Mastering Traeger Bacon: Your Guide to Perfect Crispy Slices

There’s something truly special about the smell and taste of perfectly cooked bacon, especially when it’s infused with that unmistakable smoky flavor from a Traeger grill. If you’ve ever wanted to achieve crispy, mouthwatering bacon using your pellet grill, you’re in for a treat! Cooking bacon on a Traeger is surprisingly simple and elevates this breakfast classic. Say goodbye to greasy stovetop splatters and uneven cooking – your Traeger offers a hands-off method for consistently delicious results every time.

Ready to transform your breakfast, brunch, or even a simple sandwich with expertly smoked bacon? Let’s dive into how you can make your Traeger bacon dreams a reality.

What You’ll Need: Gathering Your Essentials

Before firing up your Traeger, ensure you have these key items. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth:

• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is highly recommended. Its heartier slices handle the Traeger’s heat and smoke exceptionally well, offering a more substantial bite.
• Traeger Grill: Your trusted pellet grill.
• Cooking Surface: Choose between direct grates, a perforated grill pan, or a cooling rack set inside a baking sheet. A cooling rack promotes even airflow and grease drainage, leading to crispier bacon. Foil-lined baking sheets simplify cleanup.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess grease after cooking, ensuring crisp, not oily, bacon.
• Tongs: Long-handled tongs are crucial for safely handling and flipping bacon on a hot grill.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Perfect Bacon on Your Traeger

Achieving delicious bacon on your Traeger is straightforward. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Traeger

Set your Traeger to 375-400°F (190-205°C). This heat ensures quick cooking and optimal crispness. Close the lid and allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes until it reaches temperature. A hot grill is essential for preventing the bacon from steaming.

Step 2: Arrange the Bacon

Once hot, carefully lay bacon slices on your chosen cooking surface. Ensure they are in a single layer without overlapping. Giving each strip space is key for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Cook and Flip

Close the lid and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes total. Around the halfway mark (7-10 minutes), use tongs to carefully flip each bacon strip. Flipping ensures both sides cook evenly, resulting in beautifully browned and uniformly crispy bacon. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on it.

Step 4: Check for Crispiness

Bacon doneness is personal. Look for a rich golden-brown color and a firm, crispy texture. As it cooks, you’ll see the fat render and the meat crisp up. Remember that bacon will continue to crisp slightly as it cools off the grill.

Step 5: Remove and Drain

Once your bacon reaches desired crispness, carefully remove it from the Traeger. Transfer to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels. This absorbs excess grease, leaving you with perfectly crisp slices. Let it rest for a minute, then serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Next-Level Traeger Bacon

Elevate your Traeger bacon with these tried-and-true tips:

• Avoid Overcrowding: Paramount for even cooking and crisp results. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a Cooling Rack: For superior crispness and even cooking, place bacon on a cooling rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. It lifts the bacon out of rendered fat and allows air to circulate.
• Monitor Temperature: While consistent heat is important, check your bacon, especially towards the end, as it can go from perfect to overcooked quickly.
• Anticipate Post-Grill Crispness: Bacon will firm up more as it cools. Pull it off the Traeger when it’s just shy of your ideal crispness.
• Experiment with Flavors: Enhance the smoky taste with seasonings. Try brown sugar for a candied finish, black pepper for a savory kick, or cayenne for subtle heat before cooking.
• Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil before adding the cooling rack. This catches all drippings, making cleanup incredibly simple.

Your Traeger Bacon FAQs Answered

Can I cook bacon directly on the Traeger grill grates?

Yes, you can! Direct cooking gives more intense smoky flavor. However, expect more rendered fat dripping onto your heat deflector and into the grease pan, meaning more cleanup. Some use a foil-lined drip pan underneath to minimize mess.

Can I use a cast iron skillet for bacon on a Traeger?

Absolutely! A cast iron skillet on your Traeger works wonderfully. It provides even heat distribution, ensuring consistent cooking, and still allows the bacon to absorb that delicious smoky essence. Plus, the skillet conveniently contains all rendered grease, simplifying cleanup. Ensure your skillet is oven-safe and well-seasoned.

Should I flip bacon when cooking it on a Traeger?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to flip your bacon about halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides cook evenly, leading to uniform crispness and a beautiful golden-brown color across all slices.

What are the ideal temperature and cooking time for Traeger bacon?

For optimal results, preheat your Traeger to 375-400°F (190-205°C). The bacon will typically cook for about 15-20 minutes, with a flip halfway through. Thicker bacon might require a few extra minutes, while thinner slices may finish sooner. Always rely on visual cues.

How should I store leftover cooked bacon?

If you have any leftover bacon (a rare occurrence!), let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat gently in a microwave, oven, or back on your Traeger until warmed and re-crisped.

Can I place a regular baking pan in a Traeger?

Yes, regular metal baking pans are perfectly safe for use in a Traeger. Using a pan, especially if lined with foil, is an excellent way to manage grease, simplify cleanup, and even infuse other dishes with bacon flavor if cooked simultaneously.

Time to Enjoy Your Best Bacon Yet!

Cooking bacon on your Traeger grill is an easy, incredibly flavorful way to prepare this beloved food. With minimal effort, you can achieve perfectly crispy, wonderfully smoky bacon that will become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, fire up your Traeger, grab that bacon, and get ready to enjoy a culinary experience that’s truly a cut above the rest!