Big Al’s x11 (8-1-1 +1) Rib Rub and Bacon Candy recipe
4 cups dark brown sugar (=one 32oz. pkg.)
½ cup kosher salt
¾ cup chili powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground mustard
Big Al’s x11 Bacon Candy
Oscar Mayer thick cut bacon (about 12 slices per pound).
Measure ½ cup of the rib rub recipe above, add ½ cup of brown sugar, and mix thoroughly.
Cooking procedure
Bake first without any rub.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Lay out the slices on a wire baking rack on a baking tray.
Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then turn rack around and switch racks (if making more than one) so they cook evenly. Be careful not to slosh the bacon grease! You can leave it in there during the next steps but be careful with each transfer.
Bake for 10 more minutes or until just before desired doneness.
Remove from oven. Set oven for 350 degrees.
Apply 1 tbsp of rub to the top of each bacon slice. Pat down and rub in.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes until rub looks a little bit shiny. Be sure to have the hood fan on (and a quick way to turn off your smoke alarm).Watch it near the end as it can go from cooked to burned very quickly!
Remove from oven (again, be careful not to slosh), and allow to cool. Enjoy!
Save the cooled, strained drippings for frying or salad dressings.