Bacon is a breakfast staple that everyone loves. But have you ever tried cooking it on a Blackstone griddle?
If not, you’re missing out on a delicious and easy way to cook bacon. With a Blackstone griddle, you can cook bacon to perfection with just a few simple steps.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook bacon on a Blackstone griddle, including tips and tricks to get the perfect crispy bacon every time.
So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Bacon On A Blackstone Griddle?
Step 1: Preheat your Blackstone Griddle
Before you start cooking, preheat your Blackstone griddle to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bacon
Take your bacon out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. Like most meats, bacon cooks best when it starts at room temperature.
Step 3: Place Bacon on the Griddle
Once your griddle is heated, place the bacon directly on the cooking surface, leaving some space between them so they aren’t touching each other. You don’t even need to use oil or cooking spray as the bacon itself will release enough oil and grease on its own.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
Depending on your bacon’s brand and thickness, it should take about five to seven minutes to cook on each side. Obviously, the thicker the bacon is the longer it will take to cook. You can speed up the cooking process a bit by using a grill press. Place it directly on the bacon and let it sit there. It will press the bacon down and reduce curling, plus it will help cook both sides at the same time.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Use a spatula to flip the bacon strips and continue cooking on the other side. You can’t really use an instant thermometer on bacon because it’s so thin, so you’ll have to rely on your eyes to know when it’s done to your liking. I like my bacon crispy, but some people prefer it more chewy. There’s no right or wrong, whatever you like works.
Step 6: Remove and Serve
When the bacon has finished cooking use the tongs to remove it from the griddle and place on a plate or cookie sheet lined with paper towels or a wire rack. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess grease.
Preparing The Blackstone Griddle
To ensure that your Blackstone griddle is ready for cooking bacon, it’s important to properly prepare it beforehand. Start by cleaning the griddle with mild soap and warm water, using lint-free paper towels to dry it off. Then, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface of the griddle. This will protect it from rust and ensure that your bacon doesn’t stick to the surface.
To season your Blackstone griddle for the first time, pour about two to three tablespoons of oil directly onto the entire surface of your grill. Use a paper towel or microfiber towel to rub a thin layer of oil onto every inch of the griddle, and then make sure it’s completely clear before turning on all of the burners. Once they’re on, wait for the griddle to change color, which will take between 10 and 15 minutes, and the surface will smoke. This means that the oil is bonding to the metal top of the griddle, creating the much-needed protective layer that’ll ensure that your food gets an even distribution of heat too.
Repeat this process two more times, adding a new oil layer and waiting for the surface to smoke before turning off the griddle and letting it cool. This will ensure that your Blackstone griddle is properly seasoned and ready to cook bacon to perfection.
Choosing The Right Bacon
When it comes to choosing the right bacon for your Blackstone griddle, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the thickness of the bacon. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than thin-cut bacon, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Next, pay attention to the sodium content of the bacon. Some brands contain a high amount of sodium, which can be unhealthy if consumed in excess. Look for brands with lower sodium content or consider purchasing uncured bacon, which often has less sodium than cured bacon.
You may also want to consider the type of bacon you are purchasing. Organic and natural bacon may be free from antibiotics and hormones, while nitrate-free bacon may be a healthier option for some individuals.
Finally, consider the flavor and texture of the bacon. Some brands may have a smokier flavor or a higher fat content, which can affect the overall taste of your dish. Experiment with different brands and varieties to find the one that best suits your taste preferences.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the right bacon for your Blackstone griddle and create delicious, crispy strips every time.
Preparing The Bacon For Cooking
Preparing your bacon properly is crucial for ensuring that it cooks evenly and has the desired texture. Here are some tips to help you prepare your bacon for cooking on a Blackstone griddle:
1. Choose the Right Bacon: There are different types of bacon available in the market, including smoked and unsmoked, streaky and back bacon. Choose the type of bacon that you prefer and make sure it is fresh.
2. Room Temperature: Take your bacon out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. This will ensure that it starts cooking evenly and doesn’t become tough.
3. Trim the Fat: If you prefer leaner bacon, you can trim off some of the excess fat from the edges.
4. Cut Into Strips: You can cut your bacon into strips before cooking or leave it as a whole slice. Cutting it into strips will make it easier to handle on the griddle.
5. Use a Grill Press: A grill press can help reduce curling and cook both sides of the bacon evenly. Place it directly on top of the bacon while it cooks.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare your bacon perfectly for cooking on a Blackstone griddle.
Cooking The Bacon On The Blackstone Griddle
The Blackstone griddle is a popular option for cooking bacon due to its large cooking surface and even heat distribution. Here are the steps to cook bacon on a Blackstone griddle:
Step 1: Preheat your Blackstone Griddle
Before you start cooking, preheat your Blackstone griddle to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bacon
Take your bacon out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. Like most meats, bacon cooks best when it starts at room temperature.
Step 3: Place Bacon on the Griddle
Once your griddle is heated, place the bacon directly on the cooking surface, leaving some space between them so they aren’t touching each other. You don’t even need to use oil or cooking spray as the bacon itself will release enough oil and grease on its own.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
Depending on your bacon’s brand and thickness, it should take about five to seven minutes to cook on each side. Obviously, the thicker the bacon is the longer it will take to cook. You can speed up the cooking process a bit by using a grill press. Place it directly on the bacon and let it sit there. It will press the bacon down and reduce curling, plus it will help cook both sides at the same time.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Use a spatula to flip the bacon strips and continue cooking on the other side. You can’t really use an instant thermometer on bacon because it’s so thin, so you’ll have to rely on your eyes to know when it’s done to your liking. I like my bacon crispy, but some people prefer it more chewy. There’s no right or wrong, whatever you like works.
Step 6: Remove and Serve
When the bacon has finished cooking use the tongs to remove it from the griddle and place on a plate or cookie sheet lined with paper towels or a wire rack. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess grease.
Flipping And Finishing The Bacon
Flipping bacon can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be flipping like a pro in no time. The key to flipping bacon is timing. You want to flip the bacon as soon as it starts to curl up on the edges. If you wait too long, the bacon will become too crispy and may even burn.
When you’re ready to flip the bacon, use a spatula to gently lift the edges of the bacon and flip it over. Be careful not to tear the bacon or let it fall apart. Once you’ve flipped it over, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
When your bacon is finished cooking, remove it from the griddle with tongs and place it on a plate or cookie sheet lined with paper towels or a wire rack. This will help absorb excess grease and keep your bacon crispy.
If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can finish it off in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, place the cooked bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Removing And Draining The Bacon
After the bacon has finished cooking, it’s important to remove and drain it properly to ensure that it’s not greasy or soggy. Using tongs, carefully remove the bacon from the griddle and place it on a plate or cookie sheet lined with paper towels or a wire rack.
Pat the bacon dry with paper towels to remove any excess grease. If you’re concerned about the salt content of your bacon, you can try blanching it before cooking. This involves giving the bacon a couple of hot water baths to remove excess salt while preserving its taste.
First, put the bacon in a heat-proof bowl and pour some freshly boiled water over it until it is well-covered. Let it soak for two minutes, then drain off the water. Repeat this process again, leaving the bacon in the water for a minute. Rinse and drain the bacon, then pat it dry before cooking on the griddle.
By removing and draining your bacon properly, you’ll be left with delicious crispy strips that aren’t greasy or salty.
