Pepper Bacon Cure Recipe for Perfectly Flavored Bacon

If you’re a fan of rich, smoky flavors and crave that perfect balance of spice and savory goodness, making your own pepper bacon cure at home is an absolute game changer. This recipe not only elevates your bacon to a whole new level of deliciousness but also allows you to control every ingredient, ensuring freshness and quality.

Whether you’re a seasoned charcuterie enthusiast or a curious home cook, curing bacon with a peppery twist will impress your family and friends alike. Plus, homemade bacon has that unbeatable aroma and texture that store-bought varieties simply can’t match.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the process of creating a pepper-infused curing mix, explain the best methods for curing and drying, and share tips to get the most flavor out of your bacon.

Ready to bring gourmet bacon into your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pepper bacon cure recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and homemade kitchen projects. By infusing your cure with cracked black pepper and other complementary spices, you achieve a complex, peppery bite that enhances the natural pork flavor without overpowering it.

Unlike commercial bacon, this recipe uses natural curing agents and simple ingredients you can trust. You’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of making bacon from scratch, giving you creative control over saltiness, spice, and texture.

Plus, it’s a fun culinary adventure that connects you with traditional preservation techniques.

If you’re interested in exploring other tasty homemade recipes, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or try the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for a plant-based twist.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds pork belly, skin removed
• 1/2 cup kosher salt (for curing)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Prague Powder #1 (curing salt, optional but recommended for safety and color)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (enhances savory notes)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional for a hint of citrusy warmth)
• Freshly cracked black pepper for final coating

Equipment

• Large resealable plastic bag or non-reactive container (for curing)
• Sharp knife (to trim pork belly)
• Meat thermometer (to monitor temperature during smoking or cooking)
• Wire rack (for drying the bacon)
• Smoker or oven (for cooking the bacon)
• Mixing bowl (to prepare the cure)
• Paper towels (for patting dry)
• Plastic wrap (optional, for wrapping during curing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pork belly: Trim any excess skin from the pork belly to ensure even curing. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
2. Make the curing mix: In a bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, cracked black pepper, Prague Powder #1, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground coriander. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
3. Apply the cure: Rub the curing mixture thoroughly all over the pork belly, ensuring every surface is coated. Place the pork belly into a large resealable plastic bag or non-reactive container and seal tightly.
4. Cure the pork belly: Refrigerate the pork belly for 7 days. Each day, massage the meat gently and flip the bag or turn the container to redistribute the cure evenly.
5. Rinse and dry: After 7 days, remove the pork belly from the cure. Rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt and spices. Pat dry with paper towels thoroughly.
6. Coat with cracked black pepper: Lightly coat the entire pork belly with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra peppery crust.
7. Dry the bacon: Place the belly on a wire rack and refrigerate uncovered for 12 to 24 hours. This step forms the pellicle, a tacky surface that helps smoke adhere better if you choose to smoke the bacon.
8. Cook the bacon: You can either cold smoke the bacon for 2-3 hours at 80-90°F or bake it in a low oven at 200°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F. This ensures the bacon is safely cooked and flavorful.
9. Cool and slice: Let the bacon cool completely before slicing into your desired thickness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper smoky flavor, use hardwood chips like hickory or applewood during smoking. If you prefer a sweeter bacon, increase the brown sugar slightly and add a pinch of maple syrup to the cure.”

• Experiment with spice blends: Try adding crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, or mustard seeds to the cure for unique flavor profiles.
• Use different pepper types: Black pepper is classic, but white pepper or mixed peppercorns can add subtle nuances.
• Try no-cure bacon: Skip the Prague Powder #1 if you want to avoid curing salts, but consume within 3-4 days and keep refrigerated.
• Smoking alternatives: If you don’t have a smoker, bake the bacon in the oven and add a few drops of liquid smoke to the cure.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Once your pepper bacon is ready, the serving possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Classic breakfast: Fry up the bacon and serve alongside eggs, toast, and fresh fruit for a hearty morning meal.
• Sandwich upgrade: Add crispy pepper bacon to sandwiches or burgers for an extra layer of flavor.
• Salad topper: Crumble cooked bacon over a fresh green salad for a savory crunch. Check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for inspiration.
• Soups and stews: Stir chopped bacon into creamy soups or stews to deepen the flavor profile. For a plant-based twist, explore the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Conclusion

Making your own pepper bacon cure is not just about creating a delicious ingredient; it’s about embracing a culinary tradition that connects you with the art of food preservation. This recipe offers a perfect balance of salt, sweetness, and bold peppery spice that transforms simple pork belly into a gourmet delight.

With a little patience and care, you can enjoy bacon that’s fresher, more flavorful, and free from unnecessary additives. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast, adding it to your favorite dishes, or gifting it to fellow food lovers, homemade pepper bacon is sure to impress.

For more inspiration and easy recipes, don’t miss our collection of 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals.

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