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!

Nutriscore Rating: 40/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Begin by rinsing the pork belly under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a dry rub.

Step 3

Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork belly, ensuring it is fully coated.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

After curing, preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Preheat a skillet over medium heat and cook the slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and caramelized.

Step 11

Serve the Hillbilly Bacon hot and enjoy it as part of a breakfast platter, in a sandwich, or as a standalone snack.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1008.7 grams (1008.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4986

Total Fat 481.90g	618%
Saturated Fat 175.30g	877%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 653mg	218%
Sodium 6005mg	261%
Total Carbohydrate 72.80g	26%
Dietary Fiber 4.20g	15%
Total Sugars 62.50g
Protein 86.90g	174%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 134mg	10%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 1462mg	31%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 87.2%

Protein: 7.0%

Carbs: 5.9%