Get ready to transform ordinary bacon into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe! This Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon, also known as Millionaire's Bacon, is the perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and fiery flavors that will elevate your appetizer game to legendary status. Imagine bacon so addictively delicious that it becomes the star of any gathering, leaving your guests speechless and craving more with every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will allow the fat to drip off the bacon while it cooks.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved, creating a thick glaze.
- Take the thick-cut bacon slices and lay them out on the wire rack in a single layer. Make sure the slices do not overlap to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each slice of bacon with the sweet and spicy glaze. Ensure that both sides of the bacon are covered for maximum flavor.
- Once all the bacon is coated, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and use tongs to flip each slice of bacon over. Brush the other side with any remaining glaze.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bacon is caramelized and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the wire rack for a few minutes. The bacon will continue to harden as it cools.
- After cooling, transfer the sweet and spicy candied bacon to a serving platter. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Tips
- Choose thick-cut bacon for the best results - it provides a meatier texture and holds up better to the glazing process.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow excess fat to drip away, ensuring crispier bacon and easier cleanup.
- Watch the bacon closely during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning, as the sugar glaze can quickly caramelize.
- Let the bacon cool for a few minutes after cooking to allow the glaze to set and become wonderfully crisp.
- Store any leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.
- For an extra kick, experiment with different pepper ratios or add a dash of smoked paprika to the glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 303kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
