Bacon is simply one of the most delicious foods on the planet and absolutely nothing beats homemade bacon! Learning how to make bacon is easy and you will be positively thrilled at the results!
How to Make Bacon
Before we get to the tutorial on how to make homemade bacon, I have to unleash to poet within. Here it goes…
Ode to Bacon
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right…
…I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life….
Okay, yes, Elizabeth Barrett Browning really wrote that poem for her husband, Robert. Not for a piece of cured pork. But really, can anyone prove that bacon wasn’t the object of her affection? Exactly.
But whatever the catalyst of her emotions, one thing is indisputable: Bacon is sublime. And by that I mean the literal definition of the word: “Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.”
When it comes to bacon you just can’t beat homemade. You have full control over every element: The quality of the pork, the seasonings used, the curing method, the type of wood chips/smoke, the thickness of the slices. There’s no mystery when it comes to making bacon. It is simple and easy and even those minor efforts pay off BIG time!
Before we get to how to make bacon, let’s address a couple of the most common questions: Should I dry cure or should I wet cure the bacon? And what about those nitrates/nitrites?
Let’s start with the first question.
Should I Dry Cure or Wet Cure Homemade Bacon?Â
Some experts insist dry-curing results in a more pronounced flavor and that the bacon fries up more crispy than when using the wet-curing method.  Other experts insist on the exact opposite. The battle rages on. The bottom line is that it comes down to personal interpretation and preference. I’ve used both methods, they both yield excellent results, but I tend to lean on the side of dry-curing. I’m including both methods for you to try. Pick one or the other or try them both and see which one you prefer.
Now for the next question.
What About Those Nitrates/Nitrites? Â
Nitrates and nitrites get a bad rap and are commonly associated with processed deli meats, hot dogs and bacon. But they may be one of many examples of things that have been targeted and blown out of proportion by the media. As is typical of medical research, there are so many conflicting studies on this topic with directly opposing conclusions that it’s enough to make one’s head spin. Though the opponents to nitrates may argue, the fact is there is no definitive conclusion one way or the other.
What we do know is that not only have nitrates/nitrates been used for the last 12,000 years, nitrates/nitrites occur naturally in vegetables and in many cases in higher quantities than in cured meats. One source observes that “one serving of arugula, two servings of butter lettuce, and four servings of celery or beets all have more nitrite than 467 hot dogs.”
Another source notes, “those uncured hot dogs or bacon you’ve been conscientiously paying more for? Most are processed using celery or beet juice, whose nitrates turn into nitrites when they react with the saliva in your mouth [and] in many case…contain more nitrites than traditionally cured meats.” The claim to be made “without nitrates or nitrites” is a marketing ploy, and the use of celery or beet juice is the FDA loophole that allows them to make that erroneous claim.
(On an important side note, all the sources I’ve read emphasize strongly the importance of using the right quantities of nitrates and nitrites. Nitrates/nitrites can be toxic if the recommended quantities aren’t observed, so be sure to use exact measurements and correct ratio of curing salt to pounds of meat.)
Now I would never make the claim that bacon is healthy. Nor would I say that it’s perfectly safe to eat an unlimited amount of nitrates and nitrites. But I do personally maintain that a balanced diet that includes “all things in moderation” is a sound and a safe one.
So the question becomes less one of should I use nitrates/nitrites, and instead is one of why should I use them? And the answer to that is the same one that people made 12,000 years ago when they found that meat remained safe to eat when they used it.
Bacon is smoked low and slow within a temperature zone that bacteria can grow and multiply. The use of nitrites in bacon fights harmful bacteria and it also helps preserve the meat’s color. (Imagine grayish-brown bacon or hot dogs…now you know why those manufacturers of “nitrate/nitrite-free” meats still sneak them in, just under a different name.) So nitrates and nitrates help ensure both the safety of the meat as well as it’s pleasing aesthetics.
And the flavor and aesthetics of bacon are very pleasing indeed!
But let’s stop the talkin’Â and let’s start smokin’!
