Can You BBQ Bacon? Easy Recipe & Step-by-Step Guide

Can you BBQ bacon? Yes, you absolutely can — and it’s a game changer for smoky, crispy results that beat the stovetop any day. Grilling bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor that you just can’t get indoors, plus it keeps your kitchen grease-free and your space cool.

Close-up of crispy bacon strips cooking on an outdoor grill in a backyard.

Cooking bacon on the BBQ isn’t just about tossing strips on hot grates. It takes a little finesse to avoid flare-ups from dripping fat, and getting the timing right for maximum crunch without burning. But once you nail it, it’s like bacon and outdoor cooking had a delicious baby.

For those who love multitasking, grilling bacon alongside burgers or veggies means fewer trips inside and more time enjoying the sunshine. So grab your tongs and fire up that grill — the bacon adventure is about to begin! 🥓🍔🔥

Ingredients List & Step-By-Step Instructions For Can You BBQ Bacon?

Grilling bacon takes a little prep but rewards you with crispy, smoky bites that beat pan-frying any day. The right bacon, grill setup, and timing make all the difference in getting bacon perfectly done—crispy edges, smoky flavor, no burnt bits.

Prepare The Bacon And Grill

Start with 1 pound of thick-cut bacon—thin strips tend to curl and fall through the grates. Thick-cut holds together well and crisps up just right.

Set your gas grill or charcoal grill to medium heat (around 350°F). A clean grill grate is key to avoid sticking. For easier handling, use a grill basket or place bacon perpendicular to the grates.

Pat the bacon dry with paper towels. Optionally, brush both sides with 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweet, smoky glaze. This step adds flavor and helps caramelize the edges nicely without burning.

Don’t forget: keep a spray bottle nearby to tame flare-ups from the bacon fat. Bacon loves to throw a grease party, but you want to keep control.

BBQ The Bacon

Place the bacon strips flat on the grill or in the grill basket. Let them cook over even heat, flipping every 2-3 minutes to cook evenly without burning.

Aim for about 8-10 minutes total grilling time. You’re looking for crisp edges and a juicy interior—watch closely! Flames can shoot up quickly because of dripping fat, so move bacon away from hot spots if you spot flare-ups.

If you like your bacon with that classic smoky flavor, keep the lid closed as much as possible to trap smoke and heat. Remember, cooking bacon on a gas grill works well, but temperature control is king here.

Serve And Enjoy

Once grilled, remove bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes; this lets the bacon firm up and juices redistribute.

Serve your grilled bacon as is, or pile it on a sandwich, burger, or salad 🍔🥗. The slight smokiness and caramelized glaze make it a game-changer for breakfast or any BBQ spread.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—though, honestly, bacon rarely lasts long!

Ingredient Quantity
Thick-cut bacon 1 pound
Barbecue sauce (optional) 2 tablespoons
Chef Melanie

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