Smoked Candied Bacon – Grillsanity!

The madness is back—and we’re not just talking buzzer-beaters and bracket-busters. Grillsanity returns with bold, indulgent game-day flavors, and this round, we’re tipping things off with a smoky-sweet masterpiece destined to disappear before halftime. Meet your new MVP: Smoked Candied Bacon.

Thick-cut, rich, and glistening with a caramelized crust, this treat walks the line between sweet and savory like a seasoned point guard. Coated in brown sugar and kissed with a hint of heat, each slice is slow-smoked to perfection—balancing texture and taste in a way that demands repeat bites. Crispy at the edges, tender through the center, and packed with deep, smoky flavor, it's the snack you didn't know you needed… but won't be able to stop reaching for.

Whether hosting the whole crew or watching solo with a cold one in hand, this bacon brings intensity to the table. It’s a showstopper in a lineup of chips and dips—turning heads, igniting conversations, and adding a touch of luxury to your basketball viewing experience. You can serve it as-is, crumble it over deviled eggs, or elevate your burgers with a smoky-sweet crunch that steals the spotlight.

From the first tip-off to the final seconds, Grillsanity is your playbook for bold, crave-worthy flavors. Fire up your grill, cue the hardwood action, and get ready to raise your snack game to new heights. Smoked Candied Bacon is here—and it's not playing around.

Serves 6

Smoked Candied Bacon Ingredients

  • 12 slices of bacon thick cut
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub

Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub

  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (hot or mild, whichever you prefer)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Smoked Candied Bacon Directions

  1. Preheat your smoker, gas grill with smoker trays, or hybrid oven to 275 degrees F.
  2. Assemble the bacon. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a flat cooking rack on top of the baking sheet and lay the bacon down in a single layer on the rack.
  3. Season. Brush the top side of the bacon with maple syrup, then sprinkle each piece with some brown sugar and the sweet rub.
  4. Smoke. Place the baking sheet in the smoker and close the lid. Smoke for 12-15 minutes or until the fat has started to render, the sugar has mostly melted, and the edges have started to wrinkle.
  5. Flip and season. Flip the bacon over, brush the top with maple syrup, and sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar and sweet rub.
  6. Finish smoking. Close the lid and smoke for an additional 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is cooked to your liking.
  7. Enjoy. Remove the bacon from the smoker and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub

  1. Mix. Combine all of the ingredients for the rub in a small bowl. Stir well to combine, using a fork to break up any clumps.
  2. Use or store. Store BBQ sweet rub in an airtight container. This rub will last in your cupboard for up to a month.

 

Taken from heygrillhey.com  https://heygrillhey.com/smoked-candied-bacon/