A flat Blackstone griddle surface lets bacon cook in its own rendered fat, making it one of the best tools for the job. If you have ever wondered how to cook bacon on Blackstone perfectly crispy without burning, this guide covers every step. You will learn the right heat, timing, and technique to get consistent results every time.
Bacon on a griddle is different from pan frying. The large flat top gives you even heat distribution and plenty of space. You can cook a whole pound or more at once, which is ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
Let us walk through the process from start to finish. No fluff, just practical steps that work.
Why Use A Blackstone For Bacon
The Blackstone griddle has a massive cooking surface. Unlike a skillet, there is no curved sides to trap steam. This means the bacon stays flat and cooks evenly.
Another benefit is the fat rendering. As the bacon cooks, it releases grease that spreads across the griddle. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to whatever else you cook alongside it.
Cleanup is also simpler. You can scrape the grease into a grease trap or container after cooking. No splattering oil all over your stove top.
How To Cook Bacon On Blackstone
Here is the exact method for perfect bacon on a Blackstone griddle. Follow these steps closely for best results.
Step 1: Preheat The Griddle Properly
Turn your Blackstone on to medium-low heat. You want the surface temperature around 300°F to 325°F. Too high and the bacon will burn before the fat renders. Too low and it will steam rather than crisp.
Use an infrared thermometer to check the surface temp if you have one. If not, sprinkle a few drops of water on the griddle. They should sizzle gently, not evaporate instantly.
Step 2: Arrange The Bacon Strips
Place the bacon strips flat on the griddle. Do not overlap them. Leave a small gap between each strip so the heat circulates evenly.
You can cook thick-cut or regular bacon with this method. Thicker slices will take a few extra minutes. Arrange them in rows, but do not crowd the surface too much.
Step 3: Cook Without Moving
Let the bacon cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. You will see the fat start to render and the edges begin to curl. Resist the urge to flip too early.
After the first side is golden brown, use tongs to flip each strip. Cook for another 2 to 4 minutes depending on your preferred doneness. For chewy bacon, cook less time. For crispy bacon, let it go a bit longer.
Step 4: Drain And Serve
Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. This absorbs excess grease. Let it rest for a minute before serving.
You can also keep bacon warm in a low oven (200°F) if cooking in batches. Just place it on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
Temperature Guide For Bacon On Blackstone
Getting the heat right is the most important part. Here is a quick reference:
- Low heat (250°F-275°F): Good for very thick bacon, but takes longer and may not crisp well
- Medium-low heat (300°F-325°F): Ideal for most bacon types. Crispy outside, tender inside
- Medium heat (350°F-375°F): Works for thin bacon, but watch closely to avoid burning
- High heat (400°F+): Not recommended. Bacon will burn before fat renders
Always start on the lower side. You can always increase heat if needed, but you cannot undo burnt bacon.
Tips For Extra Crispy Bacon
Some people love bacon that shatters when bitten. Here is how to achieve that on a Blackstone:
- Cook on medium-low heat for longer time (about 6-8 minutes per side)
- Press the bacon gently with a spatula after flipping to flatten it
- Drain off excess grease halfway through cooking to prevent steaming
- Let the bacon rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crisp
Do not rush the process. Patience gives you better texture.
How To Cook Bacon On Blackstone Without Splatter
Bacon splatter is messy. The Blackstone helps reduce it because the grease spreads flat, but some splatter still happens.
Here are ways to minimize it:
- Use a splatter screen if you have one
- Cook bacon at a lower temperature
- Do not overcrowd the griddle
- Keep the bacon dry before placing it on the surface
Wearing an apron is also smart. Grease can pop even with precautions.
Can You Cook Bacon On Blackstone With Other Foods
Yes, and it is one of the best features of a griddle. You can cook bacon alongside eggs, pancakes, or hash browns. The bacon grease seasons the other foods naturally.
Just be careful with timing. Start the bacon first since it takes longer. Then push it to a cooler zone of the griddle while you cook other items. This keeps the bacon warm without overcooking.
