Homemade Applewood-Smoked Maple Bacon

Making bacon has been on my to-do list for a while now. I was able to find some nice pork belly in the butcher case, so I grabbed a few pounds and set off on making this homemade applewood-smoked maple bacon.

The end result was absolutely great. This is easily the best bacon I’ve ever had. There’s a hint of maple, a hint of smoke, and great texture and flavor. Outstandingly good and so easy that I will always make bacon from here on any time that I have my smoker going.

Homemade Applewood-Smoked Maple Bacon

Price-wise, this homemade applewood-smoked maple bacon is also cheaper than store bought, and you can slice it any way that you like, from super thick to wafer thin. I think I paid about $1.99/pound for the pork. I did have to remove the skin (which I saved for making cracklins at a later time). That took a little effort. If you get your pork belly from a butcher you might want to ask to have the skin removed for you.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this bacon.

Also try my Sriracha and chipotle bacon.

Homemade Applewood-Smoked Maple Bacon
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Applewood-Smoked Maple Bacon

Making bacon has been on my to-do list for a while now. I was able to find some nice pork belly in the butcher case, so I grabbed a few pounds and set off on making this homemade applewood-smoked maple bacon.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, homemade, smoked
Prep Time 7 days
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 7 days 2 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 5129kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pound pork belly skin removed (save for making cracklins). Choose a belly that is consistent in thickness so that it cooks evenly.
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pink Curing Salt
  • 3 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons maple syrup Grade B if you can find it, otherwise Grade A will work do
  • ½ cup cold water

Instructions

  • Put the belly into a large resealable bag.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Add to the baggie.
  • Seal the bag, trying to remove as much air as possible. Place in to a deep flat pan (in case the bag leaks) in the fridge for 7 days, flipping over twice a day.
  • The day you are ready to smoke, fire up your smoker for 225 F cooking over a light wood such as apple.
  • Remove belly from the bag and rinse well with cold water.
  • Place belly onto smoker and smoke for 1 1/2-2 hours or until the meat reaches 150 F.
  • Remove belly from smoker and let cool slightly before placing in the fridge for an hour.
  • Slice bacon as desired. Bake, pan fry, or use however you wish!
  • Store smoked bacon in a plastic bag or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 5129kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 85g | Fat: 481g | Saturated Fat: 175g | Cholesterol: 653mg | Sodium: 7285mg | Potassium: 2061mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 95g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.