Get ready to elevate your breakfast game, add a smoky twist to your sandwiches, or take your snacks to the next level – we’ve got you covered with these 20 mouth-watering homemade bacon recipes! From sweet and savory glazes to bold and spicy flavors, our list has something for every taste bud. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating your own delicious homemade bacon.
From classic flavor combinations like maple-glazed strips and brown sugar-cured slabs, to more adventurous options like bourbon barrel-aged and juniper berry-infused varieties, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. Say goodbye to store-bought bacon and hello to the rich, smoky flavors you can only get from cooking your own.
Maple-Glazed Homemade Bacon Strips
Elevate your breakfast game with these sweet and savory maple-glazed homemade bacon strips. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and indulgent treat that’s perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
3. Lay the bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Brush the maple glaze evenly over the bacon, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the bacon, if using.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brown Sugar and Black Pepper Cured Bacon
Elevate your breakfast or add a depth of flavor to any dish with this unique brown sugar and black pepper cured bacon recipe. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a rich, complex taste experience that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, freshly ground
– 1 tablespoon pink curing salt (optional, but recommended for food safety)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the sugar mixture all over the pork belly or bacon, making sure to cover every surface evenly.
4. Place the cured meat on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or tray, allowing air to circulate around it.
5. Cure for at least 7 days, turning the meat daily to ensure even curing.
6. After curing, rinse the bacon under cold running water to remove excess sugar and salt. Pat dry with paper towels.
Cooking Time: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Applewood Smoked Homemade Bacon
Take your breakfast game to the next level with this sweet and savory homemade bacon recipe, infused with the rich flavor of applewood smoke. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll be enjoying deliciously smoky strips in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or thick-cut bacon
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon applewood chips (dried)
– 1 gallon water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly or bacon, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the coated bacon in the smoker and close the lid.
5. Smoke for 4-6 hours, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of smokiness.
6. Remove the bacon from the smoker and let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Garlic and Herb Infused Bacon Slab
Elevate your bacon game with this flavorful slab recipe that combines the richness of garlic and herbs for a delicious twist. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) package of thick-cut bacon
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, parsley, and thyme.
3. Lay the bacon slab flat on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a broiler pan.
4. Spread the garlic-herb mixture evenly over the bacon, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top of the bacon.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon reaches desired crispiness.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Jalapeño and Honey Glazed Bacon
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this sweet and spicy twist on classic bacon. This recipe combines the smoky richness of crispy bacon with the bold flavors of jalapeños and honey.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2-3 sliced jalapeños (depending on desired level of heat)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
4. Add sliced jalapeños to the honey mixture and stir to coat.
5. Lay bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush the jalapeño-honey glaze evenly over each bacon slice.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherrywood Smoked Thick-Cut Bacon
Elevate your breakfast game with this rich and savory Cherrywood Smoked Thick-Cut Bacon recipe. With the deep, fruity notes of cherrywood smoke, these thick-cut strips of bacon will add a new level of complexity to any dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1 cup Cherrywood chips or chunks
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Remove the bacon from the package and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place the bacon on the smoker racks in a single layer, leaving some space between each strip.
4. Add the Cherrywood chips or chunks to the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Smoke the bacon for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of smokiness.
6. Brush the bacon with brown sugar during the last 30 minutes of smoking to add a hint of sweetness.
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Homemade Bacon
Elevate your breakfast game with this rich and smoky bourbon barrel-aged homemade bacon recipe. By infusing the curing process with the deep flavors of bourbon, you’ll create a truly unique and delicious twist on traditional bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pink curing salt (optional)
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preparing the cure: In a bowl, mix together kosher salt, brown sugar, and pink curing salt (if using).
2. Curing the bacon: Rub the cure all over the pork belly, making sure to cover every surface evenly.
3. Aging the bacon: Place the bacon in an airtight container and pour in the bourbon whiskey. Seal the container and let it sit at room temperature for 7-10 days.
4. Cooking the bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the bacon from the bourbon barrel and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pancetta-Style Italian Cured Bacon
Discover the rich flavor of Italy with this simple recipe for pancetta-style cured bacon. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll be enjoying deliciously tender and flavorful pancetta in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) pork belly
– 1 cup (250ml) kosher salt
– 1/2 cup (125ml) brown sugar
– 1 tsp (5g) black pepper
– 1 tsp (5g) pink curing salt (optional, but recommended for food safety)
– 1 cup (250ml) white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, and pink curing salt (if using).
3. Rub the cure mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or tray.
5. If using white wine, pour it into the bottom of the pan to cover the surface of the meat.
6. Curing time: 7-10 days. Every few days, massage the meat and turn it to ensure even curing.
7. After the curing period, remove the bacon from the cure and rinse off excess salt under cold running water.
8. Pat dry with paper towels and slice into thin strips.
Cooking Time: None needed! Use within a week of making or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Peppered Hickory Smoked Bacon
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this mouthwatering Peppered Hickory Smoked Bacon recipe! This sweet and savory bacon is perfect for topping eggs, salads, or sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup hickory wood chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F or set up your grill for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
3. Trim the excess fat from the bacon, if necessary.
4. Apply the pepper mixture evenly to both sides of the bacon slices.
5. Place the bacon on the smoker or grill and cook for 2-3 hours, or until crispy and caramelized.
6. If using hickory wood chips, add them to the smoker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Tips:
– Monitor the bacon’s temperature to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F for food safety.
– Keep an eye on the bacon while it cooks, as it can go from perfectly cooked to burnt quickly.
