How Do You Cook Bacon on the Big Green Egg

By Jess V November 20, 2023 Accessories 0 Comments

Do you want to know how to cook bacon on the Big Green Egg? Look no further! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step by step.

First, you’ll learn how to prepare the Big Green Egg for cooking.

Then, we’ll help you choose the right bacon for the best flavor.

Finally, we’ll show you how to set up the grill for indirect heat and cook the bacon to perfection.

Get ready to enjoy mouthwatering, crispy bacon like never before!

Table of Contents

Preparing the Big Green Egg

First, you’ll want to make sure you have the Big Green Egg set up and ready to go. To start, make sure the grill grate is clean. This is important because any leftover residue from previous cookings can affect the taste and quality of your bacon. Use a grill brush or scraper to remove any stuck-on food particles from the grill surface.

Next, you’ll need to preheat the Big Green Egg. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cooking temperature. Open the vents on the bottom and top of the grill to allow for maximum airflow. Light the charcoal and let it burn for about 10-15 minutes until it turns gray. Once the charcoal is ready, close the lid and adjust the vents to maintain a temperature of around 350-400°F.

While the Big Green Egg is preheating, you can start preparing your bacon. Lay the bacon strips flat on a cutting board or plate. You can either leave them as is or cut them into smaller pieces if desired.

Choosing the Right Bacon

When selecting your bacon, make sure to choose a high-quality cut that is not too fatty. The quality of the bacon will greatly affect the taste and texture of the final dish. Look for bacon that has a good balance of lean meat and fat, as this will result in a more flavorful and tender bacon. Avoid bacon that is overly fatty, as it can become greasy and difficult to cook properly.

To help you make an informed decision when choosing your bacon, here is a table showcasing some popular bacon options:

Brand	Cut	Thickness	Smokiness
Brand A	Thick	Medium	High
Brand B	Thin	Thin	Medium
Brand C	Thick	Thick	Low
Brand D	Thin	Medium	Medium

Once you have chosen the right bacon, it’s time to consider the cooking techniques. Some popular methods include pan-frying, baking, and grilling. Each method will yield slightly different results, so choose the one that suits your preferences. Pan-frying is quick and convenient, while baking allows for a more hands-off approach. Grilling bacon on the Big Green Egg can add a delicious smoky flavor to the meat. Experiment with different techniques to find your favorite way of cooking bacon.

Setting up the Grill for Indirect Heat

To properly set up the grill for indirect heat, start by arranging the charcoal on one side of the grill. This is a crucial step in mastering grilling techniques and smoking meats. Indirect heat is the preferred method when cooking larger cuts of meat or dishes that require longer cooking times. By creating two heat zones on your grill, you can control the temperature and ensure even cooking.

Begin by lighting your charcoal using a chimney starter or an electric starter. Once the coals are hot and covered in ash, carefully pour them onto one side of the grill. Spread them out in a single layer, leaving the other side of the grill empty. This empty side will serve as the indirect heat zone.

Now it’s time to place your food on the grill. For smoking meats, use a drip pan filled with water or beer to create moist, flavorful smoke. This will add moisture to the air and prevent your meat from drying out. Make sure to place the meat on the side of the grill opposite the charcoal. Close the lid and adjust the vents to maintain a consistent temperature.

With the grill set up for indirect heat, you can now master the art of smoking meats and achieve delicious, tender results. Happy grilling!

Arranging the Bacon on the Grill

Now it’s time to arrange the bacon on the grill and let it sizzle to crispy perfection. When arranging the bacon slices on the grill, it’s important to consider the different cuts of bacon available. You have options like thick-cut bacon, which offers a meatier bite and takes longer to cook, or regular-cut bacon, which cooks faster and has a balanced ratio of meat to fat.

To arrange the bacon slices, start by preheating the grill to medium heat. Place the bacon directly on the grill grates, making sure to leave space between each slice. This allows the heat to circulate evenly and ensures that the bacon cooks uniformly. If you prefer crispy bacon, you can also use a bacon press to flatten the slices and prevent them from curling up.

As the bacon cooks, you might notice some fat dripping onto the grill. This is normal and adds flavor to the bacon. However, if the flames flare up, you can move the bacon to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.

Keep a close eye on the bacon as it cooks, flipping it occasionally to achieve even browning. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. Once the bacon reaches your preferred level of doneness, carefully remove it from the grill using tongs or a spatula, and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Now that you know how to arrange bacon slices on the grill, you’re ready to enjoy that irresistible sizzle and indulge in crispy, delicious bacon.

Monitoring the Cooking Process

Keep an eye on the bacon as it’s cooking, flipping it occasionally for even browning. Monitoring the cooking process is crucial to achieving perfectly cooked bacon on your Big Green Egg.

