Pig candy is a popular preparation of bacon or similar thinly cut cured meats whereby it is seasoned and coated in a thick layer of sugar. The sugar melts to create a candy-like texture with the salty meat inside.
The flavor is added through a barbecue rub. The heat is an optional extra via cayenne pepper but can be exchanged for chili powder or a hotter rub choice.
Once made the bacon pig candy can be eaten around the smoker, as finger food at a gathering, or as a travel snack. It can also be used as part of another recipe such as on burgers, sandwiches, or even a topping on a dessert.
The thinner the bacon the quicker it will cook so keep an eye on progress to ensure it doesn’t burn.
The amount of brown sugar and cayenne pepper is variable depending on your personal taste.
The bacon must be laid out flat with no overlaps or folds to cook and caramelized correctly.
Depending on the rack used and location of the heat source grill marks can also occur on the bacon. Adjust the setup to your preference.
The bacon can be prepared and stacked prior to laying on the rack. If you have a small smoker it may be necessary to cook in batches.
The rack can be removed with the bacon pig candy on it and put aside to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth while eating.
Bacon Pig Candy Recipe
Pig Candy is a popular sugar-glazed meat product where the salty meat pairs with the sweetness to create a moreish high-protein snack.
Preparation 10 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Ready in 25 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- Slap Yo’ Daddy "Love Me Tender" All Purpose Rub -Hot
- 2 pounds bacon (thinb or thick cut)
- 1 cup brown sugar (or as desired)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to personal preference)
Equipment
- smoker
- applewood
- wire rack
Directions
- Preheat a smoker or camp oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- Sprinkle the rub liberally on the bacon.
- Apply brown sugar to evenly coat both sides of the bacon. Tip: A lot of brown sugar caramelizes to give the bacon a candy-like taste and texture.
- Sprinkle some cayenne pepper to achieve a spicy pig candy if desired.
- Place the bacon on a wire rack then place the rack in the preheated smoker along with some apple wood to provide some smoke flavor. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes. It is cooked when the bacon becomes crisp. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 10gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 506mgPotassium: 182mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 143IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
More Bacon Recipes
Camp Oven
Praline Bacon Pig Candy
Praline bacon pig candy is sweet, salty, crunchy, and irresistible. Thick slices of bacon are coated with a maple syrup…
BBQ Smoked
Bacon-Wrapped Pickles
Two great southern classics combine in bacon-wrapped pickles. Also known as “pickle fries,” this easy-to-eat finger food will be a…
Skillet
Bacon Jam
Bacon Jam is the perfect camp condiment. It has a great salty-sweet flavor that complements almost anything, from burgers to…
