Smoked Candied Bacon
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Posted: 12/09/24
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Indulge in the perfect combination of salty and sweet with this easy smoked candied bacon recipe. Crispy bacon coated in a homemade sweet glaze makes for a delicious and addictive treat.
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty treats, then you’re going to love this smoked candied bacon recipe! You may have heard of this before — some call it pig candy, others call it smoked bacon candy, we call it smoked candied bacon. Whatever you choose to name it, it’s an absolutely incredible creation! Thick cut bacon is coated in a maple brown sugar mixture and then smoked until the outside is caramelized and the bacon is crispy. Talk about a show-stopping treat!
We already make regular smoked bacon for breakfast, or to put on burgers, but this candied bacon is a special treat. When we want an extra special breakfast, this candied bacon goes on the menu. It’s great with a hash brown omelette! Whichever way you want to serve it, smoked maple bacon is a must-try recipe that will be a crowd hit every time.
Why You’ll Love Smoked Candied Bacon
- You can make candied bacon in the smoker in about 40 minutes! Most of that is hands-off time too. So it’s really low effort for maximum flavor.
- There are so many different ways to serve this sugar sweet treat. It’s really versatile and pairs well with various dishes!
- You only need 4 simple ingredients to make smoked candied bacon. Keep them on hand and you can make it whenever you get a craving!
Ingredients for Smoked Candied Bacon
- Thick cut bacon – We recommend using thick cut bacon so that you can really get a caramelized, candy coating over the entire piece of bacon. The regular bacon is just a little too thin and will probably break pretty easily.
- Sweet and smoky rub – While we are partial to our Gimme Some Grilling Sweet and Smoky Rub, you can make homemade rub to use in this recipe too.
- Brown sugar – This is how you make that candied coating on the slice of bacon! Brown sugar is key for this recipe to be a success.
- Maple syrup – You can’t make smoked maple bacon without 100% pure maple syrup. I love using maple syrup in the candy coating because it adds so much flavor!
Helpful Tools
How to Make Smoked Candied Bacon
- Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit before you start prepping your bacon.
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, and sweet and smoky rub.
- Put the bacon slices on a large sheet pan and then brush the maple syrup mixture on top of the bacon.
- Place the bacon on the smoker with the glazed side down and then brush the rest of the maple syrup mixture over each piece of bacon. Close the lid of the smoker and smoke for about 15 minutes.
- Flip the bacon over, then close the lid and smoke for an additional 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is cooked to your liking.
- Remove the smoked candied bacon from the smoker and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
How to Store Smoked Candied Bacon
Fresh candied bacon is always best, but leftovers will keep. Allow leftover bacon to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container or wrap in some aluminum foil.
FRIDGE: Store candied bacon in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
FREEZER: You can also freeze smoked candied bacon! Just transfer to a freezer safe container and store for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Smoked Candied Bacon
Fresh candied bacon is always best, but leftovers will keep
To reheat, place on a microwave safe dish and heat for 15-30 seconds. For best results, reheat in the oven until crispy and warmed through. It is also best to thaw from frozen before reheating.
What is the best kind of bacon for candied bacon?
Apple wood bacon or hickory smoked is best for this recipe. The slightly sweet flavor adds to the sweet and savory combination of this flavor. You should always use thick cut bacon for this recipe too!
Will bacon get crispy in a smoker?
Yes! As long as you cook the bacon at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time, it will crisp up great. Just make sure you space out the slices of bacon so that every piece gets an even amount of heat.
What to Serve with Smoked Candied Bacon
This salty sweet bacon would be just divine served alongside some fried eggs and Blackstone pancakes. Other sweet breakfast treats like cinnamon rolls and french toast go so well with the salty combo of candied bacon.
You can even crumble up this bacon and then sprinkle it on top of salads, ice cream and serve it chicken dishes like teriyaki chicken skewers. It adds a touch of unique flavor, however you choose to serve it!
Pro Tips for the Best Candied Bacon
- Make sure that every piece of bacon gets an even layer of the maple brown sugar mixture. A basting brush will ensure the bacon slices are coated well on either side.
- For best flavor, get a high-quality bacon. A cheap bacon will have less depth of flavor and likely a lower quality texture.
- Always use 100% pure maple syrup in this recipe. Fake syrup just won’t cut it here!
Once you try candied bacon, you’ll want to make it over and over and over again. Go ahead! Keep making it. We’re not judging!
More Smoker Recipes You’ll Love!
- These Smoked Chicken Thighs are a dinner recipe that you won’t soon forget. Super easy to make too!
- Level up your game day menu with these Smoked Chicken Wings!
- Need an easy protein? Make some delicious, tender and juicy Smoked Chicken Breast.
- Smoked Almonds are a snackable treat perfect for any occasion.
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Shop Now!Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!
Smoked Candied Bacon
Enjoy the ultimate salty-sweet treat with this easy smoked candied bacon recipe! Crispy bacon coated in a homemade sweet glaze creates a mouthwatering snack you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
- 12 slices thick cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Sweet and Smoky Rub
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, and Sweet and Smoky rub.
- Put the bacon slices on a sheet pan and brush the maple syrup mixture onto one side of the bacon.
- Place the bacon on the smoker with the glazed side down and then brush the rest of the maple syrup mixture on the bacon. Close the lid of the smoker and smoke for about 15 minutes.
- Flip the bacon over, close the lid and smoke for an additional 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is cooked to your liking.
- Remove the bacon from the smoker and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Tips
resh candied bacon is always best, but leftovers will keep. Allow leftover bacon to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container or wrap in some aluminum foil.
FRIDGE: Store candied bacon in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
FREEZER: You can also freeze smoked candied bacon! Just transfer to a freezer safe container and store for up to 3 months.
Fresh candied bacon is always best, but leftovers will keep
To reheat, place on a microwave safe dish and heat for 15-30 seconds. For best results, reheat in the oven until crispy and warmed through. It is also best to thaw from frozen before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2slices, Calories: 446kcal (22%), Carbohydrates: 38g (13%), Protein: 9g (18%), Fat: 29g (45%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 48mg (16%), Sodium: 485mg (21%), Potassium: 236mg (7%), Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 34g (38%), Vitamin A: 62IU (1%), Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 61mg (6%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
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