Join fellow bacon enthusiasts on a culinary adventure as we dive into the wonderful world of homemade bacon cure recipes! If you’re tired of relying on store-bought options and yearn for a more customized and mouthwatering experience, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into some of the most sought-after bacon cure recipes that will take your breakfasts, sandwiches, and everything in between to the next level.
Get ready to ignite your taste buds and uncover the secrets to crafting irresistible bacon that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Maple Bourbon Bacon Home Cured
Indulge in the rich flavors of Maple Bourbon Bacon Home Cured, a mouthwatering recipe that harmoniously blends the velvety smoothness of maple syrup with the deep, warm notes of bourbon. By curing pork belly with a precise balance of salt, sugar, and spices, this delectable treat is then coaxed to perfection through smoking or baking processes.
The outcome is a succulent and savory bacon infused with subtle sweetness and a whisper of smokiness, making every bite a reward for the time and effort invested in crafting this exceptional homemade bacon.
Bacon
This comprehensive bacon cure recipe showcases three distinct methods: pumping, immersion, and dry curing. Among these, the dry curing approach stands out for its bold and complex flavor profile. By combining salt, Cure #1, and a blend of spices, you can achieve a rich and satisfying taste experience. The recommended proportions involve 2.5% salt and 2% maple syrup, with the flexibility to increase the maple syrup by double to create a sweeter variation.
This harmonious balance of ingredients yields a delectable combination that is sure to please. Additionally, the recipe allows for the incorporation of various seasonings such as black pepper, garlic, onion, and spices to further personalize the flavor profile. Overall, this straightforward and easy-to-follow guide enables you to successfully cure bacon at home with ease.
Homemade Bacon
Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade bacon with this straightforward recipe for curing and smoking your own deliciously thick-cut bacon. By incorporating sweet notes from maple syrup and brown sugar, this dry cure recipe caters to a variety of tastes. With enough seasoning for 20 pounds of meat, simply refrigerate the mixture for about a week to allow the flavors to meld together.
Take it to the next level by infusing the cured bacon with the subtle nuances of apple or hickory wood through a few hours of smoking. Perfect for bacon enthusiasts eager to experiment and create their own signature flavor profiles.
Cottage Bacon
While traditional bacon is typically made from pork belly, cottage bacon takes things up a notch by using a meatier cured pork shoulder. This results in a noticeably salty flavor profile with subtle smoky undertones. The recipe itself involves a blend of ingredients, including Prague powder, salt, brown sugar, black pepper, and sweet paprika.
With its unique flavor and versatility, cottage bacon can be enjoyed on its own or used as an addition to sandwiches, omelets, salads – the possibilities are endless.
Home Smoked Bacon
Discover the art of crafting your own mouthwatering home-smoked bacon with ease! This uncomplicated recipe guides you through the process, providing valuable insights and essential tools needed to create delectable strips. By emphasizing the significance of choosing top-notch pork belly and offering creative solutions for utilizing any irregular ends, Home Smoked Bacon is an ideal choice for bacon enthusiasts seeking a richer culinary adventure.
Homemade Smoked Bacon
Indulging in the rich flavor of homemade smoked bacon is a culinary experience unlike any other. The recipe’s versatility lies in its two distinct cure options – peppered and maple – each yielding a distinct flavor profile. A 7-day curing period allows for optimal results, resulting in a pink hue throughout and a satisfying texture. By taking the reins to make your own smoked bacon, you can expect a significantly superior taste compared to store-bought alternatives.
Homemade Maple-Espresso Bacon
Incorporating the richness of maple syrup and the boldness of espresso into your homemade bacon, this recipe yields a truly exceptional culinary creation. As the sweet and savory flavors meld together, the tender and juicy texture of the finished bacon is simply irresistible, with its deep mahogany color adding a pop of visual appeal.
While the massaging process may not dramatically alter the taste, the slow smoking at 200°F for an extended period of 4 1/2 hours is where the magic happens, resulting in a sumptuous and indulgent bacon experience that’s perfect for experimentation and substitution in a variety of dishes.
Homemade Hickory Smoked Bacon
Transform your kitchen with this delectable homemade Hickory Smoked Bacon recipe, which relies on just four essential ingredients: kosher salt, coarse ground pepper, Prague powder (pink curing salt), and pure maple sugar. This seven-day process involves a gentle dance of rubbing the dry mixture onto pork belly, followed by daily refrigeration and flipping.
