How to Grill Bacon Like a Pro This Summer
Grilling Bacon: Pro Tips for Perfect Bacon on the Grill
Burgers and brats might get all the glory, but if you’re not throwing some bacon on the grill this summer, you’re missing out. Whether you’re planning a Fourth of July feast, hosting a backyard BBQ, or making breakfast at the campsite, grilling bacon adds incredible smoky flavor and crispy goodness to any summer menu.
To help you master the art of how to grill bacon, we turned to our in-house experts — Jones Corporate Chefs Kate Konen and Becky Cambridge — for their best tips. From classic charcoal grills to campfires and flat-top griddles, they’ve got advice to make your bacon on the grill the star of the show.
How to Cook Bacon Over a Campfire
Chef Becky is a big fan of grilling bacon over a campfire using a tripod and a nonstick grill mat or grill grid. “Nothing beats campfire bacon,” she says. These handy tools help prevent sticking and keep your bacon on the grill from slipping through the grates — plus, they make clean-up a breeze. It’s the perfect way to start a day of camping or wrap up an evening under the stars.
How to Cook Bacon on a Charcoal Grill
If you’re using a charcoal grill, Becky recommends the indirect heat method — one of the best techniques for how to grill bacon without flare-ups. Build your hot coal pile on one side of the grill and place the bacon on the opposite side. “This method reduces flare-ups and helps prevent overcooking,” she explains. Close the lid to create an oven-like atmosphere, and check after 10 minutes. Flip if needed, and continue until the grilled bacon is crispy and golden.
Keep It Low and Slow
No matter how you’re grilling bacon, both chefs agree: medium-low heat is your best friend. “It’s always better to err on the side of lower heat, especially with thick-cut bacon,” says Chef Kate. Cooking bacon on the grill too hot risks burning the lean before the fat has time to render, and you could lose all that delicious flavor to flare-ups.
Go Flat with a Griddle or Pan
For a super controlled cook, Chef Kate reaches for her Blackstone grill. “It’s my go-to for bacon,” she says. A cast iron skillet or grill pan also works great over a regular grill. No pan? Make one with heavy-duty foil folded into a shallow tray to catch the grease. This method is especially helpful if you’re just learning how to grill bacon. Just be sure to use silicone-coated tongs to avoid tearing the foil.
Don’t Crowd the Grill
Spacing out your bacon slices allows for better air circulation and even cooking. It also reduces the risk of uneven browning or soggy strips. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a couple of slices for your burger, give each piece a little room to breathe.
Bonus Tip: Traveling for the holiday weekend? Bring a nonstick grill mat with you — it’s a game-changer for grilling bacon on borrowed grills or unpredictable setups. Don’t have a grill mat? We also recommend trying disposable foil pans in a pinch!
From breakfast sandwiches to burger toppers to the ultimate summer BLT, grilled bacon makes every cookout better. With a few tools and some patience, you’ll be serving up crispy, smoky strips like a pro all summer long. Don’t forget to stock up on your favorite Jones Dairy Farm Dry Aged Bacon and put that bacon on the grill!
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