Candied Bacon with Pecans on the Pit Boss Navigator
Sweet, smoky, salty, and crunchy, this Candied Bacon with Pecans is an easy pellet grill recipe that’s perfect for brunch, parties, holidays, or game day snacking. Thick-cut bacon is seasoned, glazed with maple syrup and brown sugar, topped with pecans, and smoked on the Pit Boss Navigator until perfectly caramelized.
Equipment
- Pit Boss Navigator Pellet Grill
- Wire cooling rack
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- Small bowls
Ingredients
- 1 package thick cut bacon about 1.5 pounds
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp Pit Boss Cowboy Butter seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your Pit Boss Navigator pellet grill to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Sprinkle the bacon evenly with Pit Boss Cowboy Butter seasoning.
- Top the bacon with brown sugar, spreading it evenly across the strips.
- Lightly drizzle maple syrup over the bacon.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans across the top of the bacon slices.
- Place the tray on the Pit Boss Navigator and cook for 30–40 minutes, or until the bacon is caramelized and crispy to your liking.
- Carefully remove the tray from the grill and let the bacon cool for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will continue to set as it cools.
Notes
Thick cut bacon works best for candied bacon recipes because it holds up during the smoking and caramelizing process.
Keep an eye on the bacon during the last 5–10 minutes since the sugar can burn quickly.
Cooking on a wire rack allows the bacon grease to drip away and helps the bacon crisp evenly.
Pecan or maple wood pellets pair especially well with this recipe.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in an air fryer or low oven.
Tips & Tricks
Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
Add cayenne pepper or hot honey if you want a spicy version.
Candied bacon is great for brunch boards, burgers, salads, and breakfast sandwiches.
Let the bacon rest briefly before serving so the glaze firms up properly.
Keep an eye on the bacon during the last 5–10 minutes since the sugar can burn quickly.
Cooking on a wire rack allows the bacon grease to drip away and helps the bacon crisp evenly.
Pecan or maple wood pellets pair especially well with this recipe.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in an air fryer or low oven.
Tips & Tricks
Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
Add cayenne pepper or hot honey if you want a spicy version.
Candied bacon is great for brunch boards, burgers, salads, and breakfast sandwiches.
Let the bacon rest briefly before serving so the glaze firms up properly.