Get ready to elevate your breakfast game and add a smoky twist to your favorite dishes! Homemade bacon is a treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, and with these 18 savory recipes, you’ll be hooked. From classic flavors like maple-glazed and brown sugar-cured, to spicy and herby options like garlic-infused and jalapeño-stuffed, there’s something for every palate.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through the wonderful world of homemade bacon, exploring the different techniques, ingredients, and flavor combinations that make it so irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to inspire you to get cooking and create your own deliciously smoky masterpieces.
Classic Maple-Glazed Homemade Bacon
Start your day off right with a sweet and savory twist on traditional bacon. This classic maple-glazed recipe is easy to make and adds a delicious new dimension to breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between each slice.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the bacon slices.
6. Sprinkle with smoked paprika if desired.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Brown Sugar Cured Bacon
Transform your morning routine with this sweet and savory take on classic bacon. This Spicy Brown Sugar Cured Bacon recipe is a game-changer for breakfast enthusiasts!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or Canadian bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto the bacon.
4. Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or tray.
5. Pour apple cider vinegar into a shallow dish, just large enough to hold the bacon.
6. Cure the bacon for 7-10 days, flipping every few days. After curing, pat dry with paper towels and cook in oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 7-10 days (curing), 15-20 minutes (cooking)
Garlic and Herb Infused Bacon
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this simple yet flavorful recipe. By combining the richness of bacon with the pungency of garlic and herbs, you’ll create a savory delight that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the bacon slices.
5. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary and thyme over the garlic.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Applewood Smoked Homemade Bacon
Elevate your breakfast game with this mouthwatering recipe for homemade bacon, infused with the rich flavor of applewood smoke.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork belly, skin removed
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons pink curing salt (optional)
– 1/4 cup applewood chips or chunks
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Place the bacon on the smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Tips:
For a more intense smoke flavor, increase the applewood chip or chunk amount to 1/2 cup or more. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount to 1-2 tablespoons.
Honey Mustard Glazed Bacon Strips
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with these sweet and savory honey mustard glazed bacon strips. A perfect combination of crispy, smoky bacon and sticky, tangy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Lay the bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar until smooth.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over the bacon strips.
6. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the top (if using).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peppered Black Pepper Bacon Recipe
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this flavorful and aromatic peppered black pepper bacon recipe, featuring a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon (preferably applewood-smoked)
– 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the black peppercorns into coarse powder.
3. Mix the ground pepper with coriander seeds and brown sugar.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
5. Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Sprinkle the pepper mixture evenly over the bacon, making sure each slice is coated.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Paprika and Chili Bacon
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this flavorful combination of smoked paprika and chili bacon. This recipe is perfect for topping scrambled eggs, grilled meats, or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.
5. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the bacon slices.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bourbon-Cured Homemade Bacon
Elevate your breakfast game with this rich and savory homemade bacon recipe infused with the smooth flavors of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, skin removed
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons black pepper
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon pink curing salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to coat it evenly.
3. Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or tray.
4. Cover the pork belly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for 7 days.
5. After 7 days, remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and rinse off the cure under cold running water.
6. Pat dry with paper towels and cut into desired strips.
7. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple and Brown Sugar Smoked Bacon
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and savory take on classic smoked bacon. The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a rich, caramel-like flavor that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Place the bacon slices in a large container or zip-top bag.
4. Pour the maple-brown sugar mixture over the bacon, making sure each slice is coated.
5. If using apple cider vinegar, drizzle it evenly over the bacon.
6. Smoke or grill the bacon for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Jalapeño and Cheddar Stuffed Bacon
Elevate your snack game with this spicy and savory recipe, perfect for game day or a quick indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (about 2-3 peppers)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños.
3. Lay the bacon slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Divide the cheese-jalapeño mixture evenly among the bacon slices, placing it along the center of each slice.
5. Sprinkle brown sugar and smoked paprika (if using) over the filling.
6. Roll the bacon slices into cylinders, starting from one end, and secure with a toothpick if needed.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 12-15 pieces of stuffed bacon
Sweet and Smoky Homemade Bacon
This recipe adds a sweet and tangy twist to traditional bacon-making by incorporating brown sugar and smoked paprika into the curing process. The result is a deliciously flavored homemade bacon that’s perfect for adding a unique touch to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or back bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 2 tablespoons pink curing salt (optional)
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Preparing the cure: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, kosher salt, pink curing salt (if using), smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Curing the bacon: Rub the cure all over the pork belly or back bacon, making sure to cover it evenly.
3. Resting the bacon: Place the coated bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or tray. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
4. Cooking the bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the bacon from the cure and place it on a broiler pan or foil-lined baking sheet. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
5. Cooling and storing: Let the cooked bacon cool completely before slicing and storing in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rosemary and Thyme Flavored Bacon
Elevate your breakfast game with this aromatic and savory bacon recipe, perfectly seasoned with the herbal flavors of rosemary and thyme. This flavorful twist on classic bacon is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 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, mix together olive oil, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme.
4. Place the bacon on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Brush the rosemary-thyme mixture evenly over both sides of the bacon.
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coffee-Rubbed Homemade Bacon
Elevate your bacon game with this unique recipe that combines the rich flavors of coffee and smoky spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, skin removed
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground coffee
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, coffee, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the coffee 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 broiler pan.
5. Bake for 2 hours, or until the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Tips: For a crisper texture, increase the cooking time by 30 minutes to 1 hour. Store leftover bacon in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Teriyaki Glazed Bacon Strips
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet addictive recipe that combines the richness of bacon with the sweetness of teriyaki sauce. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Lay the bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between each strip.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and grated ginger until smooth.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over the bacon strips, making sure to get both sides.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Crusted Bacon
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this irresistible recipe that combines the richness of bacon, the pungency of garlic, and the creaminess of parmesan.
Ingredients:
– 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Place the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly onto each bacon slice, leaving a 1-inch border at the edges.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over the bacon to prevent sticking.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Candied Pecan Crusted Bacon
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this sweet and savory combination of crispy bacon, crunchy pecans, and caramelized sugar. Perfect for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup candied pecans (see note)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and honey until well combined.
4. Place the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle the candied pecans evenly over the bacon slices.
6. Drizzle the brown sugar-honey mixture over the pecans and bacon.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Bacon with Molasses Glaze
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and savory take on classic bacon. This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoked bacon with a sticky molasses glaze that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked bacon, thick-cut
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Lay the smoked bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground mustard until smooth.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over the bacon slices.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized and the bacon is crispy.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Homemade Bacon with Cracked Black Pepper
Elevate your breakfast game with this simple recipe for homemade bacon infused with the bold flavor of cracked black pepper. This crispy, savory delight is perfect for topping eggs, waffles, or simply snacking on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly (or thick-cut bacon)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or tray.
5. Pour the water into the pan, making sure the pork belly is not submerged.
6. Cure for 7 days, letting the mixture sit at room temperature (around 70°F/21°C).
7. After 7 days, rinse off the cure under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
8. Cook in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover 18 mouth-watering homemade bacon recipes that will elevate your breakfast and dinner game! From classic maple-glazed to spicy brown sugar cured, these savory treats are sure to please. Try adding garlic and herb for an aromatic twist or infuse with applewood smoke for a rich flavor profile. Sweet and smoky combinations abound, along with bold flavors like bourbon-cured and peppered black pepper. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, there’s a recipe on this list to satisfy your bacon cravings.
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