The end result is a mouthwatering, tender, and salty bacon that’s sure to surpass store-bought alternatives in terms of flavor and satisfaction.
Classic Pancetta
With Classic Pancetta, you can easily create your own cured pork belly using a dry cure method that’s as straightforward as it is flavorful. The process involves hanging the pancetta to air dry for 7-10 days, allowing the natural juices to concentrate and the meat to develop its characteristic cured taste. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds a traditional touch, while also helping to deter any unwanted bugs from getting in on the curing action.
While you can certainly cook and enjoy your homemade pancetta immediately, this recipe also invites you to take things to the next level by air drying it for 4-6 months – perfect for adding a deliciously cured element to your charcuterie board.
Homemade No Nitrates Low Sugar Bacon
Indulge in the rich flavor of homemade No Nitrates Low Sugar Bacon, a healthier alternative to store-bought options. This recipe, made from pork belly and a blend of fundamental seasonings, is not only Keto, Low Carb, Paleo, Dairy & Gluten Free but also offers a perfect balance between saltiness and subtle sweetness courtesy of coconut sugar. The absence of unnecessary additives makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a homemade bacon solution without the extra baggage.
With its ease of slicing and cooking, this delightful option is ideal for breakfast or any dish that requires the savory goodness of bacon.
Homemade Canadian and Irish Bacon
Transform your pork loin into mouthwatering Canadian and Irish bacon with this straightforward and reliable recipe. By following the clear guidelines, you’ll be able to achieve the ideal balance of flavors and textures for both styles of bacon. The result is a product that boasts a lean meat-to-fat ratio and a longer curing time, making it an excellent choice for breakfast sandwiches or as a substitute for ham.
Whether you prefer it smoked or roasted, this homemade bacon exceeds store-bought alternatives in terms of quality and taste.
Peameal Bacon
Crafted from boneless pork loin, Peameal Bacon is a mouth-watering cured delicacy that boasts a distinct flavor profile. The process of creating this delectable treat involves a four-day brine curing phase, followed by a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven roasting. This precise combination yields a crispy, savory bacon with a leaner and more nutritious composition compared to traditional cuts.
Its one-of-a-kind taste has made it a favored choice among food enthusiasts, who relish it as the main event or incorporate it into a variety of recipes.
Homemade Maple Canadian Bacon
Transforming your breakfast routine with homemade flair, the Maple Canadian Bacon recipe is an absolute winner. By incorporating cured pork loin with subtle maple and sage undertones, you’ll create a lean and convenient morning staple that outshines its store-bought counterpart. The thoughtful addition of Grade B dark maple syrup lends a unique dimension to the dish, while fresh sage and dried whole leaf thyme bring forth a rich depth of flavor.
Whether you choose to smoke it over applewood or bake it in the oven, the outcome is nothing short of mouthwatering. This recipe’s versatility also allows for effortless scaling up, making it ideal for larger gatherings or meal prep. With a shelf life of up to 10 days in the refrigerator and longer-term storage possibilities in the freezer, you can enjoy this delightful creation whenever the mood strikes.
Homemade Cured Ham
Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade cured ham, a culinary masterpiece that demands dedication and time. A carefully crafted brine solution, comprising brown sugar, coarse sea salt, and curing salt, imbues the ham with its signature taste profile.
Once the ham has absorbed the brine’s essence, it’s transformed through a roasting process in the oven, culminating in a velvety glaze made from brown sugar and honey.
The final product is a delectable cured ham that can be savored in various ways, such as paired with cheese or nestled within sandwiches.
Homemade Buckboard Bacon
Homemade Buckboard Bacon is a mouthwatering charcuterie recipe that boasts a perfect balance of meaty goodness and rich flavors. The key to its success lies in the use of pork neck, which provides an ideal ratio of lean meat to marbling, giving it a tender yet succulent texture.
To bring out its full flavor potential, the curing process involves a harmonious blend of salt, curing salt, and seasonings, followed by a leisurely smoking period that can last anywhere from 3 to 4 hours or longer for an added layer of complexity. The final step is to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature, rendering it fully cooked and ready to enjoy.
