Candied Bacon

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Candied bacon is a sweet and savory treat made by baking bacon coated in sugar until crisp. It’s a popular topping for salads, burgers, desserts, and even ice cream!

Candied Bacon, also known as “Pig Candy,” is a delightful twist on traditional bacon. It’s a perfect blend of salty and sweet flavors that can elevate your brunch, appetizers, or desserts to a whole new level.

This mouthwatering treat is made by coating thick slices of bacon with a generous layer of sugar. It is then baked until the sugar caramelizes and forms a glossy, candy-like coating.

Not only is this candied bacon incredibly delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make at home.”

Why I love this recipe

There’s something incredibly special about candied bacon. The first time I tried it, I was skeptical. How could a combination of sweet and savory elements ever work?

But, oh, was I wrong!

The way the smoky taste of bacon marries the sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar is nothing short of miraculous. It became an instant favorite, a go-to for gatherings, Sunday brunches, or even as a special treat for myself.

Ingredients

• bacon
• maple syrup
• light brown sugar
• black pepper

Step by step

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the bacon from sticking and make for easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bacon: Cut the bacon strips in half to make smaller, bite-sized pieces. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap.
3. Make the Candied Coating: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, and a dash of black pepper. Stir the mixture until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and evenly incorporated into the maple syrup.
4. Coat the Bacon: Using a pastry brush (affiliate link) or spoon, generously brush the maple brown sugar mixture over both sides of each bacon strip, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
5. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bacon for 18-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy, with the edges slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on the bacon during the last few minutes of baking to prevent it from burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the bacon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess grease. Serve immediately as a delightful appetizer, breakfast side dish, or as a delicious topping for salads, sandwiches, and more.

Serving suggestions

This incredibly versatile recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate this recipe:

• Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, waffles, or buttery toast for a breakfast that will leave you craving more.
• Sprinkle chopped candied bacon over a bed of mixed greens or cucumber tomato avocado salad for a salad that’s bursting with flavor.
• Take your favorite sandwich to the next level by adding crispy candied bacon for an irresistible twist on a classic.
• Garnish a bloody mary with candied bacon for a gourmet flare.
• Enjoy on its own as a sweet and salty snack.

Storage

Store candied bacon by letting it cool completely and then keeping it in an airtight container.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven until it’s crispy again. Reheating in the microwave will make the bacon soft.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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