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Home » Recipes » Freezer Meals » Bacon-Wrapped Kalua Pork

Bacon-Wrapped Kalua Pork

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This is the best bacon-wrapped Kalua Pork on or off the mainland. Delicious, smoky Hawaiian barbeque that makes a perfect family dinner or backyard get-together. Each succulent bite reminds you of crashing waves, an island breeze, and a perfect sunset. 

A white bowl with kalua pork, rice, bacon and pineapple with a silver fork.

Barbeque is incredible. The slow-cooking, smoky, all-day melding of flavors over low heat, creating legendary meals. There’s truly nothing quite like the taste of salted meat combined with anticipation.

Places like Texas, Kansas City, and Memphis have been arguing for generations about who makes the best barbeque. But if we’re being honest, you gotta include Hawaii in that conversation. Hawaiians have been practicing and perfecting their barbeque technique known as Kalua for 1,500 years!

A white bowl filled with rice and shredded pork and bacon with a silver fork on the side with a pan of meat behind it.

Kalua refers to the method of cooking, which is in an underground oven. The heat, steam, and slow cooking time create perfectly tender and flavorful pulled pork that even today is the center of Hawaiian feasts.

But how do you improve perfection? WITH BACON! Wrapping the meat before cooking allows the bacon to hug the pork, imparting its smoky, bacony, perfect flavors.

This is the BEST Hawaiian Kalua pig recipe ever. All the incredible flavor of an authentic luau without the hassle of burying and cooking an entire pig in your yard. Some might call that H.O.A-friendly. We just call it ono (Hawaiian for delicious).

A white bowl filled with rice and Kalua pork with bacon with a silver fork.

INGREDIENTS

This bacon-wrapped Kalua pork needs only 5 ingredients – pork, garlic, bacon, Hawaiian sea salt, and liquid smoke. Check out the photo below to see all the ingredients.

Ingredients for Kalua pork recipe - pork butt, bacon, garlic, salt, twine, and a knife.

HOW TO MAKE KALUA PORK

Rinse the pork and pat it dry.

Trim off any large pieces of fat and discard. Next, use a knife to poke holes over the entire outside of the meat. Tuck pieces of garlic in the holes. 

A green cutting board with a pork butt with slits in it with a hand placing garlic pieces in the slits.

If your pork needs help holding its shape, use baker’s twine and tie that piggy up. 

Sprinkle meat with 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke (if you choose), and then rub the Hawaiian sea salt into the meat. 

Lastly, take your bacon strips and wrap them around your pork roast.

A pork butt with garlic inside slits with bacon slices wrapped around it and extra slices at the side of it.

You are now ready to place your meat into the crockpot. Cook on low for 12 hours.

A black crockpot with a pork butt wrapped in bacon.

If after 12 hours your bacon isn’t as crisp as you’d like, transfer the pork to a baking dish and put it under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up.

Guess what…the time has come! Transfer the pork from the crockpot to a large plate or serving platter. Remove and discard the twine. Take the bacon off, sneak a few bites, then crumble the rest back into the cooked pork. Time to start shredding!

A pan with a pork butt wrapped in bacon with black claws on the side.

With a fork in each hand, shred the meat, discarding any fatty pieces along the way. Serve your perfectly prepared Kalua Pork, over rice, veggies, or on a bun with a splash of sweet barbeque sauce. Nanea!

A pan of shredded pork and bacon pieces with a claw on the side.

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE WITH AN INSTANT POT?

I realize the idea of using an Instant Pot seems to contradict any recipe that calls for slow, all-day cooking. But if you’re short on time, this can actually work. While not exactly “instant,” you can still shave about 10 hours off your cooking time using an Instant Pot. All things considered, that’s wikiwiki (fast).

Instant Pot Version

Using the same ingredients as the slow cooker recipe…

  1. Place your pork on a washable cutting board, and cut several small slits in the meat. Tuck your garlic in the slits.
  2. Sprinkle liquid smoke over the meat.
  3. Rub salt all over pork until the entire surface is covered with salt and liquid smoke.
  4. Set your Instant Pot to saute’ mode, and cook bacon in the inner pot (it looks like a silver bucket) until it just starts to brown.
  5. Remove bacon, and wrap the strips around the pork. They won’t be long enough to reach all the way around. Just cover the surface that’s facing up, and wrap the bacon down each side as far as it will go.
  6. Switch to pressure mode. Place the prepared pork in the Instant Pot, then pour 1/3 cup of water around the sides – being careful not to wash off the salt. Cover and seal. Pressure cook for 90 minutes. 
  7. Once the pork has finished do a natural pressure release for 20 minutes. Transfer pork to a bowl. 
  8. Meanwhile, use two forks to shred the pork. 
  9. To serve, place cabbage wedges on the bottom of a serving platter and spoon pork over the top. Drizzle with some of the juice left in the instant pot if desired.