Ladies and gents, it’s time to make some homemade bacon!
Homemade Bacon Recipe
As promised, I’m giving you both options for DIY bacon to choose from.
Better yet, try both and see which one you prefer.
The Wet Cure Method
Add all the cure ingredients together in a large bowl and stir. Place the pork belly in gallon ziplock bag or container that just fits the size of the pork belly and pour the brine over it. If using a ziplock bag, place the bag in a container in case there is any leakage. Place it in the refrigerator for 7 days, flipping the bag over (or the pork belly itself if curing it in a container) every 2 days to ensure both sides of the pork belly are equally cured.
**A one-gallon bag will hold a 3-pound pork belly. If you’re following the recipe to use a 5 pound pork belly and plan on using the wet cure method with ziplock bags you can cut the pork belly in half and divide the brine equally between the two bags.
After 7 days the pork belly will have firmed up. Remove the pork belly from the brine, thoroughly rinse it off, and pat dry with paper towels. Some people say you should let the slab of bacon air dry for up to 24 hours before you smoke it. But many experts agree there is no need to do this. These experts argue that in leaving it wet the smoke actually sticks to the bacon better than if it’s dry.
At this point if you like you can rub it down with some cracked peppercorns and, if you want it sweeter, some brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.
The Dry Cure MethodÂ
Place all the dry cure ingredients in bowl and stir to thoroughly combine them. It is essential that the pink curing salt is evenly distributed across the whole pork belly. So I like to give the rub a quick buzz through a spice/coffee grinder or you can use a small blender or a mortar and pestle.
Thoroughly and evenly rub down all sides of the pork belly with the dry rub. Place it in a ziplock bag or container (I’m using a casserole dish), with the fatty layer side down, and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for 5 days. Flip the bacon over, redistribute the liquid that will have formed (if it’s in a ziplock bag simply turn the bag over and give it a good massage), and refrigerate for another 5 days.
After 10 days the pork belly will have become quite firm and stiff. Remove it from the the container or bag , rinse thoroughly, pat dry with paper towels, and proceed to smoking.
How to Smoke Homemade Bacon
Whether you’re using the wet or the dry curing method, the next step for smoking the bacon is the same.
As already mentioned, it’s also at this point that you can also sprinkle some coarsely ground pepper (if using) onto your wet-brined pork belly and “top off” the pepper on your dry-cured pork belly. You can also sprinkle on some extra brown sugar, maple syrup or honey.
Preheat your smoker to 175-180 degrees F (do not exceed 200 F). I’ve used the Masterbuilt Digital Smoker the past 3 years. I love and highly recommend it. You can buy it online buy it online HERE. You can check out my full review HERE. Smoke the bacon for 3+ hours or until the internal temperature of the bacon reaches 150 degrees F. Add a handful of wood chips a couple of times during the smoking process.
If you’re using a grill, set up it up for 2-zone cooking and smoke the bacon fat side up (as the fat renders it will run down the meat) over indirect heat at 175-180 degrees F (don’t exceed 200 F) for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the bacon reaches 150 degrees F. Add a handful of wood chips a couple of times during the smoking process.
You’ll need an instant read thermometer. We use and recommend this one.
What kind of wood chips to use?Â
This comes down to personal preference. Hickory is the tried and true gold standard but cherry and apple are also excellent.
Once the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees F, transfer the bacon to a plate and immediately place it in the fridge to cool down.
Slicing and Storing the Bacon
All you really need is a good sharp knife. But if you want those perfectly uniform, professional slices of bacon, you’ll need a meat slicer. Whichever you use, always slice across the grain.
We found our 1970’s commercial Hobart slicer ten years ago on Craigslist. It has some imperfections to be sure, but it was a steal of a deal. For a meat slicer that won’t break the budget and that has excellent reviews, check out the Chef’s Choice Electric Meat Slicer.
