This bacon jerky recipe is sweet, spicy and I promise you won’t be able to stop eating it! Included are delicious variations including Sriracha bacon jerky, maple bacon jerky and candied bacon variations.
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If you want to learn how to make bacon jerky, you are in the right place. I will show you few different cooking methods including the oven, food dehydrator or smoker. I will also teach you how to make candied bacon which is a quicker cooking method and a slightly different texture than bacon jerky.
From Sriracha bacon jerky to maple bacon jerky to other fun flavors, you won’t know which one to choose. The best part is that all of these options are ABSOLUTELY delicious. I am not joking. You will have a hard time not eating the whole batch. Be nice and share!
Why this recipe works
- Bacon jerky is a DELICIOUS cousin of candied bacon. It has a moist chewy texture coupled with a sweet and savory flavor.
- Sometimes called bacon candy, this jerky is a perfect treat for the holiday season. It is absolutely beautiful on charcuterie boards and will take your Bloody Mary bar to the next level! If you are looking for other delicious snacks for your next party, be sure to check out these Candied Walnuts.
- You can make this jerky in your oven, food dehydrator or smoker! You can cook it low and slow or more quickly for a crunchier texture. Best of all, you make so many different flavors including Sriracha bacon jerky (if you love sweet and spicy!), maple bacon jerky or even honey, soy or garlic variations! I have used this delicious Asian Marinade to marinate this bacon and it is awesome!
Ingredients for this recipe
- Bacon: I recommend using thick sliced bacon. I used Jimmy Dean Premium Thick Sliced and it was excellent. This Hormel Thick Cut Cherrywood Bacon is also delicious for some added smoke flavor. It will provide you with a hearty chewy texture. However, if you prefer a more crunchy texture you can also use regular cut bacon. Be sure to reduce your cook time accordingly.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work for this recipe. Dark brown sugar will provide a richer molasses flavor.
- Sriracha Hot Sauce (Optional): You can use Sriracha or any hot sauce of your choice. This is flexible. If you don’t enjoy spicy, I recommend adding 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup in place of Sriracha. The sticky texture helps bind the brown sugar to the bacon. If you don’t have these options, you can still coat with just brown sugar.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): This is optional but if you enjoy spicy, this adds an extra kick. You can also substitute for rushed red pepper for some additional heat.
How to make bacon jerky
Bacon Jerky (Oven Method)
- Preheat oven 200 degrees.
- Line oven baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place oven safe baking rack on top so bacon grease can drip through.
- Mix brown sugar, Sriracha and cayenne pepper into paste.
- Separate strips of bacon and mix with paste to coat all bacon evenly.
- Lay strips of bacon on oven safe baking rack/baking sheet.
- Baked in oven for 3-4 hours until jerky reaches your desired consistency. °
- I recommend flipping halfway and sprinkling with some extra brown sugar. However, you can choose to omit this step.
Bacon Jerky (Food Dehydrator Method)
- Prepare sauce and bacon according to oven method instructions.
- Place brown sugar coated bacon in food dehydrator. Allow at least 1/2 inch of space in between slices.
- Cook in food dehydrator for 4-6 hours until it reaches your desired consistency. I recommend flipping halfway and sprinkling with some extra brown sugar. However, bacon jerky is still delicious if you choose to omit this step.
Bacon Jerky (Smoker Method)
- You will want to maintain a temperature of 200 degrees in your smoker for the duration of the process.
- Prepare sauce and bacon according to oven method instructions.
- Place brown sugar coated bacon in smoker. Allow at least 1/2 inch of space in between slices.
- Cook in smoker for 3-4 hours until it reaches your desired consistency. I recommend flipping halfway and sprinkling with some extra brown sugar. However, bacon jerky is still delicious if you choose to omit this step.
Other bacon jerky and candied bacon flavors
Sriracha bacon jerky
- Brown sugar
- Sriracha
- Cayenne
Maple bacon jerky
- Maple syrup
- Optional Spices: cayenne, crushed red pepper, onion powder, garlic powder
Other bacon jerky and candied bacon flavor ideas
If you are looking for some other seasonings or marinade ideas for your candied bacon, here are a few ideas! A good rule of thumb for your mixture, if it tastes good on its own, it will taste good on your bacon. Be sure that the thickness is such that it will coat your bacon. If it is thinner, then you can baste periodically through the cooking process.
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Asian Marinade
- Liquid smoke
- Chipotle
- Coffee/espresso
- BBQ (hickory, applewood)
- Cajun
FAQ and expert tips
Bacon jerky has a delicious chewy texture and takes on the flavor of your marinade, sauce or seasoning. For example, this Sriracha bacon jerky recipe has a delicious balance of sweet and spicy.
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, bacon jerky is generally known for a more chewy texture and is typically cooked low and slow. Candied bacon often uses a quicker cook time and produces a more crispy texture. If cooked well, they are both absolutely delicious options!
Yes. Bacon is perishable and it is best to keep bacon jerky and candied bacon refrigerated. It should be consumed within 2-3 days after making.
Looking for other delicious snacks, appetizers or sides?
If you love sweet and spicy, you will LOVE this Chicken Wing Sauce with my secret for extra crispy baked wings.
This Chickpea Cookie Dough is a delicious appetizer or snack that is not only DELICIOUS, but healthy!
This Chili Crisp is a fantastic spicy sauce with delicious umami flavor.
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Bacon Jerky
Equipment
- Baking sheet and oven safe baking rack; or food dehydrator; or smoker.
Ingredients
- 10 slices thick sliced bacon (12 oz package)
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (Optional) See Notes for substitutions if you wish to omit spicy Sriracha.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (Optional)
- 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar (light or dark) Optional: For sprinkling
Instructions
Bacon Jerky (Oven Method)
- Preheat oven 200 degrees.
- Line oven baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place oven safe baking rack on top so bacon grease can drip through.
- Mix brown sugar, Sriracha and cayenne pepper into paste.
- Separate strips of bacon and mix with paste to coat all bacon evenly.
- Lay strips of bacon on oven safe baking rack/baking sheet.
- Baked in oven for 3-4 hours until bacon jerky reaches your desired consistency. °
- I recommend flipping halfway and sprinkling with some extra brown sugar. However, bacon jerky is still delicious if you choose to omit this step.
Bacon Jerky (Food Dehydrator Method)
- Prepare sauce and bacon according to oven method instructions.
- Place brown sugar coated bacon in food dehydrator. Allow at least 1/2 inch of space in between slices.
- Cook in food dehydrator for 4-6 hours until bacon jerky reaches your desired consistency. I recommend flipping halfway and sprinkling with some extra brown sugar. However, bacon jerky is still delicious if you choose to omit this step.
Bacon Jerky (Smoker Method)
- You will want to maintain a temperature of 200 degrees in your smoker for the duration of the process.
- Prepare sauce and bacon according to oven method instructions.
- Place brown sugar coated bacon in smoker. Allow at least 1/2 inch of space in between slices.
- Cook in smoker for 3-4 hours until bacon jerky reaches your desired consistency. I recommend flipping halfway and sprinkling with some extra brown sugar. However, bacon jerky is still delicious if you choose to omit this step.
Julie
Omg this was so good! Very dangerous to have sitting around, you will want to eat all of it!
Aubrey
Thanks Julie! Could not agree more! 😂
Mike
This bacon jerky is insanity! It is so good I could not stop eating it. Save yourself the trouble and just make two batches.
Aubrey
Thank you so much Mike! I hate to say but I agree. I am a bit obsessed with this bacon jerky. 😂