Homemade Maple Brown Sugar Cured Bacon Recipe cooked to perfection, served on a plate - Yumaroma Save Pin

Homemade Maple Brown Sugar Cured Bacon Recipe

The ultimate artisan charcuterie project: fresh pork belly dry-cured for 7 days in maple syrup, brown sugar, pink curing salt, and smoked over applewood.

Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 45 min
Servings 16
Difficulty Medium
Calories 240
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Humble pantry staples can create an extraordinary Homemade Maple Brown Sugar Cured Bacon Recipe when treated with proper heat and technique. This recipe celebrates pork belly, dark brown sugar, packed and pure vermont maple syrup in under 7 days 45 min, providing a reliable, flavor-packed dish you will want to make again and again.

Ingredients

16 servings
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Mix Dry Cure & Rub Pork Belly

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, pink curing salt, and black pepper. Rub cure all over pork belly.

2

Dry-Cure in Fridge (7 Days)

Place pork belly in a large ziplock bag. **Refrigerate for 7 days**, flipping bag daily to distribute liquid brine.

3

Rinse & Slow Smoke

Rinse cure off pork belly; pat dry. Smoke over applewood at 200°F (93°C) for **2 to 3 hours** until internal temp reaches 150°F (65°C).

4

Chill & Slice Thick

**Chill overnight in fridge**. Slice into thick bacon strips; fry in a skillet until crisp.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

  • Flip the ziplock bag daily during the 7-day cure for even distribution.
  • Chill the smoked pork belly overnight before slicing for clean, thick bacon strips.

1. Let the Meat Rest Before Slicing: Transfer cooked meat to a cutting board for 5–10 minutes before carving. Resting allows tight muscle fibers to relax and redistribute savory juices evenly throughout the cut. 2. Season in Measured Layers: Introduce small pinches of salt at different cooking stages rather than dumping seasoning on at the end. This draws out moisture and seasons every ingredient to its core. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Flip the ziplock bag daily during the 7-day cure for even distribution.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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  • What if the Sauce for Homemade Maple Brown Sugar Cured Bacon Recipe Separates or Feels Greasy?: If a dairy or emulsion sauce breaks, immediately take the pan off direct heat. Vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of hot water, broth, or cream until the velvety sheen re-emulsifies.
  • How to Rescue a Dish That Tastes Overly Salty?: Dilute with additional unsalted liquid (broth, cream, or water), or splash in a small touch of acid like fresh lemon juice or vinegar to soften sharp salinity.
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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, kept covered in the refrigerator, and baked or cooked when ready to serve.

Q: Can I substitute common pantry ingredients? A: Yes, this recipe is forgiving. Check our substitution notes in the ingredient card for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Step 1 of 4

Mix Dry Cure & Rub Pork Belly

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, pink curing salt, and black pepper. Rub cure all over pork belly.

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