Smoked Bacon brings a whole new dimension to your meals. All you need to make it is your favorite bacon, a cast iron skillet, and your Traeger.
Do you know what’s better than bacon? Smoked bacon! If you’ve never tried making your own bacon at home, you’re missing out.
This simple ingredient, prepared in a smoker, can transform your breakfast, burgers, and even salads into gourmet experiences.
After trying this method I decided it’s the best way to enjoy bacon. I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way! So let’s get smoking and turn that pound of bacon into a culinary masterpiece!
Making smoked bacon at home is a surprisingly simple process that yields incredibly delicious results. With the help of a smoker and some quality thick-cut bacon, you can level up your breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches to new heights.
Plus, the process is fun and satisfying, particularly when you hear the rave reviews from friends and family. Seriously, there will be humming and exclamations of joy!
So why not give it a try? Fire up your smoker and let’s make the best bacon you’ve ever tasted!
Common Questions About Smoked Bacon
What kind of bacon is best for smoking?
The thickness of the bacon is important. I recommend thick cut or extra thick-cut bacon. Its hearty texture holds up well in the smoker and provides a more satisfying bite than thinner slices.
How long should you smoke bacon?
Overall, you will smoke the bacon for about 90-120 minutes, checking and repositioning the bacon in the skillet every 30 minutes. This ensures that each slice gets the delicious smoke flavor evenly.
Can I smoke bacon in an electric smoker?
Absolutely! This smoked bacon recipe can be made in any type of smoker, including an electric smoker, pellet smoker, or even an offset smoker. The process and cook time remain the same.
Storage
I am a bacon lover and, since you’re here, you must be too! Make sure to save this recipe card for later. This will probably be the most delicious bacon you’ve had yet!
Refrigerator
Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for up to one week.
Freezer
You can freeze cooked bacon for longer storage. Ensure it’s cooled fully before transferring it to a resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips
Whether it’s an electric smoker, a Traeger pellet grill, or a big green egg, this recipe is a great way to make an already amazing meat even better!
- For best results, use a cast-iron skillet. This heavy-duty pan distributes heat evenly, reducing hot spots that can lead to unevenly cooked bacon.
- It’s okay if the bacon overlaps in the skillet at the beginning since it will shrink as it cooks.
- The bacon will firm up a bit as it cools, so be sure not to overcook it.
- Save your bacon grease for future cooking. It’s great for frying eggs or potatoes.
- To avoid a grease fire, allow the grease to cool before moving it.
Ingredients
I love it when an ingredients list is this simple. Nothing complicated here. A little smoke time and you’re on your way to greatness!
- Thick-cut bacon
- Wood chips of your choice
How to Make Smoked Bacon
This recipe calls for a skillet but you can also use aluminum foil straight on the rack of your smoker. Do what works best for you!
- Preheat the smoker to 200 degrees f.
- Arrange the bacon slices in the skillet. Overlapping slices are okay.
- Once the smoker is ready, place the skillet on the grate, close the lid, and set a timer for 30 minutes.
- Check and reposition the bacon every 30 minutes, continuing to smoke for about 90 minutes.
- Then increase the smoker’s temperature to 300 and cook for another 20-30 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess grease.
- Once the grease has cooled in the pan, transfer it to a mason jar for future use.
- Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Smoked Bacon
Cooking food on the home smoker is one of my favorite things of all time. I absolutely love the smell of the smoke as it wafts around my yard. There’s nothing better!
- Large cast iron skillet
- Electric Smoker
- Timer
- Plate
- Paper towels
What to Serve With Smoked Bacon
Smoked bacon is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with many dishes. It’s a delicious twist on a classic breakfast when served with eggs and toast. Or, try it on a BLT sandwich or crumbled over a salad for a smoky, savory crunch.
Why You Should Make Smoked Bacon
Bacon and a smoker. That’s reason enough for me!
- It’s a fun and simple way to elevate your bacon.
- Homemade smoked bacon tastes fresher and more flavorful than store-bought.
- You can control the level of smoke flavor and crispiness.
- Smoking your own bacon can be a satisfying and rewarding cooking project.
Variations and Add-Ins for Smoked Bacon
Change things up to suit your own taste! Whether it’s the type of bacon or the seasonings you add, this is an opportunity to find your own favorite way.
- For a sweet twist, try maple bacon by brushing your slices with maple syrup halfway through the smoking process.
- You can experiment with different types of wood in your smoker, such as apple wood or cherry wood, to subtly change the flavor of your smoked bacon.
- Try adding spices or rubs to your bacon before smoking for an extra flavor boost.
- Use different types of bacon you can find at the store. An applewood bacon would work nicely. You could even try cured pork belly for even thicker, heartier meat.
If you love this easy bacon recipe, you’re going to love these other bacon recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Ways to Cook Bacon
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Smoked Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon thick-cut
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 200 degrees.
- Arrange the bacon in the skillet. It’s okay if it is overlapping since it will shrink as it cooks.
- Once the smoker is ready, place the skillet on the grate, close the lid and set the timer for 30 minutes.
- Overall, you will smoke the bacon for about 90 minutes – checking and repositioning the bacon in the skillet every 30 minutes.
- Then increase the temp to 300 and cook for another 20-30 minutes depending on your desired doneness. Keep in mind that the bacon will firm a bit as it cools, so be sure to not overcook.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess grease.
- Once the grease has cooled in the pan, transfer it to a mason jar and store it in the fridge for future cooking.
- Keep any leftover bacon in the fridge in an airtight container.
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet
- electric smoker/ Traeger
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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