Mastering the Art: How Long to Cook Bacon on Gas Grill

By Avi Green June 01, 2024

Cooking bacon on a gas grill can elevate your BBQ game to a whole new level. Imagine the aroma of crispy bacon wafting through your backyard, mingling with the smoky goodness of a grill. However, mastering the art of cooking bacon on a gas grill requires a bit of knowledge and a few tips to get it just right. In this guide, well delve deep into the how long to cook bacon on gas grill, so your next grilling session becomes a smoky, savory success.

Why Grill Bacon?

While traditionally cooked in a skillet or oven, grilling bacon adds an extra layer of flavor. The open flame and grill grates offer a unique smoky taste that cant be replicated in a kitchen. Additionally, grilling bacon allows the fat to render and drip away, resulting in a crispier texture.

Preparing Your Grill

Before diving into the grilling process, make sure your gas grill is clean and ready. Preheat your grill to a medium heat, around 325F to 375F. This temperature range is ideal for cooking bacon evenly without burning it. If you're new to grilling, check out this comprehensive guide on using a gas grill.

Using a Grill Pan or Basket

Using a grill pan or basket is highly recommended when grilling bacon. This prevents the slices from falling through the grates and makes flipping much easier. Simply place the bacon strips on the pan or basket and keep it at the center of the grill for even cooking.

Direct vs. Indirect Heat

Both grilling methods work, but using indirect heat tends to produce more consistent results. If you opt for direct heat, keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from charring. For added insights, here's a helpful grilling tips article worth a read.

Timing Is Everything

The main question on everyone's mind is, 'how long to cook bacon on gas grill'? The cooking time largely depends on the thickness of the bacon slices. Thin slices may take only 5-7 minutes per side, while thicker, hearty cuts could require up to 10-12 minutes per side. Always keep a watchful eye and flip the slices frequently for the best results.

Monitoring the Cooking Process

Use tongs to flip the bacon every few minutes, ensuring an even cook. If the bacon is cooking too rapidly and starts to burn, reduce the grill temperature slightly. Remember, the goal is a crispy texture without losing the juicy goodness inside.

Resting the Bacon

Once the bacon achieves the desired level of crispiness, remove it from the grill and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Allow the bacon to rest for a couple of minutes to soak up any remaining grease. This also helps the bacon firm up, resulting in a perfect bite.

Creative Pairings and Uses

Grilled bacon is versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. From jazzing up your breakfast to adding a smoky twist to your burgers, the possibilities are endless. Here are some creative ways to use your perfectly grilled bacon:

As a topping for fresh salads.
Wrapped around grilled vegetables for added flavor.
Crumbled over mac and cheese.
In smoky BLT sandwiches.

For more grilling inspirations, you might find these articles interesting:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned grill masters can make mistakes when cooking bacon on a gas grill. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Overcrowding the Grill: Too many bacon slices will lower the grill temperature and cause uneven cooking.
High Heat: Cooking bacon on high heat can cause it to burn quickly. Always stick to medium heat settings for the best results.
Ignoring the Flare-ups: Bacon fat can cause flare-ups. Have a spray bottle of water handy to control minor flare-ups without reducing the temperature significantly.