COLLABKING'S PLATE
Bacon Burnt Ends
Delicious bite-sized pieces of thick-cut bacon smoked to perfection and caramelized with brown sugar, butter, honey, and barbecue sauce. They make a melt-in-your-mouth appetizer with a rich balance of sweet and savory barbecue flavors. These specific burnt ends were originally made using Peach Crown bacon from Dyin Breed BBQ for a unique sweet and savory fruit-infused twist.
COOK TEMP
275°F
COOK TIME
2.5-3 hours
Ingredients — Bacon Burnt Ends
2
thick-cut slabs of bacon (cut into even 1-inch squares)
BBQ rub or seasoning blend (to coat the bacon cubes)
1/2 cup
brown sugar
4 tablespoons
unsalted butter (cut into small pats)
1/4 cup
honey or maple syrup
Sweet barbecue sauce (your favorite brand, for the final glaze)
Method — Bacon Burnt Ends
1
Cut your thick slabs of bacon into uniform 1-inch square blocks so they render evenly and bite cleanly.
2
Toss the bacon cubes thoroughly in a bowl with your favorite BBQ rub until every square is well-coated.
3
Preheat your pellet smoker or grill to 275°F. Place the bacon squares directly on the grill grates and let them smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the fat begins to render down and a deep, savory color forms.
4
Transfer the smoked bacon cubes into a foil pan or a cast-iron skillet. Add the brown sugar, pats of butter, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup right over the top. Cover tightly with foil and return to the smoker for another 45 to 60 minutes until melt-in-your-mouth tender.
5
Remove the foil cover, pour in your favorite sweet barbecue sauce, and toss the burnt ends to coat. Let them cook uncovered for 10-15 more minutes on the smoker to tack up and set the glaze.
6
Pull them off the heat, let them cool slightly, and serve warm.