🥓 Dehydrated Bacon Jerky

This Dehydrated Bacon Jerky is crispy, smoky, and packed with rich, concentrated bacon flavor — made easily in a food dehydrator for a satisfying, protein-rich snack. It's like bacon candy, perfect for camping, road trips, or whenever you crave a savory bite!

Prep Time: 5 min | Dry Time: 4–6 hrs | Total Time: 4–6 hrs

Makes: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) thick-cut bacon (maple or hickory smoked preferred)
Optional: 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar (for glaze)
Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne (for heat)

Instructions

Prep bacon: Lay bacon strips flat on a cutting board. For faster drying, cut each strip in half or into shorter pieces.
Optional glaze: In a bowl, mix maple syrup and spices. Lightly brush over bacon for a sweet, spicy finish.
Arrange on trays: Place bacon strips flat on dehydrator trays without overlapping. Use mesh liners if needed to prevent sticking.
Dehydrate: Set dehydrator to 160°F–165°F (71°C–74°C). Dry for 4–6 hours, checking after 4 hours.
Check doneness: Bacon should be deeply browned, crisp, and no longer greasy. It will crisp up further as it cools.
Cool completely: Let sit 5–10 minutes to reach maximum crispness.
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

Tip: Rotate trays halfway through for even drying. Do NOT use pre-cooked or reduced-fat bacon — it can become too brittle. Great for keto or low-carb diets!

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