Millionaire Bacon: Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon
Make decadent, sticky, and slightly spicy candied bacon strips baked slowly until perfectly caramelized.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top of the foil.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using, until combined.
- Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Do not overlap the strips.
- Brush or spoon the sugar mixture evenly over the top side of each bacon strip.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, flip each bacon strip over.
- Brush the remaining sugar mixture onto the second side of the bacon.
- Return the bacon to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, checking frequently after the 10-minute mark. The sugar will caramelize quickly.
- Remove the bacon when it reaches your desired crispness and the glaze is bubbly and dark brown, but not burnt.
- Let the bacon cool on the rack for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will set as it cools.
Notes
- Baking at a lower temperature, like 325°F, for a longer time can help prevent the sugar from burning before the bacon cooks through.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over the glaze before the second bake.
- This bacon is best served warm alongside brunch items like cinnamon rolls or hash brown casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 strips
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 40