There’s nothing higher than a candy and salty combo. Add a thick slice of bacon to that, and I can’t resist. Candied bacon is actually irresistible and my secret weapon to impress at brunch all 12 months spherical. This oven-baked model makes use of simply 4 elements for the proper stability of sticky, candy, and crisp. It’s a no-mess recipe that’s a straightforward method to elevate your bacon sport. Strive it, and thank me later!

I had thick maple bacon at a restaurant a number of months in the past and was hooked. I instantly went residence, added it to my record of recipes to develop, and I’m so completely happy to share it. I made this with maple syrup, brown sugar, cracked black pepper, and thick-cut bacon within the oven for a straightforward clean-up. It’s a kind of treats that disappears quick, whether or not I’m serving it with eggs or simply sneaking strips off the tray. Should you’ve by no means tried candied bacon, you’re in for a dangerously scrumptious shock.
Ideas for Newcomers
- It is going to crisps because it cools. If the bacon is simply too chewy, let it bake a bit longer. Goal for the 30-minute mark, then permit it to chill totally on the rack. The cooling time helps it crisp up much more.
- Use foil. Line your sheet pan with foil for straightforward cleanup and use a wire rack to maintain the bacon elevated so it cooks evenly and doesn’t sit within the glaze. Give the rack a beneficiant coat of nonstick spray earlier than including the bacon to stop an excessive amount of sticking.
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1 sheet pan
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1 cooling rack
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a sheet pan with foil and place a cooling rack on high. Prep the rack with a little bit of nonstick spray.
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Organize the bacon in a single layer on high of the rack. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the bacon over and cook dinner for five minutes.
1 lb. thick-cut bacon
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In a small bowl, stir collectively the brown sugar, maple, and black pepper.
2½ tbsp packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp coarsely floor black pepper
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Spoon the sugar combination evenly over the bacon, solely on one aspect.
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Bake for an additional 20-Half-hour or till the bacon is crisp to your liking.
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Let cool for five minutes earlier than serving.
- Should you’re quick on time, skip the glaze and simply sprinkle brown sugar and pepper straight onto the bacon earlier than baking.
- Rotate the pan midway by way of the ultimate bake for a extra even cook dinner.
- If in case you have thinner bacon, cut back the baking time barely and watch intently to stop burning.
Serving: 1servingEnergy: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 10gFats: 30gSaturated Fats: 10gPolyunsaturated Fats: 5gMonounsaturated Fats: 13gTrans Fats: 0.1gLdl cholesterol: 50mgSodium: 503mgPotassium: 176mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 30IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.4mg
Diet data is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
The best way to Make Candied Bacon Step by Step


Collect the elements: Collect all of the elements collectively and preheat your oven to 375°F.


Prep the pan: Line a sheet pan with foil and place a cooling rack on high. Evenly spray the rack with nonstick spray to stop sticking.


Cook dinner the bacon: Organize 1 lb. of thick-cut bacon in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip every slice and bake for an additional 5 minutes.


Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine collectively 2½ tbsp of packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp of maple syrup, and 1 tsp of coarsely floor black pepper.


Glaze the bacon: Spoon the maple-sugar combination evenly excessive of every bacon slice (only one aspect).


End baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an extra 20-Half-hour, or till the bacon is caramelized and crisp to your liking.


Cool and serve: Let the candied bacon cool on the rack for 5 minutes earlier than serving. The bacon will agency up because it cools. Get pleasure from!


Taste Variations to Strive
- Candy & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked chipotle powder, or chili flakes to the brown sugar, or attempt my candy & spicy candied bacon.
- Smoky Maple: Use smoked paprika as an alternative of black pepper for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Peppery Warmth: Swap in crushed purple pepper flakes for further chunk.
- Bourbon Glaze: Stir 1 tsp of bourbon into the glaze for depth and heat, or attempt my candied whiskey bacon.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Add a pinch of floor cinnamon for a comfortable, fall-inspired model.
The best way to Retailer and Reheat
Should you’re fortunate to have any leftovers otherwise you’re making this forward of time, place them in an hermetic container and maintain them within the fridge for as much as 4 days. Should you’re stacking items, layer them with parchment paper to stop sticking.
Whenever you’re able to reheat, pop the strips in a 350°F oven for five–7 minutes till heat and crisp. Keep away from microwaving as a result of candied bacon tends to show rubbery.
For longer storage, lay the bacon strips on a parchment-lined tray and freeze till stable, then switch to a zip-top bag and freeze for as much as 1 month.
Serving Ideas
I really like serving candied bacon with an enormous weekend brunch. When the tablescape has scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes, and contemporary fruit, served with candied bacon, it’s successful. It’s additionally a enjoyable addition to charcuterie boards or as a garnish for a bloody Mary. You possibly can even crumble it over salads, baked candy potatoes, or deviled eggs for a sweet-savory twist.
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