If you plan on using the bacon within 2 weeks, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap followed by an outer layer of foil and keep it refrigerated. If you’re not going to use it within 2 weeks you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
To Freeze the Bacon:  You can either use a vacuum sealer like Food Saver that will ensure its freshness, or you can do what I do (because my bacon never lasts beyond a couple of months anyway before it’s gobbled up): Lay the slices out on wax paper in the same fashion as store-bought bacon and place another sheet of wax paper over it. Fold the sides around the bacon. Place the wrapped bacon in a ziplock bag. I usually freeze the bacon in small amounts, the amount I know I usually need for one use. If you prefer the pieces not to stick together you can cut strips of was paper and place them between each slice of bacon.
When you’re ready to use it, simply remove the bacon from the freezer and let it thaw.
With your homemade bacon ready to go, now it’s time to EAT IT!
Enjoy!
© HandmadePictures | Dreamstime
Be sure to also try our recipes for:

Homemade Bacon
Ingredients
- For the Wet Cure Method:
- 5 pounds pork belly , skin removed
- 6 cups cool water
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar (optional, if you want a sweet bacon)
- 2 teaspoons Prague powder #1 (measure carefully)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- For the Dry Cure Method:
- 5 pounds pork belly , skin removed
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar (optional, if you want a sweet bacon)
- 1 teaspoon Prague powder #1 (measure carefully)
- Coarsely crushed black peppercorns (optional and amount according to personal preference)
Instructions
- **REFER TO BLOG POST FOR A COMPREHENSIVE TUTORIAL AND STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS****You can vary the flavors according to your preferences (see Recipe Notes) but do not adjust the salt or Prague powder amounts**
- For the Wet Cure Method:Add all the cure ingredients together in a large bowl and stir. Place the pork belly in gallon ziplock bag or container that just fits the size of the pork belly and pour the brine over it. If using a ziplock bag, place the bag in a container in case there is any leakage. Place it in the refrigerator for 7 days, flipping the bag over (or the pork belly itself if curing it in a container) every 2 days to ensure both sides of the pork belly are equally cured.**A one-gallon bag will hold a 3-pound pork belly. If you're following the recipe to use a 5 pound pork belly and plan on using the wet cure method with ziplock bags you can cut the pork belly in half and divide the brine equally between the two bags.
- After 7 days the pork belly will have firmed up. Remove the pork belly from the brine and thoroughly rinse it off. Some people say you should let the slab of bacon air dry for up to 24 hours before you smoke it. But many experts agree there is no need to do this. These experts argue that in leaving it wet the smoke actually sticks to the bacon better than if it's dry. At this point if you like you can rub it down with some cracked peppercorns and, if you want it sweeter, some brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. Proceed to smoking (see below). Â
- For the Dry Cure Method:Place all the dry cure ingredients in bowl and stir to thoroughly combine them. It is essential that the pink curing salt is evenly distributed across the whole pork belly. We recommend using a spice/coffee grinder, a small blender or a mortar and pestle.   Thoroughly and evenly rub down all sides of the pork belly with the dry rub. Place it in a ziplock bag or container (like a casserole dish), with the fatty layer side down, and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for 5 days. Flip the bacon over, redistribute the liquid that will have formed (if it's in a ziplock bag simply turn the bag over and give it a massage), and refrigerate for another 5 days. After 10 days the pork belly will have become quite firm and stiff. Remove it from the the container or bag, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels. At this point if you like you can rub it down with some cracked peppercorns and, if you want it sweeter, some brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. Proceed to smoking.
- To Smoke the Bacon:Preheat your smoker to 175-180 degrees F (do not exceed 200 F). (We use and love the Masterbuilt Digital Smoker). Smoke the bacon fat side up (as the fat renders it will run down over the meat) for 3+ hours or until the internal temperature of the bacon reaches 150 degrees F. (We use and recommend this instant read thermometer.) Add a handful of wood chips a couple of times during the smoking process. (Good options include hickory, apple or cherry.)If you're using a grill, set up it up for 2-zone cooking and smoke the bacon over indirect heat at 175-180 degrees F (don't exceed 200 F) for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the bacon reaches 150 degrees F.Once the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees F, transfer the bacon to a plate and immediately place it in the fridge to cool down.
