Cooking Bacon On The Grill

When you know how to cook bacon on the grill, you won't want to cook it any other way. Seriously!

Sizzling and smoky, crispy yet tender…bacon is the best reason to wake up in the morning. But even if you're a total boss at frying bacon or baking bacon indoors, all that oil and smoke makes it a bear to clean up after cooking. Remember that enticing aroma that drew your entire family into the kitchen at the same time? Of course you do, because it's still lingering, a subtle reminder it might be time to clean your dusty, greasy oven hood.

You can have your bacon—and a clean kitchen, too—with our easy, step-by-step instructions.

How to Make Bacon on the Grill

Bacon on the grill is everything you love about cooking bacon, minus your kitchen's bacon hangover. But how? Turns out, there are many ways to grill bacon, but one method stands out above all others: Use a cast-iron skillet.

Step 1: Heat things up.

Preheat your grill to 400°F. Place your cast iron skillet on the grates to preheat, too. (For any skillets that are old and rusty, do this first.)

Step 2: Place the strips down.

Lay the bacon out on the skillet, close the grill and let it cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness.

Step 3: Flip!

Open the grill and use tongs to turn the bacon over. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crispy. (Take a moment and be amazed at the color. It's quite gorgeous and unlike stove-top bacon.)

Step 4: Enjoy.

Use tongs to place bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. Enjoy!

Why Other Methods Paled in Comparison

We tried 'em all, and none came close, although as with pizza, there's really no such thing as "bad" bacon. (You can make pizza on the grill, too.) Even the worst is still awesome. But here's a rundown of what happened with the other methods we tried:

• Directly on the grill: First we laid out all the bacon and grilled the strips over direct heat. They were burnt to a crisp within two minutes! So next we tried indirect heat (we turned off the burners as soon as we laid out the bacon). After two minutes, they had lovely grill-marks but also some blackened spots. While this method works about as well as stove-top, it seems like an awful lot of work in a very short amount of time, with almost no room for error.
• Hanging on the second shelf: Can you say "massive flareup?" Yeah, don't bother trying this one.
• On a skewer: Threading bacon on a skewer like a ribbon (and cooking directly on the grill) seemed a lovely idea. But the bacon cooked unevenly, alternating burnt spots and undercooked spots wherever the "ribbon" bent. If you do want to try it at home, be sure to place your bacon in the freezer for a few minutes before threading to make it easier to work with.
• On a cooling rack: This was the second best method and certainly works if you don't have a cast-iron skillet. To use this method, simply lay the bacon on the cooling rack, and turn off the heat as soon as you close the grill lid. Your bacon will be crispy in about two minutes.
• On a baking sheet: This took about as long as the cast-iron method but produced chewier bacon. If you want to use a baking sheet, try placing a cooling rack on top of it for a crispier result.
• On parchment paper: Parchment paper is essentially a thin, disposable, non-stick surface. But it burns at temperatures over 400°F, and grilling bacon can quickly raise the temperature in your grill above that, which means you end up with burnt paper.

Now that you've grilled up that bacon, here are 62 ways you might want to enjoy it!

Crispy, Amazing Bacon Appetizers

Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini

Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized appetizers are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia

Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Poppers

There's no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the hot pepper intolerant will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida

Shrimp and Pineapple Party Pizza

This flavor-packed appetizer is a sweet, smoky, savory sensation! If you are traveling with this pizza, parbake the crust and assemble the pizza at home, then finish the baking on-site. When that's not possible, it is still delicious at room temperature! If you're not a seafood fan, substitute chicken for the shrimp. —Jamie Miller, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida

Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups

My children like these so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California

Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Shrimp

Blue cheese, bacon and basil pack big flavor into a couple of bites. To save time, you can assemble the skewers the night before and then serve them hot from the broiler on the day. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida

Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms

I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri

Smoky Bacon Wraps

These cute little sausage and bacon bites are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana

Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake

I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cut the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Bacon Water Chestnut Wraps

The holidays around the house just wouldn't be the same without these classic wraps. Through the years, Christmas Eve guests have proven it's impossible to eat just one. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland

Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins

Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? I top my restaurant-worthy loaded potato skins with cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Have them at lunch, snack time or cocktail hour. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon

Tomato Bacon Cups

These savory biscuits have a flavorful tomato and bacon filling. "I got the recipe at a friend's house one Thanksgiving," Paige English relates from Portland, Oregon. "I've made them at special gatherings ever since. They always disappear fast."

Loaded Baked Potato Dip

I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They're ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Pull-Apart Bacon Bread

I stumbled across this recipe while looking for something different to take to a brunch. Boy, am I glad I did! Everyone asked for the recipe and was surprised it called for only five ingredients. It's the perfect treat to bake for an informal get-together. —Traci Collins, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Stuffed Baby Red Potatoes

This recipe just says "party!" The ingredients are basic, but the finished appetizer looks like you worked a lot harder than you did. —Carol Bess White, Portland, Oregon

Blue Cheese Potato Chips

Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam

Among my friends, I'm known as the Pork Master because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York

Waffle Fry Nachos

My husband and two grown sons really enjoy these fun nachos—they can devour a platter of them in no time. They're also fun to make when friends come over. —Debra Morgan, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Bacon & Sun-Dried Tomato Phyllo Tarts

