Homemade Canadian Bacon Recipe: Cure, Slice & Serve

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a slice of smoky, savory perfection to your breakfast or brunch table, this Canadian bacon recipe is your go-to guide. Unlike standard streaky bacon, Canadian bacon is made from lean pork loin, cured with a flavorful brine, and often smoked to bring out its signature taste and texture.

This homemade version offers more flavor, fewer preservatives, and that perfect balance of salty-sweet goodness—especially when made with a maple brine.

Before diving in, it’s helpful to understand the difference between Canadian bacon and regular bacon. Check out this quick smoking method comparison to learn why Canadian bacon is leaner, meatier, and a healthier option for many dishes.

Looking for something equally smoky and sweet? Try this Homemade Cowboy Candy Recipe as a spicy sidekick for your breakfast board!

What Is Canadian Bacon?

Canadian bacon is a cured and sometimes smoked cut of pork loin—meatier and leaner than regular belly bacon. It’s closer to ham, but with a milder brine and often sweet-smoked finish, making it the perfect addition to eggs, sandwiches, or even pizza.

What Makes It “Canadian”?

In Canada, it’s often just called back bacon, while in the U.S., “Canadian bacon” usually refers to brined and smoked pork loin. Its signature traits include:

✅ Lean cut (from pork loin, not belly)
✅ Mildly sweet, smoky, and savory flavor
✅ Ideal for slicing thin and pan-searing

🥩 Nutrition Facts for Homemade Canadian Bacon

(Per 2 oz / ~56g Cooked Serving)

Homemade Canadian bacon is a lean, protein-packed option with fewer calories and fat compared to traditional bacon. It’s a great choice for those following low-fat, keto, or high-protein diets. This DIY version is free from preservatives and artificial additives often found in store-bought bacon.

Nutrition Table

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on brine ingredients, pork cut, and curing method.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Before you start the curing process, here’s everything you’ll need to prep your own Canadian bacon at home:

🧂 Ingredients for Brining (Maple-Cured Option):

• 1 boneless pork loin (4–5 lbs), trimmed of fat
• 1 gallon cold water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp pink curing salt (Prague Powder #1)
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns (optional)
• 2 bay leaves

🔥 Optional for Smoking:

• Wood chips (applewood or hickory)
• Smoker or grill with lid

🛠 Tools Needed:

• Large food-safe container or bucket for brining
• Kitchen scale (for curing salt accuracy)
• Meat thermometer
• Smoker or oven (if not smoking, oven roasting works!)
• Sharp slicing knife
• Plastic wrap or vacuum sealer for storing

Looking to preserve meats and other homemade recipes long-term? Check out this Ultimate Baked Beans Recipe, which also benefits from low-slow cooking and extended shelf life!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Canadian Bacon

Here’s how to cure and smoke Canadian bacon from scratch:

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

• In a large pot or container, combine:
  • Water, salt, maple syrup, brown sugar, pink curing salt
• Stir until fully dissolved.
• Add bay leaves and peppercorns if using.

💡 Pro Tip: Use filtered or distilled water to avoid off-flavors in your brine.

Step 2: Cure the Pork Loin

• Place the pork loin in the brine, making sure it’s completely submerged.
• Cover and refrigerate for 5–7 days, flipping daily for even curing.

🕒 The longer the cure, the deeper the flavor. Minimum 5 days is recommended.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

• After curing, remove the pork from the brine.
• Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly.
• Let the loin sit uncovered in the fridge for 12–24 hours to develop a pellicle (tacky surface), which helps smoke stick better.

Step 4: Smoke or Bake

🔥 To Smoke:

• Preheat smoker to 180–200°F (82–93°C).
• Smoke the loin until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C) (2–3 hours).

🔥 To Oven-Roast:

• Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C).
• Roast until pork reaches 145°F, then cool and refrigerate.

Once done, chill completely before slicing.

How to Slice & Store Homemade Canadian Bacon

🥩 Slicing Tips

• Once the bacon is fully cooled, use a sharp knife or meat slicer.
• Slice into ¼-inch or thinner rounds for pan-frying.
• For thicker cuts, use for grilling or sandwiches.

💡 Pro Tip: Chill it slightly in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing to get perfect, even slices.

🧊 Storage Instructions

• Refrigerated: Store slices in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. Keeps for 7–10 days.
• Frozen: Store up to 3 months. Separate slices with parchment for easy access.

Use a vacuum sealer for maximum freshness—especially helpful if making a large batch! For other long-storage recipes, try this Cowboy Candy Recipe—perfect for topping breakfast sandwiches with your bacon.

🥓 Why This Canadian Bacon Recipe Beats Store-Bought

There’s nothing quite like a Canadian bacon recipe made from scratch. Unlike store-bought versions that often contain preservatives, excess sodium, and artificial flavors, this homemade version is clean, customizable, and full of real flavor. Plus, using a maple-cured brine elevates the final product with just the right balance of sweet and savory.

