Super Easy Candied Bacon
There are some recipes that once you make them, they become a must-have in your home—and this Super Easy Candied Bacon is one of them. It’s that perfect balance of crispy, caramelized, and subtly spiced flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. I first made this on a lazy Sunday morning, hoping to elevate our usual breakfast spread, and let me tell you, the response from my family was pure delight. Even my picky eaters, who normally turn up their noses at anything new, couldn’t resist the sweet, smoky aroma wafting from the oven.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up, even with the chaos of family life swirling around me. It’s the kind of dish that can make any breakfast feel special or act as a showstopper when friends gather for brunch. You’ll find it gets devoured faster than you can say “Super Easy Candied Bacon!” There’s something magical about the way the brown sugar caramelizes, creating a candy-like glaze that’s offset by just the right hint of heat. If you’re looking to elevate your bacon game, trust me, this one’s worth every penny—or should I say, every bite!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just let the bacon cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes to crisp up.
What’s the best type of bacon to use?
Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe. It holds up well to the caramelization process and doesn’t become too crispy or break apart.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Absolutely. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For those who love heat, feel free to add a pinch more.
What if I don’t have a wire rack for baking?
You can place the bacon directly on a lined baking sheet, but it may come out slightly less crispy. A wire rack allows the fat to drip away, leaving the bacon perfectly glazed and crispy.
What You Need to Make Super Easy Candied Bacon
Ingredients
1 lb thick-cut bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
Tools and Equipment
Baking sheet
Wire rack
Aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup
How to Make Super Easy Candied Bacon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure the slices don’t overlap to ensure even cooking.
Mix the brown sugar, cayenne, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each slice of bacon, pressing lightly to make sure it adheres. If using, drizzle a touch of maple syrup over each piece for added flavor.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is caramelized and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly towards the end.
Remove from the oven and let the bacon cool on the wire rack for a few minutes. It will crisp up further as it cools.
Tips for Making Super Easy Candied Bacon
Use thick-cut bacon for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Regular bacon tends to cook too quickly and doesn’t caramelize as well.
Line your baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Trust me, the caramelized sugar can be a mess to scrub off otherwise.
Keep an eye on the bacon during the last few minutes of cooking. Sugar can burn quickly, and you don’t want your million-dollar bacon to turn into “burnt dollar” bacon.
Experiment with spices. You can try adding smoked paprika or even a pinch of chili powder for a unique twist.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe is a game-changer! Perfect for a brunch spread or just a special breakfast treat. Everyone loved it!” – Sarah M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great for busy mornings when you want to impress. Next time, I think I’ll add more cayenne for extra heat.” – Rachel K.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wow! This is now a family favorite. The combination of sweet and spicy is out of this world!” – James L.
⭐⭐⭐ “Good, but a bit too sweet for my taste. I might cut back on the sugar next time.” – Tom P.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfectly crispy and so flavorful. My kids couldn’t stop eating it, and they are usually not bacon fans!” – Melissa T.
Printable Recipe
Super Easy Candied Bacon
Sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible, Super Easy Candied Bacon is the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch. Thick-cut bacon caramelized with brown sugar and a hint of cayenne pepper will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
- Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure the slices don’t overlap to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the brown sugar, cayenne, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each slice of bacon, pressing lightly to make sure it adheres. If using, drizzle a touch of maple syrup over each piece for added flavor.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is caramelized and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly towards the end.
- Remove from the oven and let the bacon cool on the wire rack for a few minutes. It will crisp up further as it cools.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Sharing recipes is one of my favorite things to do, especially when they bring so much joy to the table. If this Super Easy Candied Bacon made your breakfast or brunch extra special, why not share it with your friends and family? Snap a picture, post it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me! Food is always better when it’s shared, and I’d love to see how this recipe turns out in your kitchen.