Sweet and Smoky Candied Bacon
This sweet and smoky candied bacon recipe combines the richness of crispy bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar and the savory flavor of smoked paprika. The result is a deliciously addictive snack or topping for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each slice.
4. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
5. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the bacon slices.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized and crispy.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rosemary and Garlic Dry-Cured Bacon
This recipe yields a deliciously fragrant and flavorful dry-cured bacon infused with the aromas of rosemary and garlic. Perfect for adding a unique twist to your breakfast dishes, salads, or sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly
– 1/4 cup kosher salt
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons pink curing salt (optional)
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, brown sugar, and pink curing salt (if using).
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to cover evenly.
4. Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a tray, allowing air to circulate around it.
5. Sprinkle chopped rosemary and minced garlic evenly over the bacon.
6. Cure the bacon for 7-10 days, repeating the following process: every other day, massage the meat with its juices, then return it to the refrigerator.
7. After curing, pat the bacon dry with paper towels and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before slicing.
Cooking Time: None needed; simply slice and serve.
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Bacon Slab
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this sweet and savory Maple-Bourbon Glazed Bacon Slab recipe. A perfect combination of crispy bacon, sticky glaze, and rich bourbon flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) slab of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Lay the bacon slab on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
5. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over the bacon, making sure to cover all surfaces.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blackstrap Molasses Cured Bacon
Add a depth of flavor and sweetness to your bacon game with this simple recipe using blackstrap molasses. This unique curing process infuses the bacon with a rich, dark flavor profile that’s perfect for adding a twist to classic dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) pork belly or thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup (60g) kosher salt
– 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
– 2 tbsp (30ml) blackstrap molasses
– 1 tsp (5ml) pink curing salt (optional)
– 1 cup (250ml) water
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, brown sugar, and blackstrap molasses until well combined.
2. Rub the cure all over the bacon, making sure to cover evenly.
3. Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or tray.
4. Let the bacon cure in the refrigerator for 7-10 days, turning every 24 hours.
5. After curing, rinse the bacon under cold running water to remove excess salt and sugar.
6. Cook the bacon as desired (e.g., pan-frying, grilling, or baking).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coffee-Rubbed Homemade Bacon
Take your morning routine to the next level by infusing your homemade bacon with the rich flavor of coffee. This unique recipe combines the smoky, savory taste of traditional bacon with the bold notes of freshly brewed coffee.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or back bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
– 2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, coffee powder, and kosher salt.
3. Rub the coffee mixture all over the pork belly or back bacon, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the coated bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a broiler pan.
5. Bake for 2 hours, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Asian Five-Spice Flavored Bacon
Add a unique flavor dimension to your favorite dishes with this easy-to-make Asian Five-Spice Flavored Bacon. The perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors will elevate any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and five-spice powder.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Lay the bacon slices on the prepared sheet in a single layer.
4. Brush the Asian Five-Spice mixture evenly over the bacon slices.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Juniper Berry and Gin Cured Bacon
Elevate your breakfast game with this unique and flavorful cured bacon recipe, infusing the richness of pork belly with the boldness of juniper berries and the crispness of gin.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound (450g) pork belly
– 1/4 cup (60ml) gin
– 2 tablespoons juniper berries, crushed
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together gin, crushed juniper berries, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Lay the pork belly on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or tray.
4. Rub the gin-juniper mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to cover every surface evenly.
5. Cure for 7-10 days, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. After curing, pat dry with paper towels and cook in the oven for an additional 30 minutes, or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (after curing)
Smoked Paprika and Chili Bacon
Elevate your dishes with the rich flavors of smoked paprika and chili bacon. This recipe combines the smoky depth of paprika with the spicy kick of chili flakes and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons chili flakes
– 6 slices thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle the smoked paprika and chili flakes evenly over the bacon, making sure each slice is coated.
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the paprika mixture.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cider Brined Homemade Bacon
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and savory homemade bacon recipe. A perfect blend of flavors, the apple cider brine adds a depth to the rich pork belly that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon pink curing salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until dissolved.
3. Add the pork belly to the brine and make sure it’s fully covered.
4. Refrigerate for at least 7 days or up to 14 days, turning the bacon every day.
5. After the brining process, remove the bacon from the refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil.
7. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Mustard and Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this irresistible Mustard and Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon recipe! The perfect combination of tangy mustard and sweet brown sugar creates a flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
4. Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over each slice of bacon.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbes de Provence Dry-Cured Bacon
Herbes de Provence Dry-Cured Bacon Recipe
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this flavorful and aromatic dry-cured bacon infused with the herbs of Provence. The result is a crispy, savory delight that’s perfect for wrapping around asparagus, serving on a charcuterie board, or using in a delicious BLT.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup Herbes de Provence (thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender)
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 150°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, brown sugar, and Herbes de Provence.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to cover every surface evenly.
4. Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or tray.
5. Cure for 7-10 days, flipping the bacon every few days to ensure even curing.
6. After curing, pat dry with paper towels and cook in the oven for an additional 2-3 hours, or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 7-10 days (curing) + 2-3 hours (cooking)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your breakfast, brunch, or snack game with these mouthwatering homemade bacon recipes! From sweet and smoky candied bacon to spicy jalapeño and honey glazed bacon, there’s something for every taste bud. With options like maple-glazed strips, bourbon barrel-aged bacon, and Asian five-spice flavored bacon, you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes will guide you through the process of curing, smoking, and cooking your own delicious bacon at home. Treat yourself to a crispy delight today!
