Candied Bacon Recipe (with Video)

Candied Bacon Recipe: Candied bacon is an irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a unique breakfast side dish, a crispy topping for salads and burgers, or a stand-alone snack, candied bacon has you covered. The glaze of caramelized sugar with a hint of spice turns ordinary bacon into something truly special.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to make the best candied bacon at home.

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect candied bacon, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients:

• Thick-cut bacon – for a hearty, meaty bite
• Brown sugar – the base for that caramelized sweetness
• Maple syrup (optional but recommended) – for added depth and a rich, sweet glaze
• Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional) – to balance the sweetness with some heat or smokiness

Tip: The better the ingredients, the better the result. Use high-quality bacon and real maple syrup if possible.

Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and cleaner. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking sheet – to catch drips and protect your oven
• Wire rack – to elevate the bacon for even cooking
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil – for easy cleanup
• Tongs – to flip and handle the bacon without burning yourself

The wire rack is essential because it keeps the bacon crispy as air circulates around each slice.

Preparing the Bacon

Before you begin, follow these preparation steps:

1. Choose the right bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best as it holds up to the glaze and cooking process without becoming overly crispy or brittle.
2. Trim excess fat: If your bacon has large fatty areas, you can trim them slightly to ensure even cooking.
3. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.

Preheating ensures consistent cooking and helps the sugar caramelize evenly.

Making the Candied Mixture

This step is where you build the flavors that make candied bacon so addictively good. You’ll need:

• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
• Optional spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, or cinnamon

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and maple syrup until you get a sticky paste.
2. If you want a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
3. Stir everything together until fully blended.

This mixture should be thick but spreadable, ready to coat the bacon.

Coating the Bacon

Even coating is key to perfectly candied bacon. Follow these steps:

1. Lay each strip flat: Place the bacon strips on a large plate or tray.
2. Spread the mixture: Use a spoon or brush to apply a thin, even layer of the candied mixture on each strip.
3. Flip and repeat: Coat both sides for maximum flavor.

Don’t go overboard with the sugar coating—too much can burn or become overly sticky during baking.

Arranging the Bacon on the Rack

To prevent soggy bacon, you’ll want to bake it on a wire rack. Here’s how:

1. Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or foil to catch any drips.
2. Set up the rack: Place the wire rack on the sheet, ensuring it’s stable.
3. Arrange the bacon: Lay the bacon strips flat on the rack, leaving space between each piece for airflow.

Proper spacing ensures every piece cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.

Baking the Bacon

The secret to perfect candied bacon lies in baking it slowly at a moderate temperature. Here’s how to do it:

1. Bake at 350°F: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20 minutes: Check the bacon’s progress halfway through.
3. Rotate the tray: For even caramelization, turn the tray 180 degrees.
4. Bake for another 10-15 minutes: Keep an eye on it—once the bacon is golden brown and caramelized, it’s ready.

Avoid over-baking, as the sugar can quickly burn at the final stages.

Cooling the Bacon

Once out of the oven, let the bacon cool:

1. Transfer to a clean rack: Use tongs to move the bacon to a wire rack or plate lined with parchment paper.
2. Let it cool completely: As the bacon cools, the sugar will harden, giving it that signature candied texture.
3. Avoid stacking: Separate each piece to prevent sticking.

Cooling is essential—if you skip this step, the bacon may turn soft or chewy.

Storing Candied Bacon

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, right?), storing candied bacon properly will keep it fresh and delicious for several days. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use an airtight container: Once the bacon has cooled completely, transfer it to a container with a tight seal.
2. Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. The bacon will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
3. Freezing option: You can freeze candied bacon for up to one month. Lay the strips flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze them for a couple of hours, then transfer the strips to a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy leftover bacon, reheat it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soft instead of crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Candied bacon is versatile and works beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ways you can serve it:

1. As a snack: Enjoy it on its own like a sweet-and-salty treat. It’s great for parties and gatherings.
2. Breakfast side: Serve it alongside pancakes, waffles, or eggs to create a luxurious breakfast spread.
3. Toppings: Crumble it over a salad for extra crunch, or use it to elevate burgers, sandwiches, and even baked potatoes.
4. Desserts: Candied bacon pairs surprisingly well with desserts. Try it on chocolate cupcakes or ice cream for a bold flavor contrast.

Pro tip: Add a few strips to a Bloody Mary cocktail for an unforgettable garnish!

Flavor Variations

You can experiment with different flavors to make your candied bacon unique. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Spicy-sweet bacon: Add a generous pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sugar mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cinnamon sugar bacon: Sprinkle cinnamon into the brown sugar mixture to give the bacon a warm, dessert-like flavor.
• Maple-molasses bacon: Replace half the brown sugar with molasses or use 100% pure maple syrup for a deeper, richer glaze.
• Smoky paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle, savory smokiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.

Feel free to adjust the spices and sweeteners to suit your personal taste!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like candied bacon can go wrong if you’re not careful. Watch out for these common mistakes:

1. Overloading the bacon with sugar: Applying too much sugar can cause the coating to burn quickly in the oven.
2. Skipping the wire rack: Baking directly on a sheet pan without a rack can result in unevenly cooked, soggy bacon.
3. Using thin-cut bacon: Thin bacon cooks too fast and may become brittle. Stick with thick-cut strips for the best texture.
4. Under-baking: If you don’t bake long enough, the sugar won’t fully caramelize, leaving the bacon chewy instead of crisp.
5. Not preheating the oven: A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and caramelization from the start.

Avoiding these pitfalls will help you achieve perfectly candied bacon every time.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking for a lighter version of candied bacon? Here are a few ways to make it healthier:

1. Use turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than traditional pork bacon. It may not get quite as crispy, but it can still be delicious when candied.
2. Reduce sugar: Cut down on the sugar by using just enough to lightly coat the bacon. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar.
3. Air frying: Use an air fryer instead of the oven to cook the bacon with less grease. Air frying also helps the bacon stay crisp without the need for extra fat.

Remember, balance is key—candied bacon is meant to be a treat, so enjoy it in moderation!

FAQs about Candied Bacon Recipe

1. What ingredients do I need for candied bacon?

To make candied bacon, you typically need thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, and optional spices such as black pepper or cayenne pepper for added flavor. Some recipes may also include maple syrup for extra sweetness.

2. How long does it take to make candied bacon?

The total time to make candied bacon is about 30 to 40 minutes, which includes 10 minutes of preparation and 20 to 30 minutes of baking, depending on your oven and desired crispiness.

3. Can candied bacon be made in advance?

Yes, candied bacon can be made in advance. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for up to a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to restore its crispiness.

4. Is candied bacon served hot or cold?

Candied bacon can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Serving it hot right after baking usually enhances its flavors and texture, but it is also delicious served at room temperature as a snack or appetizer.

5. What are some variations of candied bacon I can try?

You can experiment with different flavor variations by adding ingredients like maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.

6. How do I store leftover candied bacon?

Leftover candied bacon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about a week. You can reheat it in the oven or in a skillet to bring back its crisp texture.

7. Can candied bacon be frozen?

Yes, candied bacon can be frozen. Wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Candied bacon is a simple yet gourmet treat that elevates any meal or snack with its irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, adding it to burgers, or enjoying it as a snack, this recipe is sure to impress. With the step-by-step guide above, you now have all the tools and tips to make perfect candied bacon at home. So go ahead—fire up that oven and indulge in this delicious creation!