Candied Bacon Recipe
Candied Bacon is the ultimate brunch upgrade—salty, sweet, smoky, and crispy with just the right amount of spice if you want it. Whether you’re dressing up a plate of pancakes, garnishing a bloody mary, or sneaking a strip before it even hits the table, this easy recipe transforms humble bacon into something truly crave-worthy.
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
- Wire rack (optional but recommended for even crisping)
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Parchment paper (optional for cooling)
Ingredients
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper (for heat), Maple syrup drizzle (for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the OvenPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows for better air circulation and crisper bacon, but if you don’t have a rack, you can bake directly on the foil and flip the bacon halfway through.
- Prep the BaconLay the bacon strips in a single layer across the rack or foil. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, and optional cayenne.Sprinkle this mixture generously over the bacon, gently pressing it into the slices so it sticks well.
- Bake Until CaramelizedBake for 25–30 minutes, watching closely during the last 5 minutes. The sugar should bubble and the bacon should look deeply golden and caramelized.Keep in mind: baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon. The goal is crispy edges and sticky centers.
- Cool CompletelyRemove from the oven and let the bacon cool on the rack or transfer it to parchment paper. The caramelized sugar needs time to harden—wait 5–10 minutes before eating. (Hot sugar can burn!)
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon: It holds up better during baking and gives you that satisfying chewy-crisp texture.
- Want extra sweetness? A light drizzle of maple syrup before baking adds a deeper maple flavor.
- Add heat carefully: Cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, but start with a small pinch—candied bacon is all about balance.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day, or in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a low oven to crisp back up.