How To Cook Bacon On Blackstone Griddle 

Making breakfast for the family or preparing a special brunch? Look no further than cooking bacon on a Blackstone grill to take your culinary game to the next level. With this versatile outdoor cooking appliance, you can achieve the perfect crispiness and flavor that we all love in bacon. In this article, I’ll be your guide as we delve into why the Blackstone griddle is an excellent choice for cooking bacon. Discover the benefits it offers, the essential equipment needed, and follow along with a step-by-step guide. Read more to master cooking bacon and make it the star of any meal.

 Understanding the Blackstone Griddle

The Blackstone griddle is a flat-top cooking surface that provides even heating—perfect for achieving crispy, evenly cooked bacon. Unlike traditional grills that have grates, a spider has a solid surface, similar to a frying pan, but larger and more versatile. This makes Blackstone griddles ideal for cooking various foods, including bacon.

Blackstone griddles come in different sizes and configurations, from tabletop models to large, freestanding ones with multiple burners. Regardless of the model, they all offer the advantage of a flat, even cooking surface. Because of this, they distribute heat more evenly than traditional grills, making them perfect for cooking foods like bacon that require consistent heat for optimal results.

The Blackstone griddle’s flat surface also means that the bacon stays in its grease while it cooks, resulting in a flavor-packed, crispy end product. So, if you’ve been wondering how to cook bacon on a Blackstone grill, you’re in for a treat.

 Benefits of Cooking Bacon on a Blackstone Griddle

From uniform heating to easy cleanup, there are several advantages to cooking bacon on a Blackstone griddle. One of the most significant benefits is the uniform heating provided by the griddle surface. Because the heat is evenly distributed across the griddle, every slice of bacon cooks at the same rate, ensuring consistent results.

Another benefit is the capacity. With the expansive cooking surface of a Blackstone griddle, you can cook a large amount of bacon at once, making it ideal for large families or gatherings. You can lay the bacon strips without overlapping, ensuring each piece is cooked correctly.

Lastly, cooking bacon on a grill makes for easy cleanup. The grease from the bacon collects on the griddle surface instead of dripping down into a grill or spattering all over a stovetop. This accumulated grease can be easily scraped into the grill’s built-in management system, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze.

 Equipment Needed

Before getting started, ensure you have all the necessary equipment. The most crucial piece of equipment is the Blackstone griddle. But you’ll also need a few additional items to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Firstly, you’ll need a good pair of long tongs for flipping the bacon. Make sure they’re heat-resistant and have a good grip. Secondly, you’ll need a griddle scraper for managing the grease and cleaning the grill after use. A metal spatula is also helpful for moving and flipping the bacon.

Additionally, it’s essential to have a plate lined with paper towels ready to drain the cooked bacon. Finally, and most importantly, remember to have safety equipment like oven mitts or grilling gloves and an appropriate fire extinguisher nearby. Safety should always be the priority when cooking with high-heat equipment.

 Choosing the Right Bacon

The type of bacon you choose can significantly influence the outcome of your dish. Bacon comes in different cuts and thicknesses, affecting the texture and cooking time. To understand which type of bacon will give you the best results on a grill, let’s delve into the different types available:

1. Regular or Thin-Cut Bacon: This is the most common type of bacon in grocery stores. It’s cut thin, usually about 1/16 of an inch thick. Regular-cut bacon gets crispy quickly, which can be a desirable characteristic for many. However, it can also overcook easily, particularly on a hot grill. If you’re using this type of bacon, keep a close watch to prevent burning.
2. Thick-Cut Bacon: Also known as butcher’s cut, thick-cut bacon is generally about 1/8 inch thick. It’s more substantial and meatier than regular-cut bacon. Because of its thickness, it retains its shape better on the grill and offers a friendly, meaty chew. This makes it a preferred choice for many when cooking on a grill.
3. Slab Bacon: This type comes in a single piece that you can cut to your desired thickness. It’s a versatile choice that allows you to control the thickness of your bacon slices. If you prefer meatier, chewier bacon, you can cut thick slices; for crispier bacon, go thinner.
4. Center Cut Bacon: This bacon type has the fatty ‘ends’ cut off, leaving only the ‘center’ meat part. It’s usually leaner than other types of bacon and can be a good choice if you prefer less fatty bacon. However, remember that fat contributes significantly to the flavor of bacon, so a leaner cut may be less flavorful.
5. Turkey Bacon: Made from chopped, formed, smoked, and cured turkey, it’s often a lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon. While it can be cooked on a grill, it won’t render fat like pork bacon, and the texture and flavor will be different.

In griddle cooking, thick-cut bacon is usually the most desirable option. It delivers a satisfying balance of crispy edges and chewy, meaty texture. It also holds up well to the griddle’s heat, reducing the risk of overcooking.

However, the “best” bacon is often a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the crispiness of thin-cut bacon, while others might opt for leaner center-cut bacon. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types to find the one that suits your taste buds best.

 Preparing the Griddle

Properly preparing your Blackstone griddle is a crucial step in the bacon-cooking process. Before you start, ensure the griddle is clean and free of residual food particles. Turn on the griddle and let it heat up for a few minutes. Most cooks suggest a medium-high heat setting for cooking bacon, but you may need to adjust this depending on your specific grill and the thickness of your bacon.

