While many people start their day with a classic comfort breakfast, eggs, bacon, and toast with a glass of orange juice and a steaming cup of coffee, some might wonder how you can replicate that morning magic at home. For us, there’s no better way to kick off the day than with a hearty plate of eggs, crispy bacon, and warm toast. So when we received a couple of pigs as a gift for processing, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make our very own bacon from scratch.
Here is How to Make Bacon Yourself:
To embark on the culinary adventure, gather the essential ingredients and tools: a juicy pork belly, a sharp knife, a quarter cup of salt, a quarter cup of brown sugar, and a quarter cup of syrup. Additionally, have a Ziploc bag at your disposal and don’t forget to fire up your smoker. With these elements in place, you’ll be well-prepared to start the process.
It All Starts with the Pig
While some may assume that raising pigs is a necessity for producing homemade bacon, this isn’t entirely accurate. You can simply purchase a slab of pork belly from your local market, which often proves to be an affordable option since it’s essentially plain meat without any prior processing. Whether you’ve obtained the pork belly through personal means or sourced it from a store, the process remains the same.
To begin, thoroughly rinse and dry the pork belly.
Once complete, you’ll be ready to proceed with the next step in your bacon-making journey.
The Mixture
When it comes to crafting your own unique bacon recipe, the possibilities are endless. I opted for Tim Farmer’s Country Kitchen method, which yielded delicious results. To replicate their process, you’ll need: ¼ cup of salt, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of syrup. While true maple syrup is often recommended, regular syrup will do in a pinch. For those seeking a less sweet flavor profile, simply reduce the sugar to ½ cup and maintain the same amount of salt.
The key is to strike a balance between these two essential ingredients. Once you’ve combined your curing mixture in a bowl, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Let the Fridge do the Work
To complete the curing process, you’ll need to apply your mixture evenly to every side of the bacon, making sure it’s well-coated. Next, place the pork belly in a sealable storage bag, ensuring it’s securely closed. For the next seven days, you’ll need to perform a daily ritual: flip the bag over once a day to allow the mixture to penetrate every part of the meat, maximizing flavor. Once the 7-day mark is reached, remove the meat from the fridge and give it a good rinse.
Then, place it back in the refrigerator on a baking rack with a pan underneath to catch any moisture that may drip during the drying process. Make sure the meat remains uncovered as you let it dry completely. Finally, once the meat has reached your desired level of dryness, you can remove it from the fridge and proceed to the next step in the curing process.
To the Smokehouse We Go
As the dry phase comes to a close, it’s time to introduce your bacon to the world of smoking. Whether you’ve built your own smoker or opted for a commercial model, this is where the magic happens. To facilitate the process, consider investing in a reliable bacon hanger, like those designed specifically for the task. With the meat safely suspended, allow it to smoke at a comfortable temperature below 100°F – many aficionados swear by an optimal temperature of around 80°F.
The smoking time can vary depending on personal preference, but aim to spend at least four hours or more in this phase. Crucially, ensure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches a minimum of 140-160°F before moving forward.
Trim and Slice
When you’re working with deliciously smoked pork belly from King Soopers, the next step is to remove the thick layer of skin that covers it. Use a sharp knife to cut it off, taking care not to waste any of this valuable meat. Once the skin is removed, you can slice your bacon into whatever thickness you prefer – a great benefit of making your own bacon is being able to tailor it to your taste. After slicing, fry up your bacon and get ready to use it in a variety of dishes.
Looking for inspiration? We’ve got you covered with some mouthwatering recipe ideas that showcase the best of homemade bacon.
Delicious Bacon Recipes
Bacon Fried Mozzarella Sticks
While I didn’t make any promises about the healthiness of my recipes, it’s no surprise that a dish featuring crispy bacon as its star ingredient might not exactly be a nutritional powerhouse. That being said, I think most people will agree that the combination of savory bacon and melted mozzarella cheese is a winning one. To make this delicious snack, simply stuff your fresh bacon with shredded mozzarella, then fry it until the bacon reaches a satisfying crunch and the cheese oozes out.
This recipe is not only sure to please even the pickiest eaters, but also happens to be a great fit for those following a low-carb diet – it’s high in protein and low in carbs, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Crock Pot Bacon Mac and Cheese
If macaroni and cheese is your Achilles’ heel, then you’re not alone. I’m guilty of indulging in its creamy goodness on occasion, but when I do, I want it to be an experience worth savoring. That’s why this recipe caught my eye – it elevates the classic comfort food to new heights by incorporating crispy bacon. The best part? You can make it in your crockpot, freeing up your time to focus on more pressing matters.
And let’s not forget the versatility of this dish; you can customize it with your own homemade bacon for an added layer of flavor. Try this recipe and experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
I confess: I’m a lifelong fan of chicken tenders. Yet, as I’ve grown older, my standards have evolved. Those frozen, drive-thru versions just don’t meet the mark anymore. Instead, I crave authentic, made-from-scratch tenders that pack a punch. This recipe caught my attention because it uses real chicken breasts, coated in a sweet and spicy blend that delivers on its promise of gourmet flavor without sacrificing familiarity.
What elevates this dish to new heights is the addition of crispy bacon – a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious way to incorporate their beloved bacon into a meal. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true method to showcase your bacon, look no further.
BBQ Onion Meatball Bombs
This innovative recipe is certainly a standout, and I’m eager to give it a try. The process begins with preparing a classic meatloaf mixture, which can be customized to your liking using various meats. Once all the ingredients are combined, you’re ready to start the fun part. Next, you’ll fill this mixture into an onion that’s been sliced open, essentially creating a mold to hold everything in place while infusing the dish with the sweet and savory flavors of the onion.
The finishing touches involve wrapping the whole creation in crispy bacon and securing it with toothpicks. Finally, you simply fry it up in a large pot, which could easily become an impressive one-pot meal. For added depth, consider adding a rich homemade meat sauce to elevate the dish to new heights.
Bacon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes
If you’re a fan of sloppy joes, you’ll adore this recipe that’s perfect for the whole family. It all starts with crafting your own homemade sloppy joe mix, followed by cooking up some mouthwatering homemade bacon – a crucial component in our case. The final touch is assembling everything on a bun. Imagine layering the savory sloppy joe mix, melted cheese, and crispy bacon before adding the top bun. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also filling and comforting.
As an added bonus, once you’ve mastered the art of making your own bacon, you’ll unlock a world of creative possibilities. With our help, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle even more recipes without relying on store-bought ingredients.
