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Pork Belly Burnt Ends Oven Recipe – Easy Southern Comfort in 45 Minutes

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This easy Southern recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth pieces of pork belly, coated in a sticky glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or a comforting weeknight treat, these oven-baked burnt ends are quick, foolproof, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice pork belly into uniform 1.5-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. Toss the pork belly cubes in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil. If using a wire rack, place it on top and arrange pork belly cubes in a single layer with space between each piece.
  5. Roast in the oven for 25 minutes, flipping the pork cubes halfway through for even browning.
  6. While the pork belly roasts, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a clean bowl.
  7. Remove pork belly from oven and transfer cubes to a clean bowl. Pour glaze over and toss gently until every piece is coated.
  8. Return glazed pork belly to the rack or baking sheet. Bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the glaze bubbles and the edges are deeply caramelized. Lower oven temp to 400°F (205°C) if glaze starts to burn.
  9. Let the burnt ends rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, cut pork belly into uniform cubes and pat dry before seasoning. Don’t crowd the pan to ensure crispy edges. Flip halfway through roasting for even caramelization. Use a wire rack for extra crispiness. For gluten-free, ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free. Leftovers are great in sandwiches or salads. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

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