Crispy Grilled Bacon Recipe for Perfect Backyard BBQ

Enjoy a classic in a fresh way! Have you tried grilled bacon? If not, now’s the time.

Bacon is a common refrigerator staple and a favorite for many. If you eat meat, you have probably enjoyed bacon more than once. I consider myself a bacon enthusiast and have tested this grilling method many times. Bacon is incredibly versatile: crispy and crunchy in parts, salty and chewy in others. It can be sweetened with maple or made smoky with applewood. It enhances nearly any meal. Use it as the star of a BLT, pair it with eggs, chop it into salads or nachos, top burgers and chicken sandwiches, or simply serve it as a satisfying snack. It’s delicious and adaptable.

Most people cook bacon in a frying pan, letting it sizzle in its own fat. This recipe suggests a different approach: cooking bacon on the grill. For best results, choose thick-cut bacon so the strips hold their shape and don’t fall through the grates. Grilling can also reduce fat, since excess grease drips away, leaving crisp, flavorful bacon without the mess of frying.

Backyard Grilling With Bacon

Your grill is no longer limited to burgers and hot dogs. It’s trendy to grill everything from fruit and vegetables to steaks and seafood, and bacon fits right in. Host a backyard brunch and offer guests not only mimosas but also hot, crispy grilled bacon. The smoky aroma will draw neighbors outside and elevate your reputation as a creative griller. Grilled bacon is an easy way to impress at weekend gatherings while keeping breakfast prep simple and flavorful.

FAQs & Tips

Make-Ahead and Storage

Grilled bacon reheats and stores well. After cooling, wrap strips in paper towels and place them in a sealed sandwich bag or airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, they will keep for up to a week.

How to Grill Bacon Perfectly

Before grilling, oil the grates lightly with vegetable or canola oil to prevent sticking. Turn strips frequently to ensure even cooking and to achieve the level of char and crispiness you prefer. Use long-handled tongs for safe flipping.

Best Bacon for Grilling

Thick-cut, raw bacon is the ideal choice for grilling. The wider strips are less likely to burn quickly and are less likely to fall through the grates. Thick-cut bacon also stays meatier and delivers a satisfying chew and crisp when done.

Serving Suggestions

Grilling bacon reduces splatter and keeps stovetop cleanup to a minimum while producing a flavorful breakfast meat that can be slightly leaner than pan-fried bacon. Grilled bacon works well with morning plates, and it also elevates dinner dishes. Chop it and sprinkle over baked macaroni and cheese, add it to green chicken enchiladas, or use it to top salads, baked potatoes, and sandwiches. Enjoy the smoky, crispy results!