by Chris Johns | Updated: September 19, 2024

Hey there, fellow BBQ enthusiasts! Chris here from BBQ Report, and boy, do I have a treat for you today. We’re diving into the world of pig candy, and let me tell you, this isn’t your average bacon dish. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a flavor journey that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

What in the World is Pig Candy?

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Chris, did you just say ‘pig candy’?” You bet I did! And trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s got such a quirky name.

Pig candy, my friends, is what happens when bacon dreams big. It’s thick-cut bacon that’s been transformed into a sweet, sticky, and sometimes spicy treat that’s so good, it should probably be illegal. But don’t worry, I won’t tell if you don’t!

Think of it as bacon’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin. It’s got all the savory goodness of regular bacon, but with a sweet twist that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take. It’s like the James Bond of the bacon world – smooth, irresistible, and always leaves you wanting more.

The Pig Candy Journey: A Tale of Triumph and Tasty Failures

I’ve been tinkering with this recipe for years, trying to find that perfect balance of flavors. And let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of failures. There was the “Great Bacon Burn of 2018” that we don’t talk about anymore. My poor grill still has the scars. Then there was the “Too Sweet Incident of 2019” where I accidentally created bacon-flavored candy. (Okay, I may have eaten it all anyway, but that’s beside the point.)

But all that trial and error was worth it because now I’ve got a pig candy recipe that’ll knock your socks off. It’s been tested, tweaked, and perfected over countless BBQs, family gatherings, and late-night snack attacks.

Why You Need This Pig Candy in Your Life

1. It’s the ultimate conversation starter at BBQs. “Oh, that? That’s just my world-famous pig candy. No big deal.” (Cue the oohs and aahs)
2. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
3. It’s surprisingly easy to make. If I can do it, you definitely can.
4. It’s versatile. Snack on it, crumble it over salads, use it to garnish cocktails. Heck, I’ve even used it as a pizza topping!
5. It’s a great way to impress your date. Nothing says “I’m a keeper” like homemade pig candy.
6. It’s bacon. Need I say more?

The Great Pig Candy Debate: To Spice or Not to Spice?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant (or should I say pig?) in the room – spice. Some folks like their pig candy straight-up sweet, while others prefer a little kick. Me? I’m a firm believer in the sweet-heat combo. A little cayenne pepper in the mix takes this treat from great to mind-blowing.

But here’s the beauty of pig candy – it’s customizable! Want to keep it classic? Stick with brown sugar and maple syrup. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. The world is your bacon-wrapped oyster!

Pig Candy Pro Tips: Lessons Learned the Hard (But Delicious) Way

Before we dive into the recipe, let me give you a few pro tips I’ve learned along the way:

1. Thick-cut bacon is your best friend here. None of that paper-thin stuff. We want bacon you can sink your teeth into!
2. Don’t rush the cooking process. Low and slow is the way to go for perfectly caramelized pig candy. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to bacon.
3. Use a wire rack when cooking. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in getting that perfect texture. Nobody likes soggy pig candy!
4. Be prepared for the amazing smell that’s about to fill your house. You might want to warn the neighbors, or they might come knocking!
5. Make more than you think you’ll need. This stuff disappears faster than you can say “pig candy”. I’ve seen grown adults fight over the last piece. It wasn’t pretty.

The Pig Candy Aftermath: Prepare for Bacon-Induced Bliss

Now, a word of warning: once you start making pig candy, your life will never be the same. You’ll find yourself dreaming about it, craving it at odd hours, and looking for excuses to make it. “Oh, it’s Tuesday? Better make some pig candy to celebrate!”

But embrace it, my friends. Let the pig candy love flow through you. Share it with friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to cross your path. Spread the gospel of candied bacon far and wide!

The Moment of Truth: Are You Ready to Become a Pig Candy Pro?

Alright, are you ready to become the pit master of pig candy? To ascend to the heights of bacon greatness? To make a snack so good, you’ll want to write sonnets about it?

Then fire up that grill, grab your bacon, and get ready for a flavor explosion. And hey, if you end up becoming addicted to this stuff, don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Here’s my tried-and-true, guaranteed-to-impress, always-a-hit pig candy recipe:

Pig Candy Recipe for the BBQ

This delicious Pig Candy recipe combines sweet and savory for a delicious, maple-bacon treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb thick cut peppered bacon
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions

 

• Arrange the bacon strips on a broiler pan.
• Combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper in a bowl and set aside.
• Warm up the grill to around 300-350 degrees.
• Place the broiler pan with the bacon on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, then flip the bacon.
• Lavishly coat the bacon with the brown sugar mixture and cook for another 15 minutes.
• Coat the bacon with the maple syrup on both sides and cook for another 5-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
• Remove from grill, let cool, then serve.

Keywords bacon, maple, pig candy

And there you have it, folks! Your ticket to pig candy paradise. Once you try this, you’ll never look at bacon the same way again. It’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s crispy, it’s chewy – it’s everything you never knew you needed in your life.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t Instagram-worthy. Mine certainly wasn’t! But keep at it, and soon you’ll be the pig candy king or queen of your neighborhood.

Happy grilling, and may your bacon always be candy!

Chris Johns is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.