If you think bacon can’t get any better, wait until you try this Easy Candied Bacon Recipe. It transforms simple thick-cut bacon into a mouthwatering treat that’s sweet, savory, and perfectly crispy with a delightful hint of spice from black pepper. This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet the result is a dazzling mix of caramelized sugar and smoky bacon that’s sure to become your new favorite indulgence. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, this Easy Candied Bacon Recipe delivers a remarkable balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Candied Bacon Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that irresistible flavor and glossy finish that makes candied bacon so addictive. From the rich sweetness of the brown sugar and maple syrup to the tangy brightness of rice vinegar and the kick of black pepper, these few components come together like a charm.
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness that clings beautifully to the bacon.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Provides a subtle acidity that balances the sugar’s richness.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Enhances sweetness with natural, complex flavors and helps create that shiny glaze.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle spicy edge to cut through the sweetness; about 1 tablespoon works perfectly.
- 1 pound thick-sliced bacon: The star ingredient — thicker slices hold up well during baking and soak up the glaze wonderfully.
How to Make Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet and Tangy Glaze
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so everything will be ready to go when the bacon hits the rack. In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, rice vinegar, and maple syrup. Stir the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves—this ensures your glaze is smooth and coats evenly. Don’t forget the black pepper here, which adds a surprising depth to the sweetness. About one tablespoon is ideal, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
Step 2: Set Up Your Bacon for Baking
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; this makes post-bake cleanup a breeze. Place a wire rack on top and give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray so the bacon won’t stick. Lay your thick-cut bacon strips in a single layer across the rack—no overlapping! This arrangement allows heat to circulate evenly and lets excess fat drip away, helping your bacon get extra crispy from all sides.
Step 3: Start Baking and Glazing
Bake the bacon for an initial 10 minutes, allowing it to start rendering fat and crisping up. Then carefully flip each strip over and bake for another 5 minutes. This gradual cooking gives the bacon time to firm up before the glaze goes on.
Step 4: Brush on the Glaze and Continue Cooking
Remove the bacon from the oven and use a pastry brush to coat the top of each strip generously with your sugar-vinegar-maple mixture. Return the tray to the oven for 5 more minutes. Repeat brushing the glaze every 5 minutes, turning the bacon each time to promote even caramelization on both sides. This step takes between 30 and 45 minutes total depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired crispness, but trust me—it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the bacon looks beautifully browned and crisped to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the wire rack for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the glaze set into a shiny, crackly candy-like crust. Then, transfer your masterpiece to a serving platter and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking to contrast the sweet glaze. A scatter of freshly ground black pepper enhances the subtle spice. Fresh herbs like chopped thyme or rosemary can add an aromatic touch that’s unexpected but delightful.
Side Dishes
This Easy Candied Bacon Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast items like scrambled eggs, waffles, or pancakes, bringing a sweet-savory twist to your morning plate. For lunch or dinner, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Candied bacon also shines on burgers or sandwiches, turning everyday meals into gourmet experiences.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use candied bacon as a topping for mac and cheese or baked potatoes. You can also chop it up and toss it into salads or pasta dishes for bursts of flavor and crunch. At gatherings, arrange strips artfully on skewers with chunks of fruit like pineapple or apple for an irresistible appetizer everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover Easy Candied Bacon in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked candied bacon to extend its shelf life. Lay the strips flat on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly wrapped, it will maintain quality for up to 2 months. This way, you always have a sweet, savory treat on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated candied bacon on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 10 minutes until crisp. Warming slowly prevents burning the glaze and ensures each strip is perfectly tender and flavorful again.
FAQs
Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Rice vinegar has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the sugar and syrup, but you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed. Just use a little less, as those tend to be more acidic and can overpower the glaze.
What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
Thick-sliced bacon is ideal because it holds up well during the longer baking process and absorbs the glaze beautifully without drying out. Thin-sliced bacon may cook too fast and become overly crispy.
How do I know when the candied bacon is done?
The bacon should be deeply browned, shiny from the glaze, and crisp but not burnt. It will feel firm to the touch but still have a chewiness inside. The glazing and flipping every 5 minutes help ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Is it okay to add more black pepper?
Absolutely! The black pepper adds a lovely spicy kick that balances the sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. Some like it mild, while others prefer a dash more for extra warmth.
Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?
While maple syrup contributes to the rich sweetness and beautiful glaze, you can substitute honey or corn syrup in a pinch. They won’t have quite the same flavor depth, but the candied effect will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors in this Easy Candied Bacon Recipe. It’s a perfect way to elevate your bacon game without requiring complicated steps or unusual ingredients. Whether shared with family, friends, or enjoyed all by yourself, it promises smiles and satisfied taste buds. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with the magic of candied bacon as much as I have!
Print
Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Candied Bacon recipe delivers crispy, sweet, and savory bacon strips glazed with a luscious mixture of brown sugar, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and a touch of black pepper. Baked to perfection in the oven, this candied bacon is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a decadent breakfast treat. The methodical glazing every 5 minutes ensures an irresistible caramelized coating that enhances the smoky flavor of thick-cut bacon.
Ingredients
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Black pepper, about 1 tablespoon (to taste)
For the Bacon
- 1 pound thick-sliced bacon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Glaze: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add black pepper to taste—about 1 tablespoon is suggested for a subtle kick.
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Bacon: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the rack, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Initial Baking: Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the bacon strips over and bake for an additional 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- First Glazing and Baking: Remove the bacon from the oven and brush the top of each strip evenly with the prepared brown sugar glaze. Return the bacon to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes to begin caramelizing the glaze.
- Repeat Glazing and Baking: Continue to repeat the process of turning the bacon strips and brushing on the glaze every 5 minutes. This gradual glazing and cooking should continue for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the bacon turns crisp and richly browned. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon.
- Cooling and Serving: Remove the candied bacon from the oven and allow it to cool on the wire rack for about 10 minutes. This helps the glaze set and the bacon to crisp up further. Once cooled, transfer the bacon to a serving platter.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use thick-sliced bacon for best texture and optimal glazing.
- Adjust black pepper quantity based on your spice preference.
- Monitor closely during the last stages of baking to prevent burning as the sugar caramelizes.
- Wire rack helps excess fat drip away, keeping bacon crispy.
- Leftover candied bacon can be used to garnish salads, burgers, or breakfast dishes for extra flavor.
