Million Dollar Candied Bacon with Brown Sugar
The first time I made candied bacon, I was shocked that something so easy could turn out this irresistibly sweet, salty, and crispy. The combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, and just the right amount of spice creates a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and caramelized flavors. Whether you call it candied bacon or million-dollar bacon, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit and a crowd-pleaser.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, thick cut will take longer to bake
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a rack overtop.
- Line the bacon on the rack in a single layer. If needed you may need to cook in batches or use two baking sheets.
- Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne, pepper, red pepper flakes and paprika in a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds or just long enough to heat the syrup so the brown sugar dissolves into the syrup and forms a paste.
- Brush one side of bacon with the brown sugar mixture reserving half of the glaze. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and flip the bacon and brush the other side with remaining glaze.
- Return the bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or till the bacon is the desired texture. Watch closely so that it does not burn. Thick cut bacon will take longer.
- Remove from oven and as the bacon cools it will crisp up. Serve with your favorite breakfast sides, as an appetizer or crumble and add to a salad.