The allure of the Blackstone Griddle is undeniable. Its expansive, flat cooking surface, combined with its ability to reach high temperatures, makes it a culinary chameleon, capable of transforming humble ingredients into restaurant-quality meals. From breakfast staples like pancakes and eggs to elaborate smash burgers and perfectly seared steaks, the Blackstone has cemented its place as a backyard cooking hero. But one question often arises, whispered amongst grill enthusiasts and burgeoning griddle masters alike: Can you put bacon on a Blackstone? The answer, in short, is a resounding and enthusiastic YES! And not only can you, but you absolutely should. This guide will delve deep into the glorious world of Blackstone bacon, exploring why it’s a game-changer, the techniques to achieve crispy perfection, and tips to make your bacon-cooking experience both delicious and manageable.
Why the Blackstone Griddle is Bacon’s New Best Friend
For years, bacon has been a fixture on stovetop skillets and oven trays. While these methods produce edible bacon, they often leave much to be desired. Stovetop cooking can be messy, leading to splatters and uneven cooking, while ovens can take longer and sometimes result in a less-than-ideal texture. The Blackstone Griddle, however, offers a revolutionary approach that elevates bacon to its rightful, crispy throne.
Even Heat Distribution for Uniform Crispiness
One of the most significant advantages of the Blackstone is its superior heat distribution. Unlike a stovetop burner that creates hot spots, the massive flat top of a Blackstone heats up evenly across its entire surface. This means that every strip of bacon laid down will experience the same temperature, leading to consistently cooked, uniformly crispy bacon from edge to edge. No more burnt tips and flabby middles; just pure, unadulterated bacon bliss.
The Splatter Solution: A Cleaner Cooking Experience
Let’s be honest, cooking bacon on a traditional skillet can feel like navigating a culinary war zone. Grease splatters fly in every direction, leaving your backsplash and stovetop in need of immediate attention. The enclosed nature of the Blackstone, with its raised edges, acts as a natural containment system for the rendered bacon fat. While some minor splattering may still occur, it’s significantly reduced compared to stovetop methods, making for a much cleaner and more enjoyable cooking process.
Flavor Infusion: Beyond Just Bacon
The beauty of the Blackstone extends beyond its practical benefits for bacon; it also offers opportunities for flavor enhancement. As the bacon renders, its delicious fat will pool on the griddle. This rendered fat is pure liquid gold, infused with bacon flavor. This “bacon grease” can then be used to cook other breakfast items, infusing them with that irresistible smoky, salty goodness. Imagine cooking your eggs, potatoes, or even pancakes in bacon fat – it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen!
Capacity: Feeding the Bacon Brigade
For those who love to entertain or simply have a serious bacon craving, the Blackstone’s ample surface area is a game-changer. You can cook multiple pounds of bacon simultaneously, ensuring that everyone gets their fill of perfectly cooked strips. No more cooking bacon in batches, waiting impatiently for the next round. The Blackstone allows you to go from raw to ready in one fell swoop, perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even just a serious solo indulgence.
Mastering the Art of Blackstone Bacon: Step-by-Step Perfection
Achieving perfectly crispy bacon on your Blackstone is surprisingly straightforward, but a few key techniques will elevate your results from good to truly outstanding.
Preparation is Key: Setting the Stage for Success
Before you even think about firing up your Blackstone, a little preparation goes a long way.
Preheating Your Blackstone
Allow your Blackstone Griddle to preheat thoroughly. For bacon, a medium-low to medium heat is generally ideal. This allows the fat to render slowly and evenly, promoting crispiness without burning. Aim for a temperature range of around 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface; they should sizzle and evaporate quickly, but not violently.
Choosing Your Bacon Wisely
The type of bacon you choose will significantly impact your results. Thicker cut bacon will take longer to cook but offers a more substantial, chewy-crisp texture. Thinner cut bacon will cook faster and achieve a more delicate crisp. For classic crispy bacon, a good quality, medium-cut bacon is often the sweet spot. Avoid overly lean bacon, as it lacks the fat needed for proper rendering and crisping.
The Cooking Process: Rendering and Achieving Crispiness
Once your Blackstone is preheated and your bacon is ready, it’s time for the main event.
Laying the Bacon
Arrange your bacon strips in a single layer on the griddle. Avoid overlapping them, as this will lead to uneven cooking. Leave a little space between each strip to allow for proper heat circulation and rendering.
The Render: Patience is a Virtue
This is where the magic happens. As the bacon heats up, the fat will begin to render out. You’ll notice it pooling on the griddle surface. This rendered fat is crucial for achieving that perfect crisp. Resist the urge to rush the process. Cook the bacon at your chosen medium-low to medium heat, allowing the fat to render out gradually.
The Flip: Turning Towards Crispy Town
As the bacon cooks, you’ll need to flip it periodically. Use a good quality metal spatula or tongs to turn the strips. You’ll notice that as the fat renders and the bacon cooks, it will begin to curl. Gently press down on the strips with your spatula occasionally to ensure they lay flat and cook evenly.