🔥 Tips for Smoking Your Canadian Bacon Recipe to Perfection

If you’re planning to smoke your Canadian bacon recipe, using the right wood chips makes a big difference. Applewood, cherry, or hickory are great choices that enhance the meat without overpowering it. Always keep your smoker temperature between 180–200°F for even cooking, and remove your bacon once it hits an internal temperature of 145°F for the juiciest results.

🍽️ Meal Prep Ideas Using This Canadian Bacon Recipe

This Canadian bacon recipe isn’t just for weekend brunch—it’s perfect for weekly meal prep! Slice and freeze portions to use in breakfast burritos, egg muffins, or high-protein lunch wraps. It’s a fantastic, lean protein source that reheats beautifully and adds bold flavor to your meals without the grease of traditional bacon.

🧂 Customize Your Canadian Bacon Recipe with Simple Swaps

Want to make this Canadian bacon recipe your own? Try swapping the maple syrup for honey or brown sugar, or add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes for a signature flavor. You can also make it keto-friendly by using low-carb sweeteners in the brine.

What Makes a Canadian Bacon Recipe “Canadian”?

You might wonder what sets a Canadian bacon recipe apart from other cured meats. The answer lies in the cut—it’s made from pork loin, not belly, which gives it a leaner texture and ham-like consistency. The curing and optional smoking give it that distinct flavor profile, making it a versatile staple in Canadian and American kitchens alike.

Ways to Use Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon isn’t just for eggs Benedict! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

🥞 Breakfast Favorites

• With scrambled eggs & toast
• Eggs Benedict with hollandaise
• Stuffed into breakfast burritos
• Added to pancakes or waffles for a savory twist

🥪 Lunch Ideas

• Grilled cheese + Canadian bacon
• Classic breakfast sandwiches on English muffins
• Added to mac and cheese – try this twist on the classic: Canadian Bacon Mac and Cheese

🍕 Dinner & More

• On homemade pizza (yes, Hawaiian counts!)
• Stirred into soups or chowders
• With grilled veggies and balsamic glaze
• Diced into salads or baked into quiches

Canadian Bacon Variations You Can Try

One of the best things about making Canadian bacon at home is how customizable it is! Once you’ve mastered the classic method, here are a few flavor twists you can experiment with:

🥓 1. Honey-Garlic Canadian Bacon

• Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder to your brine for a sweet and savory finish.

🌶️ 2. Spicy Sriracha-Cured Bacon

• Stir 1 tablespoon of sriracha and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper into the brine for a subtle kick.

🧄 3. Herb-Infused Bacon

• Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf into the brine for an aromatic, earthy flavor that pairs well with roasted dishes.

🥃 4. Bourbon-Maple Canadian Bacon

• Swap ¼ cup of the water in your brine for bourbon, and use dark maple syrup for an extra-rich, smoky twist.

💡 Pro Tip:

Always test new flavor combos with a small portion of the pork loin first, especially if you’re adjusting salt or sugar levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What cut of meat is used for Canadian bacon?

Canadian bacon is made from boneless pork loin, not pork belly. It’s lean, tender, and closer to ham in texture.

2. Is curing salt necessary

Yes. Pink curing salt (Prague Powder #1) is essential for safe curing and prevents bacterial growth during the process.

3. How long should I cure the pork?

Cure the pork loin in the brine for 5–7 days in the fridge, flipping it daily for even flavor distribution.

4. Can I make Canadian bacon without smoking?

Yes! You can oven-roast it at 200°F (93°C) until the internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C) for a still-delicious result.

5. How long does homemade Canadian bacon last?

• Fridge: 7–10 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (use parchment between slices)

6. How is Canadian bacon different from regular bacon?

Canadian bacon is leaner, rounder, and has a mild, smoky-sweet flavor. Traditional bacon is fattier and crispier.

7. Can I use a sugar substitute in the brine?

Yes! You can swap brown sugar or maple syrup with monk fruit, erythritol, or sugar-free maple syrup for a low-carb version.

Conclusion: Why Homemade Canadian Bacon is Worth It

Making your own Canadian bacon is a delicious, cost-effective, and healthier alternative to store-bought options. With simple ingredients like pork loin, maple syrup, and curing salt, you can create a versatile, smoky meat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

🌟 Customizable flavor
🌟 Leaner than traditional bacon
🌟 Free of unnecessary preservatives
🌟 Great for keto, paleo, and protein-focused diets

Now that you know how to cure, smoke, slice, and serve this flavorful meat—you’re ready to impress every breakfast plate! 🥓🍁

📌 More Recipes to Try from Savory Fork

• 🔗 Cowboy Candy Recipe – Sweet & spicy candied jalapeños
• 🔗 Ultimate Baked Beans – A perfect side for your bacon brunch
• 🔗 Perfect Herbal Cordial – Homemade drink enhancer for clean, natural flavors