What elevates this recipe even further are the judicious additions of salt, pepper, garlic, and honey, which combine to create a sublime taste experience. The smoking process itself is equally crucial, as the clean, thin blue smoke infused by woods like hickory, pecan, and cherry adds an unmistakable depth and character to the finished product. In short, Homemade Buckboard Bacon is a delectable and versatile recipe that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Brine
To craft a delicious ham using the Brine recipe, you’ll need a combination of kosher salt, brown sugar, pink curing salt, pickling spice, and molasses mixed with water. The key to success lies in ensuring that the pork roast remains fully submerged in the brine solution throughout the curing process. This is crucial for achieving optimal results. The duration of the brining process depends on the weight of the pork, with a general guideline suggesting one day of brining for every two pounds.
By following this ratio and carefully adhering to the recipe’s instructions, you’ll be able to successfully cure your ham and prepare it for smoking.
Homemade Guanciale
In Italy, Guanciale is a beloved cured pork cheek dish renowned for its bold flavors. To create this mouthwatering delicacy, you’ll need to combine salt, spices, and patience – a minimum of two months’ worth, to be exact. The payoff is a tender, nuanced meat that can be savored on its own or used as a base for rich sauces. For an added layer of complexity, consider smoking the Guanciale to amplify its already impressive flavor profile.
This recipe offers a delectable departure from traditional bacon, inviting you to explore new culinary horizons.
Boiled Baby Potatoes with Butter Bacon Sauce
This delectable side dish, Boiled Baby Potatoes with Butter Bacon Sauce, is a harmonious blend of tender baby potatoes, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions that will undoubtedly delight anyone who savors the rich flavor of bacon. The infusion of fresh dill and green onions adds a revitalizing element, while serving it with sour cream creates a decadent experience.
With its ease of preparation and versatility, this recipe is an excellent choice for adding a quick and satisfying touch to any meal.
Breakfast Brunch Nachos
Indulge in the ultimate hangover remedy: Breakfast Brunch Nachos. This mouth-watering recipe is stacked with layers of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and a medley of flavors, including spring onion, homemade tomato salsa, black beans, sweetcorn, and savory pancetta or bacon. The pièce de résistance? A generous drizzle of melted cheese and a spicy kick from Franks red hot sauce. For an added breakfast twist, crack in some eggs for a satisfying morning treat.
These loaded nachos are the epitome of comfort food, sure to soothe even the most tender of mornings.
Smoked Salmon Candy
Innovative twists on traditional recipes can often lead to delightful surprises. The Smoked Salmon Candy recipe is no exception, offering a distinct departure from the norm. What sets this recipe apart is its focus on achieving a precise texture – be it moist and tender or slightly dry and chewy. By acknowledging previous concerns about saltiness, the author has also provided a modified version with minimal added salt.
For an authentic smoking experience, the recipe recommends using either apple or alder wood, which adds a depth of flavor to the finished product. Additionally, a glazing step is included to infuse the salmon candy with a sweet and spicy layer, elevating its overall appeal. With clear instructions and attention to detail, this recipe empowers home cooks to create a truly exceptional snack that will surely impress.
Dry Rubbed Ribs
Indulge in the rich flavors of our iconic Dry Rubbed Ribs recipe, where tender meat effortlessly falls off the bone. The harmonious blend of a savory dry rub and liquid smoke creates an unparalleled taste experience that will leave you craving more. Whether cooked to perfection in the oven or on the grill, this low and slow cooking method guarantees fall-off-the-bone tenderness. A must-try for any BBQ enthusiast, these Dry Rubbed Ribs are sure to become a new favorite.
Homemade Dry-Cured Speck
Crafting Homemade Dry-Cured Speck requires some effort, but the end result is a delectable, aromatic salumi that rivals store-bought varieties. To start, you’ll need to debone and butterfly a pork leg, followed by a slow and deliberate cold-smoking process using oak and cherry wood. After the drying and smoking stages, the speck undergoes a maturation period of 6-24 months, during which it develops a firm texture and an intensely rich, porky flavor profile.
When you take your first bite, you’ll be greeted by a subtle smokiness, a hint of spiciness, and the herbaceous notes of the curing process. The speck’s tangy taste is pleasantly balanced by its rich fat content, which melts effortlessly in your mouth. This savory delight pairs beautifully with homemade sourdough bread and a fresh tomato or two.
