Smoked maple-glazed bacon takes the timeless breakfast favorite and elevates it to new heights with a tantalizingly sweet coating of maple syrup, brown sugar, and a special blend of seasonings. This irresistible treat, with its perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and saltiness, is not just limited to breakfast. It’s a delightful snack that can be enjoyed anytime, thanks to its addictive flavor profile.
The key to creating the best maple-glazed bacon lies in the choice of bacon itself. Opting for a thick-cut bacon is highly recommended as it provides a solid foundation. While peppered or maple bacon can be tempting, I prefer to craft my own seasoning profile, which is why I gravitate towards classic apple or hickory smoked bacon.
Ingredients for Smoked Maple-Glazed Bacon:
- 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of Sweet Rub seasoning
Maple syrup plays a dual role in this recipe as both a flavor enhancer and a binder. I generously brush it onto the bacon before adding a layer of brown sugar and a generous sprinkle of my Sweet Rub seasoning. The Sweet Rub, featuring a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and more, imparts classic BBQ flavors without overpowering the bacon’s natural deliciousness.
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this mouthwatering smoked maple-glazed bacon:
Preheat your smoker. Get your favorite smoker up to a temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Applewood is my go-to choice of wood when smoking bacon, but hickory, cherry, maple, or pecan also work beautifully for this recipe.
Arrange the bacon. Place the bacon strips in a single layer on an elevated flat rack positioned over a foil-lined cookie sheet. This elevation allows the bacon fat to render and fall away, preventing excessive saturation and ensuring the bacon doesn’t stick to the foil due to caramelized sugars.
Season the bacon. Brush the top side of the bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle it with brown sugar and Sweet Rub seasoning.
Smoke the bacon. Transfer the baking rack with the bacon to the smoker and let it cook for approximately 12-15 minutes. Smoke the bacon slowly, allowing all the sugar to melt and envelop the bacon while the edges begin to wrinkle.
Flip and season again. Carefully flip the bacon over on the rack and apply another layer of maple syrup, followed by a sprinkle of brown sugar and Sweet Rub seasoning.
Finish smoking. Continue cooking the bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes in total.
Enjoy the tantalizing flavors. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the smoker and serve it while still warm. To avoid burning your guests’ taste buds, give the bacon a moment to cool slightly as the sugars in the Sweet Rub will be hot.
Can I Make Maple-Glazed Bacon in the Oven?
Absolutely! This mouthwatering bacon can also be prepared in the oven. To make classic maple-glazed bacon in your oven, simply follow the same temperature and time guidelines provided in the recipe.
Most smokers operate similarly to ovens in terms of heat circulation. However, every oven is unique, so it’s essential to keep a close eye on your bacon to prevent burning.
Tips for Perfecting Your Maple-Glazed Bacon:
Use a wire baking rack. Place the bacon on a wire baking rack placed over a foil-lined pan. This allows the bacon to crisp up better without sitting in its own rendered fat, and it also simplifies cleaning up afterward.
Check halfway through cooking. Since smokers can have hot spots, it’s a good idea to check on your bacon halfway through the cooking process. This way, you can adjust the position of the pan to avoid any potential burning or over-caramelization before it’s too late.
Embrace the chewiness. Keep in mind that candied bacon will never achieve the same level of crispiness as pan-fried bacon. The sugar coating on the exterior causes the fat to render out and the sugar to melt and caramelize, resulting in a sticky, chewy texture. Embrace this unique texture, as it’s part of the charm of candied bacon.
Now that you have all the tips and instructions, here’s a summarized version of the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of Sweet Rub
Instructions:
Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a flat cooking rack on top of the baking sheet and lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack.
Brush the top side of the bacon with maple syrup, then sprinkle each piece with brown sugar and the Sweet Rub seasoning.
Place the baking sheet in the smoker and close the lid. Smoke for 12-15 minutes until the fat has rendered, the sugar has melted, and the edges have started to wrinkle.
Carefully flip the bacon over and brush the top side with maple syrup. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and Sweet Rub seasoning.
Close the lid and smoke for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Remove the bacon from the smoker and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
With these instructions and tips in mind, you’re ready to create a batch of mouthwatering smoked maple-glazed bacon. Whether enjoyed alongside breakfast dishes or as a standalone snack, this irresistible treat is sure to delight your taste buds.
