Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat a skillet to medium-high. Chop the bacon and cook until slightly crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set the skillet aside.
In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients. Whisk in the milk and eggs, followed by the melted butter, maple syrup and 1/4 cup reserved bacon grease. Stir the bacon pieces back into the mixture.
Place muffin liners in a 12-cup muffin tin, or spray an unlined muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly divide the mixture into the muffin tin. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, until golden. Remove from the muffin tin and serve warm.