- To slice the bacon, slice it across the grain. You can use a large sharp knife or, for perfectly uniform/professional slices use a meat slicer.
- To store the bacon: If you plan on using the bacon within 2 weeks, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap followed by an outer layer of foil and keep it refrigerated. If you're not going to use it within 2 weeks you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze the bacon: You can either use a vacuum sealer like Food Saver or you can lay the slices out on wax paper in the same fashion as store-bought bacon and place another sheet of wax paper over it. Fold the sides around the bacon. Place the wrapped bacon in a ziplock bag. If you prefer the pieces not to stick together you can cut strips of was paper and place them between each slice of bacon. When you're ready to use it, simply remove the bacon from the freezer and let it thaw.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet April 1, 2019
Dawn Thornber says
I cut my pork into ham steaks and now need to cure it…. Is it ok to use this recipe?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
You sure can, Dawn!
Cassandra Segura says
Follow up. I was reading the comments and a couple of people said it was too salty. Is there anything we can do to cut the salt down after the 7 or 10 day required for curing. Before we smoke it. Maybe you have an opinion for everyone with a salty issue.
Thanks
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Cassandra, these are the standard ratios for ensuring food safety during the curing and smoking process. Most “low sodium” bacon recipes follow a very different process that skip the curing process altogether and the “bacon” is simply oven-cooked pork belly. The saltiness of properly cured and smoked mellows out after a few days, especially after the bacon is frozen.
Franco says
I have an idea why it may be turning too salty. The recipe says to use *kosher salt*. If you substitute for the equal measure of another finer salt like table salt, which is much finer and denser, then you have WAY more salt! A 1/4 cup of kosher salt equals to 39grams of table salt, NOT a 1/4 cup. Try this new ratio and it will be the perfect amount. Remember 1/4 of kosher salt = 39grams of table salt. Enjoy.
Cassandra Segura says
You stated earlier before the recipe that we need to flip the belly ever other day. When I got down to the recipe following the recipe for dry rub you do not state weather to flip it every other day or not. I know you said after the 5 day flip the belly was just wanting to know if we only flip the belly on the fifth day or every other day.
Thanks
Cassandra Segura
Aaron says
Hello,
I excitedly popped my bacon on the smoker this morning and wow it looks and smells amazing. I tried both methods however on a much smaller scale only 1 lbs. I scaled everything down too. My only issue is the saltyness, the dry cure is too salty to eat and the wet cure is just about salvageable. Is this just because I used such small chunks of meat or is there something I can do to avoid this when I scale up.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Aaron, those are the standard recommended amounts of salt for safe curing. I’m not sure why it would be overly salty, I can only guess that it has to do with working on such a small scale. You definitely used Prague powder (i.e, curing salt #1) and not Tender Quick (Morton’s Curing Salt), correct? Some people confuse those and they are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably.
Aaron Reid says
No I can confirm I definitely used Prague Powder. I will try again with the sizes of meat you suggest and update.
DadManMemo says
prague powder vs Mortons curing salt? I already have Mortens will that increase the saltyness over using the prague powder or does it matter?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi, they are very different products and cannot be used interchangeably.
Here’s a response from a forum where that question was addressed: “Tender Quick CANNOT be substituted for cure #1, nor can it simply replace the salt in a recipe calling for cure #1. The formulations are completely different, work slightly differently (because Tender Quick contains both nitrite and nitrate), and in addition to salt & curing salts, Tender Quick also contains 20% sugar. The best analogy I can think of is think of Morton Tender Quick being like a complete pancake mix versus making pancakes from scratch. Tender Quick is a complete, ready-to-use home curing product, NOT an ingredient! It would be very much like trying to substitute Bisquick in a recipe calling for baking powder…….TenderQuick is NOT approved to be used for making Bacon in the U.S., because it contains sodium nitrate.” (Prague powder is sodium nitrite, not nitrate.)
