Delicious Bacon Jerky

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Total Time: 6

Servings:

Calories: 253kcal

Make easy bacon jerky in your food dehydrator, oven, or smoker.

Print Recipe

Equipment

Food Dehydrator optional (oven or smoker may be used)

Ingredients

12 oz Regular cut bacon Thick cut bacon is ok

Optional Seasonings (choose one)

Coarse ground black pepper adjust amount as desired
Maple syrup
Teriyaki sauce

Sweet Smoky Marinade

½ cup Cold water
1 ½ tbsp Brown sugar
1 tsp Liquid smoke
⅛ tsp Cayenne pepper optional

Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub

⅓ cup Brown sugar
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tbsp Chipotle chili powder

Instructions

For Marinades: If using a marinade, place bacon in a bowl or sealed bag with marinade. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Drain and discard liquid before dehydrating bacon
For Rubs and Dry Seasonings: Coat the bacon with the dry rub or seasoning mix. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours for best flavor.

Dehydrating Instructions

If using an oven or smoker, preheat to 200°F
Place raw bacon strips on dehydrator trays (for food dehydrator) or a wire rack over a baking sheet with edges to contain the grease (for oven or smoker).
If using a food dehydrator, se the temperature to 160°F

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Cook based on the following times for each temperature depending on the type or cut of bacon you are using. Check the jerky once it reaches the lowest amount of time for your setting.
Dehydrator - Regular Cut Bacon: 160°F 5-6 hrs
Dehydrator - Thick Cut Bacon: 160°F 7-8 hrs
Oven/Smoker - Regular Cut bacon: 200°F 2-3 hrs
Oven/Smoker - Thick Cut Bacon: 200°F 3-4 hrs
The bacon jerky is done when the lean meat is dry and chewy. It should break in half rather than bending.

Notes

If you use maple syrup, the brown sugar rub, or teryaki sauce the bacon jerky will be slightly sticky. Consider placing wax paper between the slices for storage.

Nutrition