a gas grill, heat the burners on either side of the oiled grate you want to cook your bacon on. The middle area, which is directly below your bacon, should be turned off.
Step 5: Next, add your bacon to the grill. Make sure the temperature is turned down to a medium-low, so the bacon has time to cook thoroughly.
Step 6: Monitor your bacon to avoid it becoming burnt. Flip the bacon while cooking, using the spatula or cooking tongs, until it’s perfectly browned.
Step 7: Place the bacon on a plate covered with paper towels. This will soak up the excess grease that clings to the bacon.
Step 8: Serve as you see fit and enjoy!
What to Serve with Your Bacon
In case you are at a loss for what sides to serve with your bacon and need some inspiration, just know that there are a number of options. You may want to enjoy a savory meal or decide to sweeten things up!
If you’re in the mood for a savory breakfast, then we’d suggest serving your bacon with a side of eggs for that extra protein consumption. This is recommended for more active days. You can fry (please, don’t try this on the grill!), boil, poach, or scramble your eggs. All options lead to a delicious meal and depend on whichever tickles your fancy!
If a sweet meal is a path you’ve chosen, then an accompaniment of french toast, flapjacks, or pancakes will do perfectly. However, no breakfast delicacy would be complete without maple syrup. A generous drizzle should do the trick!
Cooking Time
The time it takes to cook your bacon will depend on its thickness and the heat of your grill. If you’re cooking your thick-sliced bacon on moderate heat (approximately 325 degrees F), it should take about 10-15 minutes (give or take).
You may find that after just two minutes of cooking you will need to turn your strips, but feel free to play around until you find your desired crispiness. Cooking bacon this way is an art form that takes practice and patience before you master the skill!
Why This Cooking Method May Appeal to You
If you’re the sort of person who is looking to make their life easier and more efficient, which preferably means not wasting time scrubbing countless pans, then this method is ideal for you. It’s quick and painless and doubles as an incentive to clean your grill. It’s no wonder cooking bacon this way is much preferred by those of us who have far less time in the morning at our disposal.
Additional benefits include better flavor and a smaller amount of grease. Cooking bacon on the grill results in a lovely smoky taste that is simply divine and is bacon’s quintessential calling card. Coupled with the delightful smell that permeates your kitchen this can easily become the best way to start the day!
By adding bacon onto the grill, the fat drops while cooking which relieves you from the messy clean up and disposal afterward. You also won’t have to worry about swallowing a mouthful of grease. Unless, of course, you’re into that, then we’d suggest an alternate method to cooking your bacon!
Conclusion
In short, cooking bacon on the grill is a possibility with the proper equipment and ingredients and following the correct instructions. This method is appealing for many reasons and is sure to be a fun, family favorite. Therefore, if you’d rather not accumulate a pile of dishes next to your sink, then this creative, convenient, and efficient method is the answer you’ve been searching for!