Some other great pork recipes include Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde and Orange Spiced Pork.

A white bowl filled with rice and pork and bacon with a silver fork in it.

CAN YOU FREEZE KALUA PORK?

Yes, but freeze before you cook it. In other words, do all your prep and seasoning, then transfer the meat to a freezer safe bag and freeze. The day before you cook it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw completely (while still in the bag) in your fridge. You’re now ready to cook.

A gallon-size resealable bag with a bacon wrapped piece of meat inside it.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH KALUA PORK ?

To go full Hawaiian, serve with macaroni salad, rice, and fresh pineapple. Or make it mainland style, by substituting mac & cheese, and piling the pork on a soft bun. 

WHAT KIND OF PORK SHOULD I USE? 

For starters, opt for bone-in, which makes your meat juicier. Also, you’re left with a wonderfully seasoned bone you can use when cooking beans or making soup. If space is tight in your slow cooker, you may want to go with boneless. 

If you’re here for the flavor, it’s all about da’ butt! Here’s my recommended order of preference when buying meat for Kalua Pork:

  1. Pork Butt (bone-in). Also known as Boston Butt.
  2. Pork Butt (boneless).
  3. Pork Shoulder (bone-in). Also known as Picnic Shoulder or Picnic Roast.
  4. Pork Shoulder (boneless).
A white bowl filled with rice and shredded meat with bacon with a pan of shredded pork behind it.

HOW MUCH MEAT SHOULD I GET FOR EACH PERSON?

When buying pork, the rule of thumb is 2/3 of a pound of raw pork per person. Here’s a quick conversion chart:

  • 1 person: 2/3 pound
  • 2 people: 1 1/3 pounds
  • 3 people: 2 pounds
  • 4 people: 2 2/3 pounds
  • 5 people: 3 1/3 pounds
  • 6 people: 4 pounds
  • 7 people: 4 2/3 pounds
  • 8 people: 5 1/3 pounds
  • 9 people: 6 pounds
  • 10 people: 6 2/3 pounds

Remember, this is for 1 meal only. Spoiler alert: You’ll want leftovers. Whatever number you come up with, double it. Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to handle the amount of meat you buy! If you’re not in the mood to deal with fractions at the grocery store, you can always round up (2 pounds, 3 pounds, 4 pounds, etc.).

A bowl of shredded meat with bacon and pineapple with a fork held up with a bite of the food.

IS PORK BUTT ACTUALLY A PIG’S BUTT?

Nope, but it’s still fun to say!

Pork butt, otherwise known as Boston Butt, is located on the pig’s back, above the front legs.

PRO TIPS/RECIPE NOTES

When it comes to salting the pig, there’s not a tool in your kitchen that does a better job than your own hands. Don’t be shy – get in there and massage your way to authentic Hawaiian flavor! If you can’t bring yourself to handle raw meat, pick up a box of disposable food handler’s gloves and keep your paws clean while applying the salt.

The quantity of salt is small, but a little goes a long way. Avoid the temptation to add more. Those with an overactive salt tooth can always sprinkle on more seasonings at the table. 

I list liquid smoke as optional – here’s why. Not everyone has the same taste tolerance for the flavor of smoke. You might be fine with just the smoky flavors imparted from the bacon wrap. Or you might like a little extra spike of smoke. No one knows your family’s taste preferences better than you!

A white bowl filled with rice and meat with bacon and pineapple with a silver fork with a hand around it.

WHAT OTHER PORK DISHES CAN YOU MAKE?

  • Prepare these Slow Cooker Boneless Pork Ribs
  • Make these tasty Pulled Pork Sliders 
  • Cook up some Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde
  • Bring in some island flavor with this Caribbean Pork Roast Freezer Meal
  • Make these Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

The next time you make this Bacon Wrapped Kalua Pork, I would love to see it! Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #happymoneysaver and tagging me @happymoneysaver!