Managing the Grease: A Balancing Act
As more and more fat renders, it can start to pool excessively. You have a couple of options here.
- Pour it off: Carefully tilt the Blackstone to one side and pour off the excess rendered fat into a heatproof container. This is a great way to prevent the bacon from frying in too much grease, which can lead to a less crispy texture. Remember to save this liquid gold for future cooking!
- Soak it up: Some people prefer to use paper towels to carefully blot up some of the excess grease, though this can be a bit trickier and riskier on a hot griddle.
Knowing When It’s Done: The Golden Rule of Crispiness
The “done” stage for bacon is a matter of personal preference, but generally, you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a distinct crispiness. The edges should be slightly darker and appear translucent. Lift a strip with your spatula; it should hold its shape without flopping limply.
Post-Cooking Care: Maintaining the Momentum
Even after the bacon is cooked to perfection, a few steps will ensure you enjoy every last bite.
Draining the Bacon
Once your bacon is cooked, carefully remove it from the Blackstone and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will absorb any remaining excess grease and help it maintain its crispiness.
Cleaning Your Blackstone: A Crucial Step
Immediately after cooking, while the griddle is still warm (but not scorching hot), it’s time to clean.
- Scrape it clean: Use your Blackstone scraper to remove any bacon bits or excess grease.
- Deglaze (optional but recommended): For a deeper clean and to preserve your seasoning, you can add a little water to the still-warm griddle. It will steam and loosen any stubborn bits. Scrape this liquid away.
- Oil it up: Once clean and dry, apply a thin layer of cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to the surface to maintain its seasoning and prevent rust.
Beyond Basic Bacon: Elevating Your Blackstone Experience
The beauty of cooking bacon on a Blackstone isn’t just about the bacon itself, but the possibilities it unlocks.
Bacon Fat as a Flavor Enhancer
As mentioned earlier, the rendered bacon fat is a treasure trove of flavor. Don’t let it go to waste! Use it to:
- Cook your eggs: Fried eggs, scrambled eggs, or even an omelet cooked in bacon fat are a revelation.
- Sauté vegetables: Onions, peppers, or potatoes cooked in bacon fat will gain a smoky, savory depth.
- Toast your bread: A quick toast of your bread on the bacon-greased griddle will give it an incredible flavor.
Creative Bacon Pairings on the Blackstone
The Blackstone is your canvas, and bacon is your masterpiece ingredient. Consider these delicious pairings:
- Breakfast Potatoes: Dice your potatoes, toss them with some oil and seasonings, and cook them on the Blackstone until tender and crispy. Finish them off by cooking some bacon alongside, then tossing the potatoes in the rendered bacon fat for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bacon and Egg Sandwiches: Cook your bacon to crispy perfection, then fry your eggs directly in the rendered bacon fat on the Blackstone. Assemble your sandwich with your favorite bread and toppings for a truly decadent breakfast.
- Smash Burgers with Bacon: Add a few strips of crispy bacon to your Blackstone smash burgers for an unparalleled savory experience. The rendered bacon fat will also contribute to the delicious crust on your burger patty.
- Bacon-Wrapped Anything: While not directly cooking bacon on the griddle in this case, you can easily cook bacon-wrapped items like asparagus or scallops to perfection on the Blackstone, using the griddle’s consistent heat.
Troubleshooting Common Blackstone Bacon Conundrums
Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few bumps in the road. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
My Bacon is Rubbery, Not Crispy
This is usually a sign of cooking at too high of a temperature for too long, or not allowing enough of the fat to render out.
- Solution: Lower your heat to medium-low to medium. Be patient and allow the fat to render slowly. Ensure you’re not overcrowding the griddle, which can steam the bacon rather than crisp it.
My Bacon is Burning on the Edges but Still Limp in the Middle
This indicates uneven heat or too high of a heat on certain parts of the griddle.
- Solution: Ensure your Blackstone is preheated evenly. Move the bacon around on the griddle to different heat zones if you notice significant hot spots. Lower the overall temperature.
Too Much Splatter!
While the Blackstone reduces splatter, some is inevitable.
- Solution: Lower your heat slightly. Consider using a splatter screen designed for griddles. Carefully tilt the griddle to pour off excess fat periodically.
The Final Verdict: Bacon on the Blackstone is a Must-Try
In conclusion, the question of “Can you put bacon on a Blackstone?” is not just answerable, but it’s an invitation to a superior bacon experience. The even heat, the contained grease, and the ability to cook in large batches all combine to make the Blackstone Griddle an exceptional tool for bacon preparation. From achieving that elusive perfect crisp to infusing your other dishes with its glorious flavor, cooking bacon on your Blackstone will undoubtedly become a cherished ritual. So, gather your bacon, fire up your griddle, and prepare to taste the difference. Your taste buds will thank you.
Can You Put Bacon on a Blackstone?
