How to Cook Bacon on A Traeger

If you’re looking for a way to cook bacon that’s full of flavor and easy to do, then look no further than your trusty Traeger grill. Cooking bacon on a Traeger pellet grill not only gives your breakfast staple a smoky taste, but also allows the fat to drip off, giving you crispy and perfectly cooked bacon every single time. In this blog post, we’ll show you step-by-step how to cook bacon on a Traeger grill and give you some tips along the way to help make the process as easy and delicious as possible. So grab some bacon slices and let’s get grilling!

1. Preheat your Traeger to 325 degrees and place bacon slices directly

Now that you have learned how to prep and cook bacon on your Traeger, it’s time to start cooking. The first step is to preheat your Traeger to 325 degrees. Once it’s preheated, place the bacon slices directly onto the greased grill grates. Be sure to evenly distribute the slices to ensure that they cook evenly. You can also add your favorite rub to the bacon strips to add more flavor. Smoking the bacon at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes will give it a smoky flavor and cook it to perfection. For those who prefer their bacon crispy, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a baking sheet with a cooling rack to allow the bacon to cool and drain. Don’t forget to check on the bacon after 30 minutes to ensure it has reached your desired level of crispiness. This method will give you delicious, smoky bacon that you can enjoy with breakfast or use as a topping for your favorite dishes. With these easy steps, you can confidently cook bacon on your Traeger like a pro.

2. Use a large baking sheet with parchment paper to line up the bacon

Using a large baking sheet with parchment paper to line up the bacon is a great way to ensure that your bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the grill grates. This step is essential when cooking bacon on a Traeger because it allows for easy clean-up and prevents any mishaps from happening. Once the Traeger is preheated to 325 degrees, the bacon slices can be arranged side-by-side on the parchment paper. This method also allows for easy monitoring of the bacon’s progress, so you can adjust the temperature accordingly to get the perfect crispiness. Plus, using parchment paper eliminates the need for excess oil or cooking spray, making it a healthier option. By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, mouth-watering bacon on your Traeger every time.

3. Evenly distribute the bacon slices on the greased grill grates

After preheating your Traeger and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, it’s time to evenly distribute the bacon slices on the greased grill grates. This step is crucial for ensuring that all slices of bacon cook evenly and achieve the desired texture. Make sure that the bacon slices are not touching and have enough space to crisp up. You can turn the slices once or twice during the cooking process to ensure that both sides are cooked evenly. By following these steps, you will have deliciously smoked bacon that is sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, cooking bacon on a Traeger not only adds a unique smoky flavor but also eliminates the need for messy stovetop cleanups.

4. Smoke the bacon at 300 degrees F for 20-30 minutes or until done

Once the Traeger grill has been preheated and the bacon slices have been evenly distributed on the greased grill grates, it’s time to smoke the bacon at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-30 minutes or until it’s done to your desired level of crispiness. This low and slow cooking process ensures that the bacon is infused with rich, smoky flavors and an irresistible aroma that will leave your taste buds wanting more. After the bacon is done, you can choose to brush it with maple syrup and sprinkle brown sugar or sweetener to give it that candied bacon taste. Once the bacon is done cooking, let it cool and drain on a baking sheet with a cooling rack to avoid any excess grease. Remember to check the bacon after 30 minutes to make sure it has reached your desired level of crispiness. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly smoked Traeger bacon every time.

5. Brush maple syrup and sprinkle brown sugar or sweetener for candied bacon

To take their Traeger bacon to another level, readers should follow step 5: brushing maple syrup and sprinkling brown sugar or their sweetener of choice for candied bacon. This simple step adds a sweet and savory touch to the crispy bacon. The maple syrup provides a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bacon’s smokiness, while the brown sugar or sweetener adds an extra layer of flavor and crunchiness. For a healthier alternative, readers can use honey or agave instead of brown sugar. It’s important to distribute the syrup and sweetener evenly on both sides of the bacon slices before placing them on the grill to ensure that they cook through evenly. Adding this candied layer not only takes your bacon game up a notch but also creates a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast sandwiches to salads.

6. Clean the grill grates for a cleaner, safer cooking surface

To ensure a clean and safe cooking surface for your Traeger, it’s essential to clean the grill grates regularly. After cooking the bacon slices, remove any remaining grease or debris from the grates by using a grill brush or scraper. This will not only improve the cleanliness of your grill but also prevent any unwanted flare-ups that could pose a safety risk. By taking a few extra minutes to clean your grill grates, you’ll have a better cooking experience and enjoy delicious bacon every time.

7. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees F to make the bacon crispier

After smoking the bacon at 300 degrees F for around 20-30 minutes on a Traeger, it’s time to make it even crispier. To do so, simply increase the temperature to 400 degrees F and let the bacon cook for a few more minutes. This will give the bacon that delicious crispy edge that everyone loves. Don’t forget to keep an eye on it as it cooks, though, to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, take it off the grill and let it rest on a baking sheet with a cooling rack to allow any excess grease to drain off. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy the perfectly crispy bacon with all the flavor that was infused during the smoking process.

8. Use a baking sheet with a cooling rack to allow the bacon to cool and drain

Using a baking sheet with a cooling rack is a key step in cooking bacon on a Traeger grill. After smoking the bacon to your desired crispiness, place the strips onto the cooling rack to allow them to cool and drain excess grease. This ensures that the bacon remains crispy and not soggy from sitting in its grease. By allowing air to circulate underneath the bacon strips, the cooling rack helps to prevent the bacon from getting too greasy and also keeps it from sticking to the baking sheet. This step is especially helpful if you are making a large batch of bacon, as it allows you to cook multiple strips at once without having to worry about overcrowding the pan. Once the bacon has cooled, enjoy it alone, or sprinkle it with your favorite rub for added flavor.

9. Add your favorite rub and pat lightly on the bacon strips for flavor

Now that the bacon is on the grill, it’s time to add some flavor! One way to do this is by adding your favorite rub to the bacon slices. Simply sprinkle the rub over the bacon, making sure to pat it lightly into the strips. This will not only impart some delicious flavors but also create a nice crust on the bacon when it’s done cooking. As mentioned before, be careful not to add too much seasoning or sugary glazes, as they can burn at high temperatures. Additionally, using a light touch when patting down the rub will ensure that it doesn’t overwhelm the natural flavor of the bacon. With the right balance of seasonings and smoke, your Traeger-cooked bacon will be a true crowd-pleaser at any breakfast or brunch gathering.

10. Check the bacon after 30 minutes to see if it has reached your desired crispiness

After smoking the bacon on the Traeger for 20-30 minutes, it’s important to check if it has reached the desired level of crispiness. This can vary depending on personal preference, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the bacon throughout the cooking process. Once the bacon has been on the grill for about 30 minutes, take a look to see how it’s progressing. If it’s not quite crispy enough, leave it on for a bit longer. If it’s getting too crispy, it’s time to take it off. Using a baking sheet with a cooling rack is a great way to let the bacon cool and drain any excess grease. Overall, checking the bacon after 30 minutes is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.