If you are cooking sweet foods like pancakes, keep them on a separate section of the griddle. Bacon grease can add a savory flavor that might not work with syrup.
Cleaning Your Blackstone After Bacon
Bacon leaves a lot of grease behind. Clean the griddle while it is still warm, not hot.
Follow these steps:
- Scrape excess grease into the grease trap using a metal spatula
- Wipe the surface with paper towels to remove residue
- Add a small amount of water to the griddle and scrape again to lift stuck bits
- Dry the surface with a clean cloth
- Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent rust
Do not use soap on a seasoned Blackstone. It can strip the seasoning. Just water and scraping is enough.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Bacon On Blackstone
Even experienced cooks make errors. Here are the most common ones:
- Using too high heat: Burns the outside before the fat renders
- Overcrowding the griddle: Causes steaming instead of crisping
- Flipping too early: Bacon sticks if not cooked long enough on the first side
- Not draining grease: Leads to greasy, soggy bacon
- Using cold bacon straight from the fridge: Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes first
Avoid these and your bacon will turn out better every time.
How To Store Leftover Bacon
If you have extra bacon, store it properly to maintain texture.
Let the bacon cool completely. Place it in an airtight container with paper towels between layers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the bacon. Lay strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheat leftover bacon on the Blackstone for 1-2 minutes per side. It crisps up nicely again.
Bacon Types And Cooking Times
Different bacon types need slight adjustments. Here is a quick guide:
- Thin-cut bacon: 2-3 minutes per side on medium-low heat
- Regular bacon: 3-4 minutes per side on medium-low heat
- Thick-cut bacon: 4-6 minutes per side on low to medium-low heat
- Turkey bacon: 2-3 minutes per side on medium heat (watch closely)
- Canadian bacon: 2-3 minutes per side on medium heat (already cooked, just warm through)
Always adjust based on your griddle and personal preference. The first batch might need tweaking.
Why Bacon Curls On The Griddle
Bacon curls because the fat renders faster than the meat. This causes the strip to contract unevenly.
To minimize curling, you can:
- Press the bacon down with a spatula during the first minute
- Use a bacon press if you have one
- Cook at a lower temperature so the fat renders more evenly
Curling is not a problem for taste, but flat bacon cooks more evenly and is easier to flip.
How To Cook Bacon On Blackstone For A Crowd
Cooking for a group? The Blackstone excels here.
Preheat the entire griddle surface. Lay out as many strips as will fit without overlapping. A 36-inch griddle can hold about 2 pounds of bacon at once.
Cook in batches if needed. Keep finished bacon warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet. Do not stack it or it will steam and lose crispness.
You can also cook bacon ahead of time and reheat it quickly on the griddle before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best heat setting for bacon on a Blackstone?
Medium-low heat, around 300°F to 325°F, works best for most bacon types. This allows the fat to render slowly without burning the meat.
Can you cook bacon on a Blackstone without oil?
Yes. Bacon has enough fat to cook itself. No additional oil is needed. The rendered grease prevents sticking.
How long does it take to cook bacon on a Blackstone?
Total time is usually 6 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispness. Thin bacon cooks faster, thick bacon takes longer.
Do you need to flip bacon on a Blackstone?
Yes, flipping ensures even cooking. Cook one side until golden, then flip and cook the other side. Do not flip too early or the bacon may stick.
Can you cook bacon and eggs together on a Blackstone?
Absolutely. Cook the bacon first, then push it to a cooler zone. Cook eggs in the bacon grease for extra flavor. Just keep the heat moderate.
Final Thoughts On How To Cook Bacon On Blackstone
Learning how to cook bacon on Blackstone is simple once you understand the heat and timing. The flat surface gives you control that a skillet cannot match.
Start with medium-low heat. Let the bacon cook without moving it. Flip once and drain well. That is all there is to it.
With practice, you will get consistent results every time. The griddle makes bacon cooking easy, even for beginners. Try it for your next breakfast or batch cook session.