You already know if it can go on my Traeger, I’m at least going to try it once. Smoked bacon on the Traeger is next level. It’s crispy on the edges, slightly chewy in the center, and has that subtle wood-fired flavor you just can’t get from the stovetop. After years of cooking on a pellet grill, I’ve learned how to control the heat so the fat renders slowly without burning. It’s simple, it’s reliable, and once you taste that smoky bacon, it’s hard to go back.
If you don't have a smoker, another way I love to cook bacon is using my Air Fryer Bacon recipe.
Traeger Smoked Bacon Ingredients
- Bacon: I love to use thick-cut. Bacon shrinks when cooked, so why not go all out? Thick cut bacon will fit easily over the grill grates. Any cut of bacon will work.
- For candied bacon: brown sugar and maple syrup
How to Smoke Bacon on the Traeger
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- If preparing candied bacon, brush the maple syrup over the bacon and sprinkle the brown sugar or sweetener throughout.
- Place the bacon on the grates of the smoker.
- Smoke.
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Traeger Smoked Bacon
Want to save this recipe for later?
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked bacon
Optional Candied Bacon (Maple Brown Sugar)
- ¼ cup maple syrup The amount you will need will vary based on the size of your bacon and if you prepare an entire batch of candied bacon.
- ¼ cup brown sugar or sweetener The amount you will need will vary based on the size of your bacon and if you prepare an entire batch of candied bacon.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 225 degrees.
- If preparing candied bacon, brush the maple syrup over the bacon and sprinkle the brown sugar or sweetener throughout.
- Place the bacon on the grates of the smoker. Smoke for 2 hours or until the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness.
- Remove the bacon and cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- I typically do half a batch of candied bacon and the remaining half as standard smoked bacon.
- Feel free to omit the maple syrup and just go with brown sugar or sweetener. I like the combination of both! You can also sprinkle it with pepper!
- Apple, hickory, cherry, and maple wood/pellets will work well.
- You can also cook it 325 degrees for a faster cook time. This resulted in a less smoky flavor for me.
- Air fryer bacon can be cooked at 380 degrees for 8-10 minutes, flip halfway through.
- Macros assume monkfruit sweetener for candied bacon. Feel free to use the macro calculator of your choice and branded ingredients you use in the recipe for your macros.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
I've always loved the flavor and taste of smoked bacon. Candied bacon is always a nice treat to enjoy from time to time, I love the combination of maple and savory, see also my Maple Glazed Salmon and Maple BBQ Wings.
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
Light brown sugar works great for candied bacon. Plain granulated sugar does not caramelize well. Dark brown has more molasses than light brown sugar, but it will work.
For the maple syrup, I love to use a thick, 100% organic maple syrup. It's the real deal and will provide much better flavor than something like pancake syrup.
Apple, hickory, cherry, and maple will work well.
I like to cook the bacon low and slow at 225 degrees for immense flavor. You can also cook it 325 degrees for a faster cook time. This resulted in a less smoky flavor for me.
At 225 the bacon needed 2 hours to reached my desired crisp texture. At 325 degrees you can cook the bacon in 30-45 minutes. In general, cook it however long you need to in order to reach your desired texture.
The fat turns translucent and starts to crisp.
The edges are deep golden brown.
The slices feel firm, not floppy.
It easily lifts off the rack without sticking.
Store the bacon in tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for 4-5 days.
The best way to reheat is using the oven or air fryer on 350 degrees until warm.
Pair With These Recipes
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Breakfast Crunchwrap
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip
Twisted Bacon Recipe
More Traeger and Smoker Recipes
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Traeger Smoked Ham
Traeger Smoked Salmon
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
Smoked Salsa
Traeger Pulled Pork (Shoulder Butt)
Traeger Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Traeger Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method)
Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Smoked Lobster Tail
Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken
Traeger Smoked Brisket
Pair this with Fried Potatoes and Onions.
Jennifer says
I LOVED the brown sugar. This is why I got this machine!