You don’t need to go to a fancy brunch restaurant to be able to enjoy this sweet and salty snack.
The first time I tried candied bacon, it was an appetizer at a brunch restaurant. I have to admit, I probably wouldn’t have ordered this myself because I couldn’t imagine eating bacon as a snack, but boy, was I wrong! When a friend ordered the candied bacon for the table to share, I could barely stop at one slice. The sweet, spicy, crispy flavor profile was the perfect complement to my eggs and pancakes.
After that day, I decided to try recreating candied bacon at home. I was surprised at just how easy it was! That’s why I love this recipe. You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to create a memorable bacon side dish (or snack!).
I think the use of light brown sugar and black pepper is the perfect pair to use in this recipe. If you’re looking to change the flavor profile, you could create a wet seasoning mixture with the addition of maple syrup. Also, don’t hesitate to explore the many different types of thick-cut bacon available in most grocery stores. Some are already seasoned, adding an extra level of flavor to your recipe.
Is Candied Bacon Healthy?
Bacon is not generally considered to be healthy, since it’s a processed meat that’s high in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol. However, the news isn’t all bad. Bacon does contain protein and some vitamin B12. Candied bacon also calls for light brown sugar to bring the sweetness factor. Due to the dry seasoning mix, we don’t recommend a sugar substitute in this recipe. This is definitely a recipe that you want to enjoy sparingly.
Are Wire Racks Necessary?
Wire racks are absolutely critical for this recipe! While some bacon is traditionally cooked directly on a baking sheet, this will not work well for this recipe. To avoid a greasy, soggy sheet of bacon, make sure that you’re placing the bacon directly on the wire rack. This will help in two ways. First, while it’s baking, the grease from the bacon will leak off of the rack. Second, the bacon will cool on the rack after it’s done baking to allow it to crisp up even more.
How do I store leftovers?
While candied bacon is best enjoyed crispy from the oven, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To prevent sticking, place a piece of parchment paper in between each layer of bacon in the container.
Serving Suggestions
I love bacon in the morning, so I think it’s absolutely delicious next to Cheesy Scrambled Eggs. When I have time on the weekends and want to recreate a restaurant-quality brunch, I’m cooking candied bacon next to Eggs Benedict, and enjoying both with a glass of Mimosa.
If you want to skip the bacon for breakfast and enjoy it throughout the day, I have a few more ideas on how to enjoy candied bacon. Having a traditional BLT Sandwich for lunch? Swapping out regular bacon for candied bacon will really change the flavor of the sandwich. I also love adding candied bacon to my lunch salad, particularly the Kale Salad With Bacon And Caramelized Onions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 pinch garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper optional
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line foil on a baking sheet and place a wire rack on top.
- Mix brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and (if using) cayenne pepper.
- Press each bacon strip into the sugar mixture to coat evenly on both sides, then place on the wire rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is caramelized (cooking time will vary depending on bacon thickness).
- Remove from oven and let the bacon cool on the rack for 10 minutes to crisp up further.
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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