Maple Bacon Jerky Recipe
This Maple Bacon Jerky recipe blends smoky bacon with a rich maple glaze for a sweet-and-savory snack that hits every note. The bacon slowly dries until chewy with lightly crisp edges, while the maple flavor caramelizes without turning sticky. It’s easy to make in the oven or dehydrator and stores well for snacking. You’ll get simple steps, timing guidance, and tips for balancing sweetness and smoke.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb Thick-Cut Bacon
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F.
- Set a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet so the fat drips away and cleanup’s easier.
- Mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl until the sugar dissolves and you get a smooth glaze.
- Arrange the bacon strips flat on the rack, leaving space between each.
- Brush a light, even layer of glaze on every strip.
- Slide the tray into the oven.
- Cook for 90 minutes, rotating the pan halfway so nothing gets unevenly cooked.
- Flip each strip, brush with more glaze, and return the tray to the oven for another 60 to 90 minutes.
- When the bacon looks glossy and firm, pull it out and let it cool completely.
- That’s when it tightens up to a jerky texture.