Candied Bacon Recipe

Introduction

This candied bacon recipe transforms simple bacon into a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking. With a blend of brown sugar, spices, and a crisp finish, it adds a delightful twist to a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 slices bacon (not thick-cut)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked is great)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, and cinnamon.
3. Step 3: Line two medium baking sheets with foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on each.
4. Step 4: Arrange the bacon slices on the wire racks, perpendicular to the rack lines, ensuring they do not overlap.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over each bacon strip, about 1 teaspoon per slice, covering the entire strip.
6. Step 6: Place one rack in the top third and the other in the bottom third of the oven.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through cooking for even crisping.
8. Step 8: Check the bacon starting around 17 to 18 minutes, as some slices may finish sooner.
9. Step 9: The bacon is done when it is deep brown and the sugar mixture has melted into a glaze. It will crisp further as it cools.
10. Step 10: Let the bacon cool on the wire racks to allow the sugar to harden and set.
11. Step 11: Transfer to a plate and serve immediately or use as a sweet, crunchy topping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mix for a spicy kick.
• Choose regular sliced bacon rather than thick-cut for a better balance of crispiness and sugar glaze.
• Line your baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup, and use wire racks to allow fat to drain and the bacon to crisp evenly.

Storage

Store cooled candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to restore some crispness. For longer storage, freeze the bacon between layers of parchment paper and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon can be used, but it may take longer to cook and the sugar glaze might not crisp as well. Regular sliced bacon tends to give the best texture for candied bacon.

How do I prevent the sugar from burning?

Keep an eye on the bacon starting around 17 minutes and rotate the pans to ensure even cooking. Using a moderate oven temperature of 375 degrees F helps the sugar melt without burning.

Candied Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Candied Bacon recipe transforms regular bacon into a sweet and savory treat, coated with a mixture of light brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, and cinnamon. Baked in the oven until caramelized and crispy, it’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a flavorful addition to breakfast dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 12 slices bacon (not thick-cut)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked is great)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bacon evenly and allowing the sugar to caramelize properly.
2. Make the sugar mixture: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and cinnamon, mixing them thoroughly to create the flavorful coating for the bacon.
3. Prepare the baking sheets: Line two medium baking sheets with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place an oven-safe wire rack on each sheet. This setup allows excess fat to drip while baking.
4. Arrange the bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the wire racks, positioning them perpendicular to the rack lines and ensuring they do not overlap to allow for even cooking.
5. Apply the sugar mixture: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over each strip of bacon, using about one teaspoon per strip and spreading it to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor and caramelization.
6. Position racks in oven: Place one rack in the top third and the other in the bottom third of the preheated oven to ensure even heat distribution while baking.
7. Bake the bacon: Bake the bacon strips for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning and crispiness.
8. Monitor doneness: Begin checking the bacon at around 17-18 minutes, as cooking times may vary and some slices could crisp faster; look for a deep brown color with melted sugar crust.
9. Cool the bacon: Once done, carefully let the bacon cool on the wire racks so the melted sugar hardens, resulting in the signature candied finish.
10. Serve: Transfer the cooled candied bacon to a plate and serve as a sweet and savory snack or complement to your meal.

Notes

• Use regular, not thick-cut bacon for best results; thick-cut bacon may require longer cooking times.
• Keep an eye on the bacon near the end of cooking to prevent sugar from burning.
• Letting the bacon cool on the wire rack is essential for the sugar to harden and create a crispy texture.
• Smoked paprika enhances the flavor but you can use regular paprika if preferred.
• This recipe makes a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: candied bacon, sweet bacon, bacon recipe, baked bacon, smoked paprika, caramelized bacon