While the grill is heating up, you can start arranging your bacon. Lay the slices out on the griddle, ensuring they don’t overlap. If you’re cooking a lot of bacon, you might have to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

 Cooking the Bacon

Once your grill is prepared, it’s time to start cooking the bacon. 

1. Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the bacon cooks evenly and becomes nicely crisp. Preheating should take about 10-15 minutes.
2. Lay Out the Bacon: Take your chosen bacon and lay it out flat on the grill. Ensure a little space between each slice prevents them from sticking together. This will also allow the heat to circulate evenly around each piece.
3. Cook the First Side: The bacon is undisturbed for 5-7 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. Thick-cut bacon may need more time, while thin-cut bacon will cook faster.
4. Flip the Bacon: After one side is cooked to your liking, use a spatula or tongs to flip each slice. Be careful, as the bacon can splatter hot grease. Cook the second side for another 5-7 minutes or until it’s as crispy as you like.
5. Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked to your preferred level of crispiness, remove it from the grill using a spatula or tongs. Let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
6. Manage the Grease: During cooking, you can push excess grease into the grill’s grease trap using a griddle scraper. Always handle this with care to avoid burns.
7. Serve the Bacon: After draining, the bacon is ready to serve. It’s best suited hot but can be used later in sandwiches, salads, or other recipes.
8. Clean the Griddle: Clean it thoroughly to ensure longevity after cooking, and the grill has cooled. Scrape any leftover bits with a griddle scraper, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth. You can use a little water and mild dish soap for a deep clean, followed by a thorough rinse and dry.

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 Safety Tips

While cooking bacon on a grill is relatively simple, following specific safety guidelines is essential. First and foremost, never leave your griddle unattended while it’s on. Bacon fat can ignite if it gets too hot, resulting in a grease fire.

Always use long-handled, heat-resistant tools for handling your bacon. This will help protect your hands from the hot skillet and splattering grease. Also, ensure a fire extinguisher is nearby whenever you cook with high heat appliances like a grill.

Lastly, when you’re finished cooking, let the grill cool completely before cleaning it. Trying to clean a hot grill can cause severe burns. Moreover, pouring cold water on a hot griddle can cause it to warp or crack.

 Serving Suggestions

Now that your bacon is perfectly cooked let’s explore some delicious ways to serve it. For a traditional breakfast, serve your griddle-cooked bacon with eggs cooked to your preference, toast, and a fresh fruit salad. Or, take it up a notch by using the bacon in a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, cheese, and some fresh lettuce and tomato.

If you’re serving the bacon as part of a brunch spread, pair it with some pancakes or French toast. The sweet and savory combination is a classic that never fails. And, of course, bacon is also great in salads, sandwiches, and burgers.

For a creative twist, consider using your perfectly cooked bacon in a bacon-wrapped appetizer, like bacon-wrapped dates or bacon-wrapped scallops. The possibilities are endless when you start with perfectly cooked bacon.

 Conclusion

Cooking bacon on a Blackstone grill is easy and results in delicious, evenly cooked bacon every time. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure perfect results, whether cooking for a family breakfast or a large gathering.

Remember, the key to great bacon combines the right equipment, good quality bacon, and careful heat management. So, remember these tips and tricks next time you’re wondering how to cook bacon on a Blackstone griddle. 

FAQs

1. Q: Do I need to oil the grill before cooking bacon?

    – A: No, bacon has a high-fat content that will render as it cooks, providing enough grease to prevent sticking.

2. Q: How hot should the grill be when cooking bacon?

    – A: Heat the grill to medium-high heat before adding the bacon. This will help the bacon cook evenly without burning.

3. Q: How long does cooking bacon on a Blackstone Griddle take?

    – A: This can depend on the bacon’s thickness and the grill’s heat, but generally, it should take about 5-7 minutes per side.

4. Q: Can I cook other foods alongside the bacon on the grill?

    – A: One of the benefits of a grill is that you can cook multiple types of food at once. Just be aware of different cooking times.

5. Q: How do I clean the grill after cooking bacon?

    – A: Once the grill has cooled, scrape off any leftover bits with a griddle scraper, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth. 

6. Q: How do I manage the grease while cooking bacon on the grill?

    – A: Most Blackstone griddles have a built-in grease management system. You can use a griddle scraper to push the rendered bacon fat into the grease trap.

7. Q: What type of bacon works best on the Blackstone griddle?

    – A: Both thick-cut and regular-cut bacon work well on a grill. Thick-cut bacon will give a meatier texture, while regular-cut will be crispier.

8. Q: Is cooking bacon on a Blackstone griddle safe?

    – A: Yes, as long as you follow safety guidelines such as never leaving the grill unattended while it’s on, using heat-resistant tools, and having a fire extinguisher nearby.

9. Q: Can I use a Blackstone griddle indoors?

    – A: Blackstone griddles are designed for outdoor use due to their high heat and the need for proper ventilation. Always use them in a well-ventilated outdoor area. 

10. Q: Why does my bacon curl on the grill?

    – A: Bacon curls because the meat and fat shrink at different rates. To prevent curling, you can use a bacon press or make minor cuts on the edges of the bacon before cooking.