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Million Dollar Bacon

Crispy, sweet, and spicy bacon strips coated with a caramelized glaze of brown sugar and cayenne.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 46 people
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon strips about 12 to 16 strips
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring spoons
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs or kitchen tweezers

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, sea salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until you form a thick, crumbly paste.
  4. Arrange bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping.
  5. Press the brown sugar mixture firmly onto the top of each bacon strip.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
  7. Around the 18-minute mark, check for a deep golden-brown color.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bacon cool on the pan for 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Transfer each strip to a plate lined with paper towels.

Notes

Serve alongside scrambled eggs, in a BLT sandwich, or as a dessert topping for ice cream.