Bacon-Wrapped Kalua Pork

Crockpot Bacon-Wrapped Kalua Pig gives you all the flavors of an amazing island luau. Just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, and then the slow-cooker does all the work! Bite after bite of mouthwatering pulled pork, tender and tasty.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keyword: BEST Hawaiian Kalua pig recipe ever, Kalua Pork
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 363kcal
Author: Karrie

Ingredients

  • 3.5-5 lbs pork butt also known as Boston Butt. I prefer bone-in.
  • 6-8 slices uncooked bacon
  • 6 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tbsp pink Hawaiian sea salt white sea salt works, too
  • 1 tbsp liquid hickory smoke optional

Instructions

  • Rinse the pork and pat it dry.
  • Trim off any large pieces of fat and discard. Next, use a knife to poke holes over the entire outside of the meat. Tuck pieces of garlic in the holes.
  • If your pork needs help holding its shape, use baker’s twine and tie that piggy up.
  • Sprinkle meat with 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke (if you choose), and then rub the Hawaiian sea salt into the meat.
  • Lastly, take your bacon strips and wrap them around your pork roast. You are now ready to place your meat into the crock pot. Cook on low for 12 hours.
  • If after 12 hours your bacon isn’t as crisp as you’d like, transfer the pork to a baking dish and put it under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up.
  • Transfer the pork from the crock pot to a large plate or serving platter. Remove and discard the twine. Take the bacon off, sneak a few bites, then crumble the rest back into the cooked pork. Time to start shredding!
  • With a fork in each hand, shred the meat, discarding any fatty pieces along the way. Serve your perfectly prepared Kalua Pork, over rice, veggies, or on a bun with a splash of sweet barbeque sauce. Nanea!

Notes

To Freeze: Follow the directions to prep roast for the crockpot. Place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag and freeze. The day before you cook it, remove it from the freezer and let thaw completely. Place in crockpot and cook on low for 12 hours.
When it comes to salting the pig, there’s not a tool in your kitchen that does a better job than your own hands. Don’t be shy – get in there and massage your way to authentic Hawaiian flavor!
The quantity of salt is small, but a little goes a long way. Avoid the temptation to use too much.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 1342mg | Potassium: 909mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @happymoneysaver or tag #happymoneysaver!

This recipe was first posted on December 27, 2016, but has been updated with new photos and better-detailed instructions and tips on January 7th, 2022.

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January 7, 2022
Dinner, Family Favorites, Freezer Meals, Pork, Recipes, Slow Cooker

Comments

  1. Dave M. says

    February 1, 2021

    First off, wrapping this in bacon was GENIUS! So delicious!

    I was nervous about the liquid smoke, but it turned out perfect! The flavors reminded me of the luau from my honeymoon.

    Makes me want to return to Hawaii! In the meantime, we’ve got this amazing recipe. Thank you, Karrie! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Greer says

    July 7, 2020

    Genuinely wondered how you were going to include coffee liqueur in this recipe and then I realised you meant Kalua and not Kahlúa! Can’t wait to try this out, minus the coffee of course 😀

    Reply
  3. Sandra says

    January 30, 2020

    This looks delish! I have the same question as Hannah – how can this be converted to be cooked in the Instant Pot? I use that in favor of my crock pot pretty much all the time now. Thank you Karrie!

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      January 30, 2020

      Hi, I’ve never made it in my instant pot, not sure how the bacon will do since you have to cook the pork so long. I’ll have to test it next time I make it! But if it did work it would be this: Put it on the saute feature, Then add the bacon wrapped pork and cook on each side about 2-3 minutes so it browned a little. Then add lid, and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. That’s how it would look. Now… if the bacon doesn’t burn that would be awesome! So my answer is, I’m not sure, but I’ll update the post when I do try it! 🙂

      Reply
  4. tayo says

    September 28, 2018

    5 stars
    i finally got to this in my freezer meals…it was AMAZING. i used too much liquid smoke because i misread 1 tbsp not a tsp but i don’t care, it turned out so GOOD. next time i will shred it in the juices. can’t wait for the next time pork is on sale.

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      September 28, 2018

      So happy you liked it!

      Reply
      • Hannah says

        January 30, 2019

        Is there a way to do this in an instantpot? I can’t wait to try! Just purchased your cookbook

  5. Lisa says

    April 4, 2018

    I am going to buy your cookbook. Can you tell if the 50 Meals are also in the cookbook?

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      April 11, 2018

      Hi! Yes I do have a 50 meals recipe plan in the book… and thank you so much!!!

      Reply
  6. Jeanna says

    October 11, 2017

    5 stars
    I made this overnight and ateit with fried eggs in the morning..I hadn’t intended too but it smelled so darn good I had to do it. It was delicious. I tried to broil it to crisp up the bacon and about set my house on fire. The non-crispy bacon wasn’t so bad once I shredded everything up. Yummy!

    Reply
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Karrie

Hello & Welcome!

I'm Karrie. Come join me on my money savin' adventures but beware: you may find yourself wanting backyard chickens, making freezer meals and dancing along with me to 80's music.
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