First Attempt At Homemade Bacon

Money_Hillbilly

Cleaning out the freezer and found a couple of pork bellies so I decided to try something I have wanted to do for a long time.   After tasting a buddy’s bacon, I have shied away from making bacon fearing it would be way too salty. Well I used Meatheads pepper/brown sugar recipe from amazing ribs and it came out perfect.  If you haven’t tried this go for it.  

lkapigian

Looks like a winner, can’t beat homemade bacon 

Tspud1

where is this Meathead recipe?  on Amazin Ribs?

lkapigian

Tspud1 said:

where is this Meathead recipe?  on Amazin Ribs?

yes,  my "rub" with the recipe is he discourages people from cold smoking 

https://amazingribs.com/best-maple-bacon-recipe/

JohnInCarolina

lkapigian said:

Tspud1 said:

where is this Meathead recipe?  on Amazin Ribs?

yes,  my "rub" with the recipe is he discourages people from cold smoking 

https://amazingribs.com/best-maple-bacon-recipe/

I've followed his recipe, and recently did some cold smoked vs hot-smoked to finish.  I've only done it once, but I'm not sure I noticed a huge difference.  The cold smoked batch may have been a bit more smoky, but that's about it.  

What is your experience?  I'm probably doing something wrong.

lkapigian

JohnInCarolina said:

lkapigian said:

Tspud1 said:

where is this Meathead recipe?  on Amazin Ribs?

yes,  my "rub" with the recipe is he discourages people from cold smoking 

https://amazingribs.com/best-maple-bacon-recipe/

I've followed his recipe, and recently did some cold smoked vs hot-smoked to finish.  I've only done it once, but I'm not sure I noticed a huge difference.  The cold smoked batch may have been a bit more smoky, but that's about it.  

What is your experience?  I'm probably doing something wrong.

Smoke is one thing, but further drying the bacon for a few days makes a huge difference , I will leave it hang outside for a few days weather permitting , put smoke on it several times over those days ( not all @ once )...next time do bacon, give it some additional drying time, it will deepen the flavor

Skip the smoke altogether and just let it dry in the fridge and you have pancetta