One important aspect to consider is the temperature. You want to maintain a consistent heat to ensure the bacon cooks evenly. The ideal temperature range for cooking bacon is between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

To monitor the temperature, you can use a grill thermometer or the built-in temperature gauge on your Big Green Egg. Place the thermometer near the bacon, ensuring it doesn’t touch the meat directly. This will give you an accurate reading of the cooking temperature.

Checking the doneness of the bacon is equally important. You want it to be crispy and golden brown. To do this, keep an eye on the color and texture of the bacon as it cooks. Look for a uniform golden brown color and a crispy texture. You can also use tongs to gently lift a piece of bacon and check if it easily breaks apart.

By monitoring the temperature and checking the doneness, you can ensure that your bacon is cooked to perfection on your Big Green Egg.

Enjoy the delicious results!

Flipping the Bacon for Even Cooking

Flipping the bacon occasionally ensures that it cooks evenly and achieves a crispy and golden brown texture. Here are some tips to master the flipping technique and prevent your bacon from sticking:

Use a non-stick pan: Using a non-stick pan will make it easier to flip the bacon without it sticking to the surface.
Start with a cold pan: Place the bacon in a cold pan before turning on the heat. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in a more evenly cooked bacon.
Use tongs or a spatula: When flipping the bacon, use tongs or a spatula to carefully lift each strip and turn it over. This helps to prevent the bacon from breaking apart.
Flip halfway through cooking: Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking process to ensure that both sides cook evenly. This will help you achieve that perfect balance of crispy and tender.

By following these tips, you can master the flipping technique and prevent your bacon from sticking.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon with every bite!

Removing the Bacon From the Grill

When it’s time to remove the bacon from the grill, simply use a pair of tongs to carefully lift each strip onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. This method ensures that your bacon remains crispy and delicious.

Now that you’ve successfully cooked your bacon on the Big Green Egg, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness.

To store cooked bacon, you have a few options. One option is to refrigerate it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep it fresh for up to 4-5 days. Another option is to freeze it. Simply place the cooked bacon in a freezer-safe bag or container and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional bacon, there are several options available. Turkey bacon is a popular choice for those looking for a leaner option. It has a similar taste and texture to traditional bacon, but with less fat. Another alternative is vegan bacon, made from plant-based ingredients such as tempeh or coconut. These options provide a tasty alternative for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Serving and Enjoying the Perfectly Cooked Bacon

When it comes to bacon, everyone has their preferences and variations. Some people like their bacon crispy, while others prefer it chewy. You can also find different types of bacon, such as applewood smoked or maple-flavored.

Pairing bacon with dishes can add a delicious and savory twist to your meals, whether it’s in a salad, sandwich, or even dessert.

If you’re looking for tips on how to achieve that perfect crispiness, try baking the bacon in the oven or using a cast iron skillet on the stovetop.

Bacon Preferences and Variations

If you like crispy bacon, you can cook it on the Big Green Egg for a longer time. The Big Green Egg is a versatile grill that allows you to achieve different levels of crispiness and flavors when cooking bacon.

Here are some bacon preferences and variations you can try on the Big Green Egg:

Smoky Bacon: Cook bacon using indirect heat and add wood chips or chunks for a smoky flavor.
Candied Bacon: Sprinkle brown sugar or maple syrup on the bacon before cooking to create a sweet and savory treat.
Spicy Bacon: Rub the bacon with your favorite spices or chili powder for a kick of heat.
Thick-Cut Bacon: For a meatier and chewier texture, opt for thick-cut bacon and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Experiment with different flavors and cooking techniques to create the perfect bacon that suits your taste buds. Enjoy!

Pairing Bacon With Dishes

To enhance your dining experience, consider pairing bacon with a variety of dishes for a burst of flavor. Bacon is not just for breakfast anymore! Its smoky and savory taste can elevate your desserts and cocktails to a whole new level. Here are some delicious ideas to try:

Dish	Bacon Pairing
Chocolate Cake	Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top for a sweet and salty twist
Maple Ice Cream	Drizzle with warm bacon-infused maple syrup
Apple Pie	Add bacon bits to the crust for a savory surprise
Old Fashioned	Garnish with a crispy bacon strip for a smoky finish
Bloody Mary	Use bacon-infused vodka for a savory twist

Tips for Crispy Bacon

For extra crispiness, try baking your bacon in the oven instead of frying it in a pan. Here are some techniques and cooking hacks to achieve that perfect, crispy bacon:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Lay the bacon slices flat on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook bacon on the Big Green Egg. By following these steps, you can ensure that your bacon turns out perfectly cooked every time.

Remember to prepare the grill, choose the right bacon, and set up the grill for indirect heat.

Monitor the cooking process and flip the bacon for even cooking.

Once it’s done, remove it from the grill and serve it up for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Enjoy!