Venison Bacon
Fire Jack Venison Bacon
Jalapeño Cheddar Style Venison Bacon
- Internal temp
- 152°F (67°C)
- Smoker temp
- 160-180°F (71-82°C)
- Casing
- No casing — pressed into a 9x13 aluminum pan lined with Saran Wrap
- Bloom
- 24-48 hours (cure rest)
What goes in it
- Kosher Salt
- Cure #1
- Coarse Black Pepper
- Jalapeño Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Brown Sugar
- Diced Jalapeños
- High-Temp Pepper Jack or Cheddar
- Ice Cold Water
Amounts are calculated for your batch weight in the app — including the cure, which is held at a fixed, food-safe rate.
The meat
Lean Wild Game · Pork Butt · Pork Shoulder
How it's made
- Grind chilled venison and pork fat (32°F) through a 1/4" plate.
- Add all dry seasonings and ice water. Mix until tacky with good protein extraction.
- Fold in diced jalapeños and high temp cheddar cheese by hand. Mix gently until evenly distributed — do not overmix or the cheese will smear.
- Press firmly into a 9x13 aluminum pan lined with Saran Wrap. Pack tightly. The Saran Wrap makes it easy to pull the slab out when it's time for the smoker.
- Place in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
- Smoke at 160-180°F until internal temperature reaches 152°F. Important: Do not let your smoker exceed 180°F. Even if your smoker is set at or below 180°F, the actual temperature can spike higher — monitor closely.
- Refrigerate overnight, then slice to your desired thickness.
Wood
Hickory · Cherry · Apple
Safety
- Keep meat below 40°F during grinding and mixing
- Cure #1 is required — do not skip
- Cook to 152°F internal temperature
- Add cheese last to prevent smearing during mixing