Candied Thick-Cut Bacon | Three Little Pigs BBQ Rubs & Sauces

Candied Thick-Cut Bacon with Three Little Pigs Rubs

🔥 Perfect for: BBQ appetizers, breakfast, or a next-level snack

Ingredients:

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon (the thicker, the better)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (real, not that pancake syrup nonsense)
• 1 tbsp Three Little Pigs Touch of Cherry Rub
• 1 tbsp Three Little Pigs Pecan Rub
• 1 tbsp Three Little Pigs Spicy Honey Maple Rub
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Wood choice: Cherry or pecan wood for smoking (if using a smoker)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep:
   • If using a smoker, set it to 275°F with cherry or pecan wood.
   • If using an oven, preheat to 325°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top.
2. Mix the Candied Coating:
   • In a bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, and all three rubs until it forms a thick paste.
3. Coat the Bacon:
   • Lay the bacon out on the wire rack or directly on a smoker rack.
   • Brush or rub the candied mixture onto both sides of each strip.
4. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a smoker: Smoke at 275°F for 1.5–2 hours until caramelized and crisp.
   • In an oven: Bake at 325°F for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy and golden.
5. Cool & Set:
   • Let bacon rest on a cooling rack for 5-10 minutes so the candy glaze hardens.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
   • Eat it as is or chop it into bacon candy bits for burgers, salads, or desserts.

🔥 Pro Tips:

• Spicier? Add extra cayenne or a drizzle of hot honey at the end.
• More Crunch? Sprinkle extra brown sugar over the bacon before baking.
• Want a BBQ Twist? Finish it with a light baste of BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes.

This is next-level bacon crack – once you try it, you’ll never go back! 🥓🔥

Chris Marks Chief BBQ Expert