Hillbilly Bacon
Satisfy your craving for smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with this irresistible Hillbilly Bacon recipe! Made from tender pork belly, this homemade treat is cured with a bold blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of liquid smoke for that authentic, smoky essence. A drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of caramelized sweetness, making each bite utterly mouthwatering. Perfectly baked low and slow to render the fat and finished in a skillet for a crisp, golden-brown crust, this versatile creation can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast side, layered in a sandwich, or savored on its own. With just 15 minutes of prep and the patience to let the flavors develop, this DIY bacon alternative is destined to become a standout in your kitchen. Perfect for anyone who loves comfort food with a homemade twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Pork belly
- 0.25 cups Brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the pork belly under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a dry rub.
Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork belly, ensuring it is fully coated.
Place the pork belly in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Add the liquid smoke and maple syrup, then massage it into the pork to distribute the flavors.
Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (up to 48 hours for a stronger flavor), turning occasionally to ensure even curing.
After curing, preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
Remove the pork belly from the bag or container and rinse it under cold water to remove excess seasoning. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the pork belly on the wire rack and bake for 90 minutes, turning it over halfway through. This low-temperature cook renders the fat and firms up the pork.
Once baked, remove the pork belly from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into thick or thin strips, depending on your preference.
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and cook the slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and caramelized.
Serve the Hillbilly Bacon hot and enjoy it as part of a breakfast platter, in a sandwich, or as a standalone snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5071 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 481.9 g | 618% | |
| Saturated Fat | 172.7 g | 864% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 653 mg | 218% | |
| Sodium | 5580 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 96.5 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 87.4 g | ||
| Protein | 86.4 g | 173% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 174 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1580 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
