Maple Brown Sugar Candied Bacon

Candied Bacon is an exquisite and lavish delight that merges the savory, smoky essence of bacon with the sweet, caramelized richness of maple syrup and brown sugar.

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It’s ideal for breakfast or brunch, as a nibble, or as a garnish for salads, sandwiches, and even desserts. This sweet and savory delight is simple to create at home and will undoubtedly be a favorite among bacon enthusiasts everywhere.

What is candied bacon?

Candied bacon is precisely what it appears to be: bacon that has been enrobed in a blend of maple syrup and brown sugar, then roasted until it’s crunchy and caramelized.

The outcome is a delightful, addictive snack that enhances any breakfast or brunch spread, serves well as a snack or hors d’oeuvre, or acts as a topping to add extra flavor and texture to salads, sandwiches, and desserts.

This sweet and salty delight is occasionally referred to as Pig Candy, Millionaire’s Bacon, Million Dollar Bacon, or simply Candy Bacon. Whatever name you choose, you’re bound to find it irresistible.

Ingredients you require

For the complete list of components with measurements and detailed preparation and cooking guidelines, please refer to the recipe card at the conclusion of this article.

This straightforward candied bacon calls for only a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create Maple Brown Sugar Candied Bacon at home:

  • Nonstick cooking spray: This will aid in preventing the caramelized sugar mixture from adhering to the pan.
  • Bacon: I prefer thick-cut smoked bacon strips. Smoked candied bacon packs even more flavor than its unsmoked counterpart. However, if smoked foods aren’t to your liking, this recipe is equally delicious with unsmoked bacon.
  • Maple syrup: Always opt for pure maple syrup. Any grade will suffice here.
  • Brown sugar: You may use either light or dark brown sugar in this candied bacon recipe.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor. Adjust your pepper mill to a coarse grind for optimum results.

How to create candied bacon

This recipe is remarkably simple to prepare. Here’s how to make this easy candied bacon:

  1. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil.
  2. Arrange the bacon on the baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Combine the syrup, brown sugar, and pepper in a bowl.
  4. Brush the maple brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon slices on both sides (ensure you coat the edges, too!).
  5. Bake until the bacon is crisp and the sugar mixture caramelizes.
  6. Once the bacon is finished, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, you can transfer it to a wire rack.
  7. Serve it right away or cut it into bite-sized pieces to use as a garnish.

How to present it

Candied bacon is best served warm and is a fabulous addition to any breakfast or brunch ensemble. Pair it with Japanese Souffle Pancakes, Air Fryer Breakfast Tarts, or Hashbrown Casserole.

You can chop it and sprinkle it over salads like Kale Salad with Miso Dressing, Green Bean Salad, or Beet Salad with Harissa Dressing. Alternatively, try deviled eggs with candied bacon.

It can also be used as a garnish for sandwiches. Give it a go on an Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich or include it in your beloved grilled cheese sandwich (with some Pickled Jalapeños, yum!).

Furthermore, it makes an opulent topping for desserts like Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas, Air Fryer S’mores, or Pumpkin Ice Cream, or S’mores Ice Cream.

Maple and Brown Sugar Candied Bacon

Robin Donovan

Candied bacon is an exquisite and lavish delight recipe that combines the savory, smoky essence of bacon with the sweet, caramelized richness of maple syrup and brown sugar. Serve it for breakfast or brunch, as a snack, or as a topping for salads, sandwiches, and even desserts.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Preparation Time 20 minutes

Meal Type Breakfast and Brunch

Cuisine Style American

Portions 4

Calories Count 314 kcal

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  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.

  • Cover a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

  • Arrange the bacon strips on the lined baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between the pieces.

  • In a small bowl, combine the syrup, brown sugar, and a few grinds of black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

  • Brush the syrup and sugar blend over the bacon, ensuring the top and sides are well-coated. Flip the bacon strips over and apply more of the mixture on the other side.

  • Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the syrup-sugar blend is caramelized.

  • Take the tray out of the oven and allow the bacon to cool for a few minutes. Use tongs to transfer the candied bacon to a cooling rack or a serving plate.

  • Notes

  • Consider adding other spices to vary the flavors here. For example, try incorporating cayenne pepper, ground chipotle, ground cinnamon, or chili powder if you enjoy spicy candied bacon.

  • Monitor the bacon while it’s baking, as the sugar can burn quickly.

  • You can keep candied bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it return to room temperature before serving.

  1. Consider adding other spices to vary the flavors here. For example, try incorporating cayenne pepper, ground chipotle, ground cinnamon, or chili powder if you enjoy spicy candied bacon.
  2. Monitor the bacon while it’s baking, as the sugar can burn quickly.
  3. You can keep candied bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it return to room temperature before serving.

Calories: 314kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 7

gLipids: 23gSaturated Lipids: 8gPolyunsaturated Lipids: 4gMonounsaturated Lipids: 10gTrans Lipids: 0.1gCholesterols: 37mgSodium: 379mgPotassium: 166mgSugars: 18gVitamin A: 21IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.3mg

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