Got a brunch coming up? Make sure this delightfully sweet and salty Baked Brown Sugar Bacon is on the table!
Just when you take a bite out of a freshly cooked strip of bacon and think, it can’t possibly get any better than this, it does! While many think bacon is the perfect food, there is a way you can improve on perfection. How? Add brown sugar. Introducing brown sugar bacon baked in the oven.
There’s something about combining salty and sweet ingredients that our taste buds just go crazy for. It’s the best of both worlds. For my weekend brunches with friends, the bacon always used to be an afterthought, or something that I could just throw onto the table knowing most of it would be eaten anyway.
But now that I’ve started giving my bacon more time and effort in the kitchen, I don’t think I can ever go back—and the clean plates I now get at the end of brunch solidify that! The bonus: This sweet caramelized bacon also has a spicy cayenne kick. It’s the perfect combo of sweet, savory, and spicy, all oven-baked to crispy perfection.
Is Baked Brown Sugar Bacon Healthy?
Let’s be real—this is bacon, not kale. But, in moderation, it can totally fit into a balanced diet. Oven baking cuts down on grease since the fat drips away.
For healthier brown sugar bacon, try to find unsmoked or nitrite-free bacon, and opt for lower-fat cuts like back bacon over streaky bacon. You can also try this recipe with turkey bacon. Just remember that every type of bacon will have a different cooking time.
What is Brown Sugar?
Brown sugar is essentially white sugar with molasses added in, giving it a richer flavor and extra moisture. This makes it ideal for creating that sticky, caramelized crust on the bacon, and it adds a depth that plain white sugar just can’t replicate.
In comparison to other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, brown sugar is easier to sprinkle evenly over the bacon, ensuring a consistent bake. The molasses content also balances perfectly with the smoky-salty flavors of bacon while enhancing the spicy kick from the cayenne. Trust me, it’s a star ingredient here for a reason!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Allow the bacon to cool completely before storing. In the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 5 days. For the freezer, wrap slices individually in wax paper or parchment, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Assuming you’ve made this recipe for brunch, I suggest you provide your guests with a stack of Blueberry Pancakes for a sweet variation or plenty of Breakfast Potatoes, Soft Scrambled Eggs, and Garlic Mushrooms for a savory variation.
Outside of breakfast, this brown sugar bacon goes great crumbled over Mashed Potatoes or Baked Sweet Potatoes, or stirred through this Balsamic Butternut Squash Salad or Fried Cabbage.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking tray with aluminum foil.
- Place a metal cooling rack in the baking tray, over the layer of foil.
- Carefully place the bacon slices in a single layer on the cooling rack, perpendicular to the rack's wires to prevent bacon from slipping through.
- Sprinkle brown sugar in an even layer over the bacon slices.
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper in an even layer over the bacon slices.
- Bake for 15 minutes on the middle rack of the oven, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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