How to Cook Perfect Bacon on a Griddle

Cooking bacon on a griddle, particularly the Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Grill, offers a delicious and efficient way to prepare this beloved breakfast staple. This guide provides detailed instructions, tips, and recipe ideas to help you achieve perfectly crisp bacon every time.

Bacon Basics

1. Quantity: For optimal results, cook around 28 slices (1.5 lbs) at a time. This allows space for even cooking.
2. Preparation: No additional oil is needed if the cooktop is properly seasoned. Bacon releases its own fat, preventing sticking.
3. Temperature: Medium heat is ideal, cooking bacon in 8-10 minutes without burning.
4. Placement: Separate slices before placing them on the hot griddle to ensure even cooking.
5. Flipping: Cook for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip for another 1-2 minutes, adjusting based on thickness and desired crispiness.
6. Using a Press: A bacon or grill press can help ensure even cooking and prevent curling.

Pro Tips

• Room Temperature: Let bacon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
• Draining: Use paper towels to blot excess grease from cooked bacon.
• Reuse Bacon Fat: Utilize bacon fat for cooking other foods like eggs or vegetables for enhanced flavor.
• Make Extra: Bacon can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat on medium-low heat.

Recipe Ideas

1. Breakfast Dishes: Use bacon in omelets, scrambled eggs, or pancakes.
2. Sandwiches and Burgers: Enhance flavors in BLTs, grilled cheese, or burgers.
3. Pasta and Salads: Incorporate bacon into mac and cheese, quiches, casseroles, or salads for a savory touch.

Sample Recipe: Crispy Griddle Bacon

Ingredients:

• 8 strips of bacon
• Optional: Traeger Breakfast Rub

Steps:

1. Preheat the griddle on medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
2. Place bacon on the griddle, optionally sprinkling with Traeger Breakfast Rub.
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook until crisp.
4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Conclusion

Cooking bacon on a griddle, especially with a Traeger Flatrock, is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. By following these tips and recipes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked bacon and explore various culinary applications.