These slow cooker 4-ingredient brown sugar bacon pork belly bites are the kind of little indulgence that make a house feel full before supper is even on the table. They remind me of the sweet-and-smoky party trays that used to disappear first at church potlucks and family card nights, only this version leans on the slow cooker to do the heavy lifting. With just a handful of ingredients, you get rich, tender bites wrapped in bacon and coated in a glossy brown sugar glaze that tastes like something you fussed over all afternoon.
Serve these bites hot with plenty of napkins and a simple spread of sturdy party foods like deviled eggs, pickle spears, coleslaw, or a crisp vegetable tray to balance the richness. They also fit right in beside baked beans, potato salad, or cornbread for a casual supper, and if you are putting out drinks, cold beer, iced tea, or sparkling apple cider all pair nicely with the sweet, smoky flavor.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Bacon Pork Belly Bites
Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound bacon, cut into thirds
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Line the slow cooker with a disposable liner if you like easier cleanup, then lightly coat the inside with nonstick spray. In a shallow bowl, stir together the brown sugar and black pepper.
2. Wrap each pork belly cube with a piece of bacon and place it seam-side down in the slow cooker. If a few pieces need it, secure them with toothpicks.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped bites, covering the tops as well as you can. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, until the pork belly is tender and the bacon is cooked through.
4. Once tender, carefully transfer the bites to a foil-lined baking sheet with a slotted spoon. Spoon a little of the cooking syrup over the top and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, just until the edges caramelize and turn glossy. Watch closely so the sugar does not burn.
5. Move the bites to a serving platter and spoon over any extra sticky glaze from the pan. Serve warm with toothpicks or small tongs.
Variations & Tips
Make-ahead tip: You can wrap the pork belly in bacon and keep the pieces covered in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. When it is time to cook, simply sprinkle on the brown sugar and pepper and set the slow cooker going.
Extra caramelized finish: That quick trip under the broiler is worth every minute. The slow cooker makes the bites tender, but the broiler gives them those sticky, browned edges that make folks reach for just one more.
A little heat: If your family likes a sweet-spicy bite, add a pinch of cayenne or a light shake of crushed red pepper to the brown sugar mixture. It does not overpower the dish, but it gives the richness a nice balance.
Keep them from sitting in grease: Pork belly and bacon both give off plenty of fat as they cook. If your slow cooker runs especially hot or the bites seem to be simmering deeply in rendered fat, carefully remove some liquid partway through cooking so the sugar glaze stays richer and less greasy.