If you ever thought that bacon could not get any better, then think again! This Spicy Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon smoked on the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker is out of this world. Glazed with a spicy maple syrup, covered in brown sugar, seasoned with bbq seasoning then smoked for an hour until caramelized. It is a sweet treat for all my fans of bacon. You have to try this out!
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Bacon on Steroids
I was first introduced to candied bacon at a BBQ competition a couple years back (back when we could still do in-person competitions!). While roaming the tents of people cooking meat, I came across this little stand selling candied bacon. Being a fan of pork belly burnt ends, I thought it would be something that I would enjoy. Well… not only did I enjoy it, but I also wrote it down as a recipe that I needed to try myself. Thus, the Spicy Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon recipe was born.
Since I am in love with everything chipotle flavored, I decided that my candied bacon recipe needed to have some heat to it. Now if you do not have chipotle puree at home, just try this recipe with your favorite hot sauce. Also when it comes to the BBQ seasoning, I used my Maple Bourbon rub. Feel free to use your favorite bbq seasoning though. Whatever you use, just make sure to cook on your Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker since it will give you the best results because of its even cooking.
How did we make this Spicy Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon?
The first step in making this Spicy Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon recipe is making the maple syrup glaze. Started my smoker to 275F, and preheated a cast iron skillet over the fire box. In the skillet, I added the bourbon first in order to simmer out the alcohol flavor. Next, I will add some butter, maple syrup and hot sauce. Mix this all together until it is nicely thickened. Once that is done, it is time to coat up our bacon slices.
Add some bacon to a cooking sheet ideally on top of a grate. This will help to catch the bacon drippings as well as to cook the bacon on all sides for a nice crispy texture. Lather the spicy maple syrup sauce we just made over the bacon, crumble brown sugar over top then lightly coat with your bbq seasoning. This is not an exact science, so don’t be afraid of things not looking perfect. Once the bacon is ready to go, we will add it to the smoker to cook for 25-35 minutes.
We are going to look for the bacon to begin caramelizing, shrinking and the fat rendering. Once that has happened, carefully flip the bacon over and glaze the opposite side with more spicy maple syrup, brown sugar and bbq seasoning. Close the Oklahoma Joe smoker up and keep cooking for another 25-35 minutes. Once the Spicy Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon is good to go, pull it out and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Time to Enjoy!
When the Spicy Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon is cool, time to dive right in and enjoy! Top off with some sliced jalapenos for a nice kick if you like. It is a fun recipe that is great for a snack or dessert. Paired with the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker, and you are ready to win. Cheers!
Spicy Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon
Ingredients
Bacon:
- 12 strips of Bacon
- 1.5 tbsp of your Favorite BBQ Seasoning
- 3 tbsp of Brown Sugar
- Sliced Jalapeños for garnish
Spicy Maple Glaze:
- 1 tbsp of Butter
- 2.5 tbsp of Bourbon
- 1/4 cup of Maple Syrup
- 2 tsp of Chipotle Puree or your favorite Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your Oklahoma Joe Highland Smoker to 275F indirect cooking. Add wood chunks for extra smoke flavor if desired.
- In your firebox, add a cast iron skillet to warm. Add the bourbon first and let simmer for 3-4 minutes. Next, add the rest of the glaze ingredients and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened. Once done, pull off and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Lay your slices of bacon onto a cooking sheet (preferably with a grate). Lather each piece in the maple syrup glaze, crumble brown sugar over top, and lightly season with your BBQ seasoning.
- Add the bacon to the smoker and cook for about 25-35 minutes or until the outside has begun to caramelize and the fat begins to render. Once it is looking good, flip the bacon over and then glaze, crumble brown sugar and lightly season the opposite side. Continue cooking for another 25-35 minutes until it has caramelized.
- When done, pull the bacon out and let cool for 5-10 minutes (please let cool as it can be very hot!). Top with sliced jalapeños and enjoy!
