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Candied Bacon Recipe

Candied bacon is the sweet and savory upgrade your breakfast board desperately needs, with crispy strips coated in brown sugar and cayenne.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound bacon about 12 strips (thick-cut bacon works best)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar plus extra if you like it sweeter
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your heat preference
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Fork or small whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Oven mitts or kitchen towels
  • Wire rack (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl and stir them together until evenly mixed.
  3. Pat each bacon strip dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  4. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
  5. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture generously over the top side of each bacon strip and press gently so it sticks.
  6. Flip each bacon strip and sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture on the second side, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the sugar caramelizes and the bacon is mostly cooked through.
  8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bacon rest for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the coating to set.
  9. Transfer the bacon to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess grease, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve as a standalone snack, a breakfast side, or as a charcuterie board addition.