Smoky BBQ Maple Glazed Bacon Skewers: The Ultimate Grilling Appetizer

There is something primal and undeniably satisfying about the scent of sugar caramelizing over an open fire, especially when it is pairing with the rich, savory aroma of premium pork. These BBQ Maple Glazed Bacon Skewers—often affectionately referred to as "meat candy"—are the absolute showstopper of any backyard gathering. By taking thick-cut Idaho bacon or succulent pork belly and marrying it with the earthy sweetness of pure maple syrup and a kick of BBQ spice, you create a flavor profile that dances between salty, sweet, and smoky. Whether you are hosting a game day tailgate or an elegant outdoor dinner, this appetizer sets a high bar. Cooking them on the flat top griddle of an Arteflame grill ensures the fat renders perfectly while the glaze achieves that sticky, irresistible finish without flaring up and burning.

Ingredients

The Meat & Glaze

• 2 lbs thick-cut slab bacon or pork belly, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A for better caramelization)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

The Rub

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation and Seasoning

1. Begin by soaking your bamboo skewers in water if you aren't using metal ones; this prevents them from burning on the grill.
2. Cut your slab bacon or pork belly into uniform 1.5-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here to ensure every piece cooks at the same rate.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper to create your dry rub.
4. Toss the bacon cubes in the dry rub until every side is generously coated.

Step 2: Assembling the Skewers

1. Thread the seasoned bacon cubes onto the skewers.
2. Leave a tiny bit of space between each cube—about a millimeter—to allow heat to circulate and render the fat on all sides, but keep them close enough to stay juicy.
3. Set the assembled skewers aside on a tray while you prep the grill.

Step 3: Firing Up the Grill

1. Light your Arteflame grill and allow it to come to temperature. You are looking for a medium-high heat.
2. Because of the high sugar content in the glaze and rub, aim to cook these on the flat cooktop griddle rather than directly over the center fire grate to control the caramelization and prevent burning.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface with a high-smoke point oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

Step 4: Grilling the Skewers

1. Place the skewers on the flat top griddle.
2. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. You want the fat to render down and the edges to get crispy.
3. Rotate the skewers systematically so all four sides get a beautiful sear.

Step 5: The Maple Glaze

1. While the bacon is searing, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
2. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze generously over the bacon cubes.
3. Let the glaze bubble and thicken slightly on the hot metal, coating the meat in a sticky, shiny layer. Remove immediately once caramelized and serve hot.

Tips

Mastering these skewers requires a little bit of attention to heat management. Sugar burns at 350°F, so once you apply the maple glaze, you need to be vigilant. The beauty of the Arteflame is the heat zones; move the skewers to the cooler outer edge of the cooktop once you start glazing. This allows the sauce to set and become tacky without turning into bitter char. If you are using pork belly instead of precured bacon, ensure you salt the meat adequately, as pork belly is unseasoned compared to cured bacon. Furthermore, don't rush the rendering process. The goal is for the fat to become translucent and melt-in-your-mouth tender, not chewy. If the outside is browning too fast, move them further from the center fire.

Variations

While the classic maple and BBQ profile is a crowd favorite, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily pivot the flavor profile to match the theme of your dinner party. For a spicier kick, introduce Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes into the glaze. If you prefer a more savory depth, swap the maple for a bourbon and molasses mixture. The technique remains the same, but the resulting flavor can transport your guests to different cuisines entirely. Here are a few standout variations to try:

• Spicy Korean: glaze with Gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
• Bourbon Pecan: Add a shot of bourbon to the glaze and roll in crushed pecans after grilling.
• Herbal Savory: Skip the sugar rub and use rosemary, thyme, and a balsamic glaze.
• Pineapple Teriyaki: Alternate bacon cubes with fresh pineapple chunks and glaze with teriyaki sauce.
• Breakfast Style: Use a simple pepper rub and glaze with coffee-infused maple syrup.

Best pairings

These skewers are rich, fatty, and sweet, which means they need beverages and sides that can cut through that richness or complement the smoky profile. For drinks, a crisp, hoppy IPA or a dry cider works wonders to cleanse the palate between bites. If you prefer wine, a Zinfandel with its bold fruit notes stands up well to the BBQ spice. As for food pairings, think about contrast. You want something acidic or fresh to balance the heavy mouthfeel of the pork belly. They serve excellently as an appetizer before a steak dinner or as part of a larger tapas-style spread.

• Grilled Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction.
• Creamy jalapeño corn dip with tortilla chips.
• A sharp, acidic coleslaw with a vinegar base.
• Grilled pineapple rings sprinkled with cinnamon.
• Cold potato salad with fresh dill.

Conclusion

These BBQ Maple Glazed Bacon Skewers are more than just an appetizer; they are a conversation starter. The combination of the visually appealing sear from the Arteflame and the intoxicating aroma of sizzling maple syrup makes them impossible to resist. They perfectly encapsulate what outdoor cooking is all about: simple ingredients, fire, and bold flavors coming together to create a memory. Whether you call them appetizers, meat candy, or just dinner, they are guaranteed to disappear from the plate in seconds. Fire up the grill, pour a drink, and enjoy the sweet, savory satisfaction of well-cooked pork.