Candied Bacon is the best snack for your sweet and salty cravings. Crispy, smoky, and perfectly caramelized, this easy recipe made with brown sugar and maple syrup is so versatile and delicious!
For more delicious ways to enjoy bacon, try my mouthwatering Bacon Jam, this easy Bacon Gravy, and Texas Twinkies (Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños with Brisket).
Best Candied Bacon Recipe
My candied bacon is a crunchy, sticky treat that’s always a hit. I love making a batch to serve as a party appetizer or a garnish for drinks and sides. It’s perfect for brunch spreads, watch parties, and even the Super Bowl.
The thick-cut bacon holds up well to the caramelized sweetness. Wrap them up for a holiday gift, and you’ve got a delicious surprise anyone would love!
What is Candied Bacon?
Candied Bacon, also known as Pig Candy or Million Dollar Bacon, is thick bacon slathered in something sweet like brown sugar and maple syrup. It’s baked until crispy and caramelized, creating the perfect balance of smoky, salty, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- Thick Cut Bacon: Using thick cut bacon is key for this recipe. Thinner slices won’t hold up well with the brown sugar and maple syrup, leading to uneven cooking. Thick cut ensures your candied bacon is crispy with a hearty, meaty chew. While it takes a bit longer to cook, the texture and flavor are worth it.
- Brown Sugar: Adds the signature caramelized sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar can be used depending on your preference for a subtle or deeper molasses flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Enhances the sweetness and adds a hint of smoky richness. Pure maple syrup is best for authentic flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Provides a subtle kick of heat that’s optional but highly recommended. It won’t make the bacon spicy, but it adds complexity to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Candied Bacon
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Making bacon in the oven is the best way to cook it! You don't have to worry about bacon drippings splattering all over the place on the stovetop. The bacon also stays flat instead of curling up.
I start by laying my bacon flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then I sprinkle both sides with the brown sugar to evenly coat each piece.
Next, I either drizzle or brush on the maple syrup to each side. I dust the cayenne pepper onto each slice of bacon.
I bake it in the oven for about ten minutes, take it out and flip each piece. Then I bake them for an additional seven minutes.
Finally, I remove the bacon from the oven. I place them in a single layer on a cooling rack to drain any extra oil.
How to Make Candy Bacon in the Air Fryer
Add an air fryer lining if you have one, or use a piece of foil. Then place your bacon in a single layer and put it on the bake setting at 350 degrees. Cook it for about seven minutes, flip it over and cook for another five minutes.
Remove it from the air fryer and place on a cooling rack to drain any excess oil.
Pro Tips
- Keep a close eye on the bacon while it bakes. The sugar can caramelize quickly and may burn if left in the oven too long. Check it frequently toward the end of the baking time.
- Use regular or hickory-smoked bacon for the best results. Maple-flavored bacon can become overly sweet once the brown sugar and syrup are added, so starting with unsweetened bacon creates a better balance.
- Line your sheet pan for easy cleanup. Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch the sugary drippings, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
- Flip the bacon halfway through baking. This ensures even caramelization on both sides and prevents one side from becoming overly crisp.
- Avoid overlapping the bacon slices on the pan. Spacing them out ensures even cooking and proper caramelization for every piece.
- Use a cooling rack to drain excess grease. Placing the cooked bacon on a cooling rack allows the excess grease to drip away.
- Let the bacon cool completely before serving. Cooling allows the caramelized coating to harden, giving it that perfect sticky-crunchy texture.
Storage
Once your candied bacon has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a low oven (about 300°F) to restore some crispness before serving.
How to Serve Candied Bacon
- Salad: Chop the candied bacon into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle it over mixed greens or spinach for a sweet and smoky crunch. It pairs great with vinaigrette-based dressings.
- Deviled Eggs: Add a small piece of candied bacon on top of each deviled egg as a garnish. The salty-sweet flavor complements the creamy egg filling perfectly.
- French Toast: Serve candied bacon on the side of French toast, or crumble it on top along with syrup for a decadent breakfast twist.
- Cocktails: Use candied bacon as an edible garnish for Bloody Marys or other savory cocktails for a unique, smoky-sweet addition.
- Charcuterie Board: Include candied bacon as part of a charcuterie spread. It pairs well with cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a flavorful variety.
- Sandwiches: Layer candied bacon on burgers, BLTs, or breakfast sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQ
Does candy bacon have to be refrigerated?
Yes, candied bacon should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and safety.
How do I keep the bacon from sticking to the pan?
Lining your sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick spray will prevent sticking. This also makes cleanup much easier after the bacon is done.
Do I need to flip the bacon while it bakes?
Yes, flipping the bacon halfway through ensures even cooking and caramelization on both sides. This step helps achieve the perfect balance of crispy and sticky.
Related
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📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pack Thick cut bacon
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- ½ cup Maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cover a 9x13 sheet pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- Spread the bacon out in one layer across the sheet pan, placing each slice really close but not overlapping.
- Sprinkle the bacon evenly with the brown sugar, and then drizzle the maple syrup over each piece. Repeat this on both sides of the bacon.
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10 mins. Remove it from the oven, flip the bacon and bake for additional 7 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and place the bacon flat on a cooling rack to drain any excess grease. Enjoy!
Gina T says
Oh my goodness this bacon was addicting it was sooo good! My kids are begging me to make it again. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Elise Van Orman says
Oh my goodness! I made this for my Dad and he absolutely LOVED this!!!!!! Sooooo addicting!!!!
Tamara J. says
I’m so glad you guys liked it as much as we do!
Gina T says
I absolutely loved this recipe! We are bacon lovers already, but this was just like eating candy! Thank you for sharing this with me