Absolutely! Putting bacon on a Blackstone griddle is not only possible but highly recommended for achieving incredibly crispy perfection. The flat, even surface of the Blackstone allows for consistent heat distribution, which is ideal for rendering bacon fat and achieving that desirable crispy texture across every strip. Unlike a traditional pan, the large surface area also means you can cook a significant amount of bacon at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
The key to success is managing the heat effectively and preparing your griddle. A medium heat setting is generally best to prevent burning while still allowing the bacon to crisp up nicely. It’s also beneficial to have a good seasoning on your Blackstone, as this helps create a non-stick surface and adds to the overall flavor profile of your cooked bacon.
What Kind of Bacon Works Best on a Blackstone?
Virtually any type of bacon can be cooked on a Blackstone, but thicker-cut varieties tend to yield the most satisfying results for crispiness. Thicker bacon has more fat to render, which contributes to a delightful chewiness within the crisp exterior. It also holds up better to the direct heat of the griddle, reducing the chances of it becoming overly brittle or burning too quickly.
While thick-cut is excellent, standard or even thinly sliced bacon can also be cooked successfully. You might need to adjust the heat slightly lower and monitor it more closely for thinner cuts to prevent them from cooking too fast and losing their texture. Ultimately, your personal preference for bacon thickness will guide your choice, and the Blackstone will accommodate it well.
How Do You Prevent Bacon From Sticking to a Blackstone?
Preventing bacon from sticking to your Blackstone is primarily about proper griddle preparation and temperature control. Ensuring your griddle is well-seasoned is the first and most crucial step. A properly seasoned surface creates a natural non-stick barrier. Before adding bacon, preheat your Blackstone to a medium temperature; avoid starting with a smoking hot griddle as this can cause the bacon to seize and stick.
Adding the bacon to a *slightly* preheated surface is key. As the bacon cooks, it will release its own fat, which will then lubricate the griddle. This rendered fat is your best friend in preventing sticking. Resist the urge to move the bacon too frequently in the initial stages; let it cook for a minute or two to form a natural release. Once it starts to lift easily, you can begin flipping.
What Is the Best Temperature for Cooking Bacon on a Blackstone?
The ideal temperature for cooking bacon on a Blackstone griddle is typically a medium heat, which translates to around 300-350°F (150-175°C). This temperature range allows for a gradual rendering of the bacon fat, which is essential for achieving that signature crispy texture without burning the meat. It provides enough heat to cook the bacon thoroughly but avoids the extreme temperatures that can lead to uneven cooking or scorched edges.
While medium heat is the sweet spot, you may need to make minor adjustments based on the thickness of your bacon and your specific Blackstone model. If you notice the bacon cooking too quickly or starting to char, reduce the heat slightly. Conversely, if it’s taking too long to crisp up, you can increase it incrementally. The goal is a consistent sizzle, not an aggressive fry, ensuring a beautiful balance of crispiness and chewiness in every bite.
How Do You Clean Bacon Grease From a Blackstone?
Cleaning bacon grease from your Blackstone is a straightforward process that should be done while the griddle is still warm, but not hot. The easiest method is to use a bench scraper or a stiff spatula to push the excess grease and any bacon bits towards the grease management system of your Blackstone. Many models have a designated channel and collection tray that simplifies this task. For stubborn bits, a small amount of water can be added to deglaze the surface, which helps lift stuck-on residue.
After scraping the majority of the grease into the collection tray, use a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towels to wipe down the surface. For a deeper clean, you can use a griddle cleaning stone or a specialized griddle cleaner, following the product’s instructions. Once clean, it’s crucial to re-season the griddle with a light coating of cooking oil and wipe it down to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick properties for future cooking sessions.
Can You Cook Other Foods Alongside Bacon on a Blackstone?
Yes, you absolutely can cook other foods alongside bacon on a Blackstone, and this is one of its greatest advantages. The large, flat surface allows for multi-tasking and creating a complete breakfast or meal in one go. You can cook eggs, pancakes, hash browns, vegetables, or even smash burgers on the same griddle. The key is to strategically place your items based on their cooking times and the heat zones of your griddle.
To effectively cook other items with bacon, consider placing foods with longer cooking times in areas that receive slightly less direct heat, or in zones you can manage to keep at a lower temperature. As the bacon cooks and renders its fat, this fat can then be used to cook other items, adding a delicious bacon flavor. Just be mindful of managing the heat zones to ensure everything cooks evenly and to your desired doneness, and consider wiping down areas if flavors might clash too strongly.
What Are the Benefits of Cooking Bacon on a Blackstone?
The primary benefit of cooking bacon on a Blackstone is achieving unparalleled crispiness and even cooking. The large, flat surface ensures consistent heat distribution across every strip of bacon, eliminating hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking or burnt edges found in traditional pans. This even heat allows the fat to render efficiently, resulting in a uniformly crisp texture that is highly desirable.
Beyond superior crispiness, a Blackstone offers efficiency and versatility. You can cook large batches of bacon simultaneously, making it ideal for gatherings or feeding a family. Furthermore, the rendered bacon fat naturally seasons the griddle, and you can then use this flavorful fat to cook other breakfast items like eggs or potatoes, infusing them with a delicious bacon essence, all on one cooking surface.