Million Dollar Candied Bacon
Candied bacon takes everyone’s favorite breakfast staple and transforms it into a sweet and salty treat. Perfect for topping salads, adding a unique crunch to sandwiches, or simply enjoying on its own, candied bacon is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Candied bacon is simply bacon coated in brown sugar and baked until crispy. The sugar caramelizes during baking, creating a sweet and sticky glaze on the bacon. The result? A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfyingly crisp texture.
Making candied bacon requires minimal ingredients and effort. All you need is thick-cut bacon, brown sugar (light or dark depending on your preference), and an oven. After coating the bacon in brown sugar, bake it at a low temperature until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
For a richer taste, explore substituting half the brown sugar with maple syrup. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the sugar for a touch of heat. Candied bacon can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prepping or satisfying unexpected cravings.
So ditch the greasy spoon and whip up a batch of candied bacon at home. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe that delivers a burst of sweet and savory flavor.
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Do I need to precook the bacon before candying it?
No, the bacon cooks through during the baking process.
What’s the best way to coat the bacon in the sugar?
A shallow dish allows you to easily dredge each slice, coating both sides evenly.
What are some other flavorings I can try?
Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, crumbled herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a sprinkle of espresso powder can add unique twists.
How can I use leftover candied bacon?
Candied bacon is a versatile ingredient. Crumble it on top of salads, soups, or vegetables. Add it to cheeseboards, charcuterie plates, or deviled eggs. It can even be chopped and used as a topping for ice cream sundaes.
What you need to make Million Dollar Candied Bacon:
Ingredients:
1 pound thick-cut bacon (about 12-16 slices)
½ -⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
Equipment:
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional)
Wire rack (optional)
How to make it:
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
If using, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Place the brown sugar in a shallow dish. One by one, dredge each bacon slice in the brown sugar, coating both sides evenly.
Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. You can also place the bacon on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow grease to drip off for extra crispness.
Bake the bacon for 20 minutes.
Carefully remove the pan from the oven and pour off any accumulated grease.Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crisp to your liking.
Transfer the candied bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. The bacon will crisp up further as it cools.
Tips:
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup.Want a little spice?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the brown sugar before coating the bacon.
Let the candied bacon cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Latest Reviews:
OMG. Game changer! – This candied bacon is ridiculously easy and SO good! I was a little worried it would be too sweet, but the brown sugar caramelizes perfectly and it’s the right balance of sweet and salty. I used thick-cut peppered bacon and added a sprinkle of cayenne to the sugar for a little kick. Total crowd-pleaser at our last game night! Definitely recommend using a wire rack to keep the bacon crispy – thanks for the tip!
Perfect for Meal Prep – This recipe is a lifesaver for busy mornings. I whip up a double batch of candied bacon on Sundays and crumble it over salads throughout the week. It adds a delicious sweet and salty flavor that keeps things interesting. Also tried it crumbled on top of mac and cheese – next-level comfort food! Thanks for a simple recipe that packs a big flavor punch.
New Favorite Snack! – I can’t believe I never tried candied bacon before! This recipe is so easy and it’s seriously addictive. I love the sweet and crispy texture. I used half maple syrup and half brown sugar for an even richer flavor, and it was divine. Be warned – this stuff disappears fast! Will definitely be making this again and again.
Printable Recipe:
Millon Dollar Candied Bacon
This recipe makes a delicious and addictive candied bacon treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon (about 12-16 slices)
- ½ -⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- If using, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Place the brown sugar in a shallow dish. One by one, dredge each bacon slice in the brown sugar, coating both sides evenly.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. You can also place the bacon on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow grease to drip off for extra crispness.
- Bake the bacon for 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven and pour off any accumulated grease.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crisp to your liking.
- Transfer the candied bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. The bacon will crisp up further as it cools.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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