To make your own maple black pepper bacon, you will need the following ingredients:

3 lbs skinless pork belly (trimmed to an even thickness)
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon pink curing salt (Prague Powder No. 1)

These ingredients will create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ensuring your homemade bacon stands out.

In a medium bowl, mix together the maple syrup, light brown sugar, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and pink curing salt. The pink curing salt is essential for preserving the meat and giving it that characteristic bacon flavor.

Rinse the pork belly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the pork belly in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the cure mixture over the pork belly, ensuring it is well coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly.

Refrigerate the pork belly for 5 to 7 days. Each day, flip the bag or turn the pork belly in the dish to ensure even curing. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

After the curing period, remove the pork belly from the bag and rinse off the excess cure under cold water. Pat it dry again. Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate it uncovered for 24 hours. This step allows the surface to dry and form a pellicle, which helps the smoke adhere during the cooking process.

Preheat your smoker to 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can adapt this recipe for your oven, but smoking will enhance the flavor significantly.

Once the smoker is ready, place the pork belly on the grate and smoke it until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (65°C). This typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the thickness of the pork belly and the consistency of your smoker’s temperature.

After reaching the desired temperature, remove the bacon from the smoker and let it cool to room temperature. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until it is firm, making it easier to slice. Use a sharp knife or a meat slicer to cut the bacon to your desired thickness.

When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade maple black pepper bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat. It cooks faster than store-bought bacon, so keep an eye on it to achieve your preferred level of crispiness.

Breakfast Sandwiches: Pair your bacon with eggs and cheese on a toasted bagel or bread.
BLT: Use the bacon in a classic BLT sandwich with fresh lettuce and tomatoes.
Salads: Crumble the bacon over salads for a delicious crunch.

Making your own maple black pepper bacon is a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. Not only do you get to control the ingredients, but you also get to enjoy the incredible flavors that come from this sweet and savory combination. With just a few simple steps, you can elevate your breakfast game and impress your family and friends with this homemade treat. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start curing your bacon today!