Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary bacon into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Sweet Spicy Glazed Bacon is not just a recipe – it's a mouthwatering journey that combines the perfect balance of sweet honey, rich brown sugar, and a kick of cayenne pepper. Whether you're looking to impress brunch guests, create an irresistible appetizer, or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe promises to elevate your bacon game to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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 grease to drip away from the bacon as it cooks.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and a thick glaze forms.
- Take the thick-cut bacon and lay the strips flat on the wire rack, making sure they do not overlap. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each strip of bacon with the sweet and spicy glaze. Make sure to cover both sides for maximum flavor.
- Once all the bacon strips are coated, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary based on your oven and the thickness of the bacon.
- When the bacon is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool on the wire rack for a few minutes. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a deliciously sticky coating.
- Once cooled, transfer the glazed bacon to a serving platter. Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or breakfast treat. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors!
Tips
- Choose thick-cut bacon for the best texture and ability to hold the glaze.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to ensure crispy bacon and allow excess grease to drip away.
- Watch the bacon closely in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly, or for a milder version, reduce it.
- Let the bacon cool for a few minutes after cooking to allow the glaze to set and become wonderfully sticky.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or a touch of cinnamon for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg