If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook bacon, look no further than grilling it with foil. Grilling bacon not only adds a smoky and charred flavor to the bacon, but it also keeps your kitchen clean and reduces the amount of grease splatter. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked bacon that is crispy and full of flavor.
To start, preheat your grill to medium heat. While the grill is heating up, line a sheet of aluminum foil on top of a grilling tray or a large piece of heavy-duty foil. This will prevent the bacon from sticking to the grill grates and make cleanup a breeze. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle some brown sugar or your favorite seasonings onto the foil.
Next, place the bacon strips on top of the foil, making sure they are evenly spaced. If you prefer crispy bacon, you can place a wire cooling rack on top of the foil and arrange the bacon on the rack. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and for the grease to drip away. However, if you don’t have a rack, you can place the bacon directly on the foil.
Once the grill is heated and ready, carefully place the grilling tray or foil with the bacon onto the grill grates. Close the grill lid and let the bacon cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Make sure to keep an eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning or getting too crispy.
Finally, use tongs or a spatula to transfer the cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. Blot any excess grease with another paper towel before serving. Now you can enjoy your delicious grilled bacon with your favorite breakfast foods, as a topping for burgers or salads, or simply as a crispy snack. So fire up your grill and give grilling bacon with foil a try!
Preparing the grill and foil
Before you begin cooking bacon on the grill, it’s important to properly prepare the grill and the foil. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
1. Clean the grill: Start by thoroughly cleaning the grill grates with a grill brush. This will remove any stuck-on residue from previous cooking sessions and create a clean surface for the bacon.
2. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
3. Prepare the foil: Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil that is large enough to cover the grill grates. Make sure to use heavy-duty foil to prevent any tearing or ripping during cooking.
4. Shape the foil: Carefully shape the foil to mimic the shape of the grill grates. This is important because it will help to catch any bacon grease that drips down, preventing flare-ups and keeping your grill clean.
5. Grease the foil: Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil. This will help prevent the bacon from sticking to the foil as it cooks.
6. Place the foil on the grill: Once the grill is preheated and the foil is prepared, carefully place the foil on the grill grates. Make sure it is secure and covers the entire cooking area.
By properly preparing the grill and foil, you can ensure that your bacon cooks evenly and without any sticking or flare-ups. This will result in delicious, crispy bacon that your whole family will love.
Choosing the right kind of bacon
When it comes to cooking bacon on the grill, the type of bacon you choose can make a big difference in both taste and texture. Here are a few different types of bacon that work well for grilling:
Traditional bacon strips
The most common type of bacon is the traditional bacon strips. These strips are usually cut from the belly of the pig and have a good balance of fat and meat. Traditional bacon strips are a popular choice for grilling because they cook evenly and have a delicious smoky flavor.
Thick-cut bacon
If you prefer a bacon with a meatier texture, thick-cut bacon is a great option. This type of bacon is cut thicker than traditional bacon strips, which gives it a heartier bite. Thick-cut bacon is also great for grilling because it holds up well and doesn’t become too crispy.
Flavored bacon
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your grilled bacon, consider trying flavored bacon. Flavored bacon comes in a variety of options, such as maple, hickory, or peppered. These flavors can add a delicious twist to your grilled bacon and elevate the overall taste.
When choosing bacon for grilling, make sure to look for bacon that is fresh and of high quality. Avoid bacon that has a slimy texture or a strong smell. Fresh and good quality bacon will grill up beautifully and provide the best results.
Seasoning the bacon
Before grilling the bacon, it’s important to season it to enhance its flavor. Here are a few seasoning options you can try:
1. Salt and pepper: The classic combination of salt and pepper can add a perfect balance of flavors to the bacon. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of each bacon strip.
2. Garlic powder: If you’re a fan of garlic, add some garlic powder to the bacon for an extra kick of flavor. Sprinkle a light coating of garlic powder on both sides of the bacon.
3. Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can give the bacon a lovely smoky and slightly spicy taste. Lightly dust both sides of the bacon with smoked paprika.
4. Brown sugar glaze: For a sweet and savory combination, you can create a brown sugar glaze by mixing brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush this glaze on one side of the bacon before grilling.
Whichever seasoning option you choose, make sure to let the bacon sit for a few minutes after seasoning to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will result in a delicious and flavorful bacon when cooked on the grill.
Note: These seasoning options are just suggestions, feel free to experiment with your own favorite spices and flavors to create a unique bacon seasoning.
Wrapping the bacon in foil
To cook bacon on the grill, you can wrap it in foil to prevent it from falling through the grates and to make the cooking process easier. Here’s how you can wrap the bacon in foil:
- Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil that is large enough to wrap around the bacon slices.
- Place the bacon slices in a single layer on the foil, leaving a small space between each slice.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the bacon slices to create a sealed packet. Make sure the packet is tightly sealed to prevent any grease from leaking out.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Place the foil-wrapped bacon packet directly on the grill grates.
- Cook the bacon for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the packet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the foil packet from the grill and carefully open it to release the steam.
- Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- Let the bacon cool for a few minutes before serving.
Wrapping the bacon in foil not only helps to keep it from sticking to the grill grates, but it also allows the bacon to cook evenly and retain its moisture. Enjoy your perfectly grilled bacon!
Grilling the bacon
Once the grill is preheated, carefully place the foil-wrapped bacon strips onto the hot grill grates. Make sure to space them out evenly to allow for even cooking.
Cook the bacon for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Using tongs, carefully flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides cook evenly.
Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the grill and place it onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Let the bacon cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious grilled bacon!
Serving and enjoying the delicious bacon
Once your bacon is cooked to crispy perfection on the grill with foil, it’s time to serve and enjoy this mouthwatering treat. Here are a few tips to make the most of your bacon:
1. Plating the bacon
Transfer the cooked bacon from the foil to a serving plate or platter. Arrange the bacon slices neatly, ensuring they are easily accessible and visually appealing.
2. Pairing with other food
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve it alongside scrambled eggs, on a BLT sandwich, or crumbled over a salad for an extra crunch. It also makes a delicious addition to burgers, wraps, and even pasta dishes.
Remember to consider the flavours and textures of the other ingredients when pairing them with bacon. The smoky and slightly salty taste of bacon can complement and enhance a wide range of dishes.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, lunch or dinner, bacon is always a crowd-pleaser that adds a satisfying and indulgent touch to any meal.
Q&A
Can you cook bacon on the grill with foil?
Yes, you can cook bacon on the grill with foil. Using foil on the grill helps to prevent flare-ups and makes clean-up easier.
What is the best way to cook bacon on the grill?
The best way to cook bacon on the grill is to line the grilling surface with aluminium foil, then place the bacon strips on top of the foil. Grill the bacon over medium heat until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
How do you keep bacon from sticking to the grill?
You can prevent bacon from sticking to the grill by using aluminium foil. By lining the grill with foil, you create a non-stick surface for the bacon to cook on.
What are the advantages of cooking bacon on the grill with foil?
Cooking bacon on the grill with foil has several advantages. It helps to prevent flare-ups, as the foil acts as a barrier between the bacon and the flames. Additionally, it makes clean-up easier, as you can simply remove the foil once you are done cooking.