You’ll need to use Prague powder for making bacon – it’s also called “pink curing salt #1.” Most butchers will have it because they use it to make their sausages and bacon and many of them sell it to customers. Otherwise you can also buy it online.
Nora says
If I have a 5.5 pound pork belly, do I have to adjust the Prague powder?? Or does it stay the same
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Nora, it’s critical that you use exact measurements with Prague powder so yes, you’ll need to either adjust the quantity of Prague powder (there are online calculator’s for that if you look it up) or remove that extra 1/2 pound from the pork belly.
Ernest Wallace says
Do I need to smoke?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
To taste like American bacon, yes, I recommend smoking it.
DadManMemo says
purchased my first slab of pork belly yesterday (14lbs), I will remove the skin layer and have decided to use your dry method. I may try the wet as well as I have dived it into three parts. Thanks for sharing your recipes, I am looking forward to giving this a try…
Marina says
Thank you so much you made this so simple and actually enjoyably delicious. Thank you again!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Marina, thank you!
Ryan says
Is there any danger in letting this dry cure longer than 10 days? I’m sitting at 7 days today and it’s not looking like I’m going to be able to get to smoking this until Saturday. Wondering if I should rinse them off at the 10 day mark and let them hang out in the fridge until the weekend smoke.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Ryan, a day or two longer probably isn’t a problem but any longer and it may end up being overly salty. You could split the time – go a couple of days over and then rinse it off and keep it wrapped in the fridge until ready to smoke. On Friday you can also unwrap it and leave it in the fridge to develop a dry surface. Some claim it helps the smoke adhere to the bacon better that way. I haven’t found that to be the case, but it’s just another option.
BRIAN EVERHART says
Why is there 1 teaspoon of pink salt in the dry rub and 2 teaspoons in the wet?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Brian, that’s because in a wet brine not all of the pink salt will penetrate the bacon, most of it will be discarded along with the wet brine after the curing period and so a higher quantity is needed to ensure that the bacon gets enough of it.
Pennie says
I have been curing for 10 days and the pork belly is still not stiff. Is it okay to proceed with smoking?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Pennie, yes you can go ahead and proceed with the smoking.
Claude says
Hi Kimberly, I am very interested in making my own bacon, but I don’t like the smoking bit. Is it possible to use it after wet curing the meat? I mean letting it dry out and slicing and cooking it from that stage? Please let me know as I would love to make my own unsmoked bacon. Many thanks for your most interesting recipes. Cheers, Claude
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Claude, yes, you can skip the smoking and follow the procedure you mentioned.
Rene says
Did you smoke it fat side down ?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Rene, you can do either, sometimes I’ll also flip it. When you smoke it fat side up as the fat renders it will run down over the meat.
Dave says
Hi,
Do you have roc smoke the bacon, I am not a fan of smoked bacon and want to keep as close to UK style as I can.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Dave, you don’t have to smoke it but for British style bacon you’ll also want to use an entirely different cut of pork. American bacon is made from pork belly which is much fattier while British bacon on the other hand is made from the same cut as pork tenderloin and is much leaner.
John Piva says
Hello. This bacon is more than amazing. Thanks for posting the recipe.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, John, thank you!
Jon Gardner says
According to my calculation, your wet cure recipe is higher on nitrites (192ppm) than the USDA maximum (120ppm)for brine cured bacon.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jon, the standard measurement is 1 teaspoon of Prague powder #1 per 5 pounds of meat: https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/lit_rev/cure_smoke_cure.html.
Jon Gardner says
From the USDA website;
“The USDA is responsible for monitoring the proper use of nitrite by meat processors. While sodium nitrite cannot exceed 200 ppm going into dry-cured bacon, sodium nitrite cannot exceed 120 ppm for both pumped and immersion-cured bacon.”
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/fsis-content/internet/main/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/meat-preparation/bacon-and-food-safety/ct_index
Brian Winks says
What ingredient quantities would you recommend if I wanted to use half the weight of porkbelly for the cure. Thanks, Brian.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Brian, simply half the other ingredients. Happy curing!