This Candied Bacon recipe is so easy and makes a delicious treat for any occasion!
Who wouldn’t love a slice of crispy salty, meaty bacon that’s been baked in a thick mix of brown sugar and pepper? Candied bacon is the ultimate snack that goes with anything and can be served for any occasion, from a snazzy brunch to a tailgate party with frosty brews! Try it as an appetizer on game night or serve it during the holidays. It’s always a hit, so be sure to make a double batch. Because who doesn’t love bacon?
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What is Candied Bacon?
- Affectionately known as ‘pig candy’ or ‘million-dollar bacon’, candied bacon is simply bacon that’s oven-baked with a blend of brown sugar and black pepper.
- It is a salty, sweet and indescribably delicious appetizer. No one can eat just one!
- This easy recipe never fails to impress guests!
3 Easy Ingredients!
BACON: Choose bacon that is an equal mix of meat to fat. Get a head start on flavors by using pre-seasoned bacon like Hickory or Applewood Smoked, Pepper Bacon. Or add some heat and use slices of spicy Jalapeno or Cajun-style bacon. The options are endless!
SUGAR: Brown sugar melts perfectly onto bacon. And for keto-candied bacon, use brown sugar Swerve! There are also sugar-free versions of maple syrup which work as well.
OPTIONAL GLAZE: Maple syrup and mustard are a sweet and savory combination, but experiment with honey, molasses, and different varieties of mustard.
SEASONINGS: Black pepper offsets a bit of the sweet sugar, but it’s fun to experiment with other blends! Try a DIY chili, jerk, or taco seasoning for something different and interesting
How to Make Candied Bacon
It’s super easy to make candied bacon:
- Place bacon pieces on a wire rack on prepared baking trays.
- Brush, coat and season each piece (see recipe below).
- Bake until bacon is golden brown. It will firm up as it cools.
- Transfer to parchment paper to cool completely.
How To Serve Candied Bacon
This interesting appetizer will make a snazzy addition to any party table. Serve bacon vertically in mason jars, or other interesting containers.
Serve whole slices in sammies or wraps, or chop it up for veggie side dishes, salads, or baked potatoes! Make a batch or two and enjoy all week long!
Add a slice of candied bacon to your morning egg burrito or top candied bacon pieces on vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a distinctly different dessert!
Tips for the Best Candied Bacon
This recipe offers two easy ways to sweeten bacon. Try using brown sugar and pepper, or brush with a maple syrup and mustard glaze. Why not try both?
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easier clean up. Brown sugar baked to the bottom of the pan can be difficult to remove.
- Always use thick-sliced bacon because thinner slices may burn before the sugar has a chance to melt.
- Use pieces that are the same width and always bake them on a rack to keep them from soaking up bacon grease.
- Transfer slices to parchment paper shortly after they are cooked, otherwise the bacon might stick to the rack and break apart when removed.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar by hand to break up any clumps.
- Store candied bacon in the refrigerator up to 3 days in a zippered bag.
Other Hearty Appetizers!
- Pineapple Sausage Kabobs – 15 minute prep!
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings – a favorite.
- Chicken Wonton Cups – fun to serve.
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts – another delish appie with bacon.
Candied Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon
- ¼-½ cup brown sugar
- ½-1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper optional
Optional Glaze
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line 1 or 2 baking trays* with foil or parchment paper and add a wire rack.
- Lay bacon slices across the wire rack.
- Sprinkle bacon strips with pepper if using, then brown sugar** to coat, about 1-2 teaspoons per strip.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes (switching the trays after 10 minutes if using more than one tray). Bake until bacon is golden brown and sugar is melted. Bacon should be fully cooked and slightly crisp, and will firm up as it cools.
- After 5 minutes, remove bacon from the rack*** (using tongs) and place on parchment paper to cool completely.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Line pan with parchment paper for easy clean up.
- If using glaze, mix together syrup and mustard in a small bowl. Brush onto the bacon strips in step 3. Proceed to cook as per the recipe.
- *Depending on the thickness of the bacon, you may need 1 or 2 baking trays.
- **Sprinkle brown sugar by hand for best results and to avoid clumps.
- ***If you leave the bacon on the rack to cool completely, it may stick to the rack.
- Bacon can be reheated briefly and cooled until crisp. It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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This is a great appetizer! I love the zingy flavor.
So glad that you enjoy the candied bacon!