Can you grill bacon?

Can you grill bacon
(Image credit: Getty Images)

You might be used to frying bacon indoors for a weekend breakfast treat, but can you grill bacon? Grilled bacon is a great treat, as cooking it on a gas grill gives it an unbeatable smoky flavor. Indulge your guests with a side of grilled bacon at your next barbecue, though, be warned, it may become the star of the show.  

If you’ve never used a gas grill before, you may be unsure how to grill bacon. Help is at hand as we ask the experts for top tips for grilling bacon. We delve into how to get your bacon just right. 

Planning to feed a crowd this summer? Why not check out our guides to the best gas grills and the best infrared grills? With models that make barbecuing a breeze, you’ll be the envy of your neighbors. 

Can you grill bacon?

What the expert says…

“Bacon supplies a salty and sweet kick to any dish with some added crunch,” says Barbara Bolotte, Health Food Entrepreneur and Founder of Clean Creations.

So, can you grill bacon? While you may be more familiar with frying bacon, the grilled alternative is a great way to impart a smoky flavor. Whatever way you choose to cook bacon, it makes for a special treat. “Bacon is a delicious addition to any meal when placed on the grill — but should be consumed in moderation,” says Barbara Bolotte. Bacon is a superb choice for the ultimate in indulgence, but grilling bacon is actually a healthier alternative to frying, as the fat drains off. 

Ready to fire up the grill? If you’re using a gas grill, we recommend putting bacon in a roasting tray and putting that under the grill. If you put the rashers of bacon directly onto the grill, the fat can drip onto the burners and cause flare-ups. Instead, put the bacon in a roasting tin, close the grill lid and cook on low. 

When it comes to cooking bacon, the secret is to get the balance between achieving a crispy edge and a succulent center. “When cooking bacon, you should be careful not to over-or undercook it. You want your bacon to be cooked thoroughly but still retain the juicy fats that supply its signature flavor,” recommends Barbara. 

Best of all, grilling bacon takes the hassle out of cleaning up. All you have to do is wash up the roasting pan and the grate — and you’re done. Plus, you won’t have the lingering smell of bacon in your house. 

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Louise Bond

Louise Bond is a UK-based writer and the founder of The Cove Copy. She has been published in The Guardian, Breathe, Fit & Well, Top Ten Reviews, and more. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her out in nature, whether hiking in the woods or pottering in the garden. 

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