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
Scale
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.
