Millionaire Bacon: Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon
Make decadent, sticky, and slightly spicy candied bacon strips baked slowly until perfectly caramelized.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- 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 rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the foil-lined sheet.
- Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Do not let the strips overlap.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using, until combined into a thick paste.
- Brush or spoon the sugar mixture evenly over the top side of each bacon strip.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Carefully flip each bacon strip over. Brush the remaining sugar mixture onto the second side.
- Return the bacon to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, watching closely. The sugar will burn quickly if the temperature is too high or if you leave it unattended.
- Remove from the oven when the bacon is deeply caramelized and sticky.
- Let the bacon cool on the rack for 5 minutes before transferring it to a plate lined with parchment paper to finish cooling and crisping slightly.
Notes
- For extra crispness, use a lower oven temperature, like 325°F, and increase the total cooking time, checking frequently.
- If you want a smokier flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sugar mixture.
- This bacon is best served warm shortly after cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 strips
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 40