Frozen mini phyllo tart shells are so convenient and easy to use. Just add a savory filling featuring sun-dried tomatoes and bacon, then pop them in the oven.—Patricia Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska

Cranberry Bacon Galette

Sweet, smoky, tangy, fresh…the flavors in this distinctive appetizer are sure to perk up taste buds for dinner. I sprinkle the warm squares with basil and add a dollop or two of a mascarpone cheese topping. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes

Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs

I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that's sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Tomato-Bacon Dip with Focaccia

For a spread with BLT flavor, mix mayo and sour cream, then add bacon and tomato. We use it as a dip and zesty sandwich spread. —Marsha Postar, Lubbock, Texas

Turkey Sliders with Sweet Potato "Buns"

In this healthier take on sliders, I sandwich a burger between roasty slices of sweet potato. My wife took one bite and approved these tasty little guys. —Guy Martino, Charleston, South Carolina

Brat & Bacon Appetizer Pizza

Chopped bratwurst and maple bacon are a fabulous way to start a pizza. I jazz up this treat even more with apricot preserves and honey mustard. The snack-sized slices win over even the toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Chocolate-Covered Bacon

It's a hit at state fairs everywhere, but you can make this salty-sweet concoction at home. Some say bacon is perfect as is, but chocolate makes everything better! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte

A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Mini BLTs

Celery adds a nice crunch to these easy, delightful appetizers. They're always popular at parties and get-togethers. —Elizabeth Borgemenke, Mason, Ohio

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

These yummy deviled eggs went over so well at our summer cookouts, I started making them for holiday dinners, too. Everyone likes the flavorful addition of crumbled bacon. —Barbara Reid, Mounds, Oklahoma

Savory BLT Cheesecake

Did you know that cheesecake could be savory instead of sweet? Tomato and green onions mixed with cream cheese is like an irresistible form of gazpacho. Served on lettuce, the BLT version is great on its own, but it's also a tasty appetizer when served with crackers. This is a flexible recipe, so use other cheese in place of the Gruyere, and add olives, crab meat, cooked mushrooms—whatever strikes your fancy. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

I tweaked this bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe to please my family, and boy were they glad! For less heat, skip the jalapenos. —Debbie Cheek, State Road, North Carolina

Lemony Bacon-Artichoke Dip

Move over, spinach-artichoke dip—bacon adds much more flavor. You might want to double the recipe because there are never any leftovers. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia

Bacon and Fontina Stuffed Mushrooms

What's better than lots of bacon and cheese in a mushroom cap? Yum! They'll be a hit with your guests, too. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

BLT Waffle Sliders

Craving a BLT for breakfast? Try a deliciously different version that features crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes between two golden cornmeal waffles. Prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat in the toaster for quick assembly. —Stacy Joura, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.

Mushroom Bacon Bites

This is the perfect appetizer for most any occasion. The tasty bites are easy to assemble and brush with prepared barbecue sauce. When we have a big cookout, they're always a hit...but they make a nice little "extra" for a family dinner, too. —Gina Roesner, Ashland, Missouri

Bacon-Cheese Biscuit Bites

As a busy stay-at-home mom, I like great-tasting recipes that are easy and that the kids can help prepare. These savory snacks meet both of those requirements.—Margo Lewis, Lake City, Michigan

Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds

I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it's one of my husband's favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York

Bacon Cheese Spread

Each year, I share Christmas cheer by setting up a buffet at my family's hardware store. This cheese spread recipe is always a biggie! —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

BLT Muffins

If you like classic bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches, check out these muffins. They're perfect for pancake breakfasts and bring-a-dish dinners alike. You can serve softened cream cheese or butter alongside, but they're awesome on their own. —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota

Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins

Take two popular restaurant nibbles, put them together and you'll have an unforgettable appetizer for your next holiday get-together. —Bridget O'Connor, Round Lake Beach, Illinois

Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip

My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Bacon Crescent Rolls

The mouthwatering aroma of warm bacon from these three-ingredient rolls will draw folks to the table. These are fun for children to prepare and such a cinch to assemble with ready-cooked bacon. —Jane Nearing, Indianapolis, Indiana

Bourbon Ham Balls

Grandma Nette was the queen of ham ball recipes. I make them salty-sweet with a bourbon and vinegar kick. Serve them alone, in a sandwich or over pasta or rice. —Kimla Carsten, Grand Junction, Colorado

Louisiana Pecan Bacon Bread

One Christmas, the babysitter brought gifts for my daughter and a basket of goodies, including pecan bread. When I make this bread, I remember that kind soul. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California

BBQ Chicken Bites

Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California

Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball

When it's time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball—it's such an impressive appetizer. And if you're a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.—Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri

Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals

Here's a real crowd-pleaser for an appetizer table or brunch buffet. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It's so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan

Bacon Roll-Ups

This family recipe dates back to the 1930s, when my grandmother started making her clever breakfast roll-ups. —Janet Abate, North Brunswick, New Jersey

Gentleman's Whiskey Bacon Jam

You can slather this smoky bacon jam on pretty much anything. It lasts only a week in the fridge, so I freeze small amounts for a quick snack with crackers. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Peppered Bacon and Cheese Scones

Mmm! That's what you'll hear as you serve a platter of these buttery, savory scones. The bacon and cheese flavor combination is a welcomed change of pace to the usual sweet varieties often served at brunch. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

Cooking Bacon On The Grill

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-cook-bacon-on-the-grill/

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