We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For details please review the terms of the  Privacy Policy.

Skip to Main Content
Start Traegering With 0%* APR Financing  |Shop Now

Applewood Smoked Bacon

10

2

Apple

The Traeger Bacon 101 class is officially in session. Cure and slow smoke your way to homemade bacon goodness that will have you ditching the store-bought stuff for good. Plan ahead, the bacon takes 8 days to fully cure. Flip every 2 days for even curing.

8

:

main

  • 1/2 Cup kosher salt

  • 1/2 Cup brown sugar

  • 1 Tablespoon crushed black pepper

  • 2 Pound pork belly, skin removed

  • 1

    In a small bowl, mix together the salt, brown sugar, and black pepper.

    • 1/2 Cup kosher salt

    • 1/2 Cup brown sugar

    • 1 Tablespoon crushed black pepper

  • 2

    Evenly cover the pork belly with the cure mixture. Place in a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.

    • 2 Pound pork belly, skin removed

  • 3

    Cure the pork belly in the refrigerator for 8 days, flipping every 2 days to ensure the juices are evenly distributed.

  • 4

    After 8 days, remove the pork belly from the fridge. Rinse the pork belly well, being sure to get all the cure off, and pat dry.

  • 5

    When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 180℉ and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke, if available.

    : 180 ˚F

  • 6

    Spread a layer of ice in a rimmed baking sheet, place a wire rack on top of the ice, then place the pork belly on the rack. (The ice will prevent the pork belly from getting too hot while smoking.)

  • 7

    Insert the probe horizontally into the center of the pork belly, avoiding any large pockets of fat, if possible. Place the pan with the ice and pork belly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke the pork belly until the internal temperature reaches 150℉, 2-3 hours.

    : 180 ˚F

    : 150 ˚F

  • 8

    Remove the bacon from the grill and wrap in plastic wrap, then place in freezer for 30-60 minutes, or until the meat is firm. This makes for easier cutting.

  • 9

    Cut the bacon crosswise to your desired thickness.

  • 10

    To cook the bacon, set the Traeger temperature to 400°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

    : 400 ˚F

  • 11

    Place the bacon slices directly on the grill grates and cook, turning once or twice, until the desired crispness is reached, 8-10 minutes.

    : 400 ˚F

  • 12

    Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then serve. Enjoy!

Cooking Notes

Read recipe notes submitted by our community or add your own notes.

No notes found.