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There is something absolutely magical about the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and crispy, and that is exactly what you get with this Easy Candied Bacon Recipe. Imagine thick-cut bacon strips bathed in a luscious glaze made from brown sugar, maple syrup, and a hint of tangy vinegar, all finished with a touch of black pepper for a subtle kick. This dish transforms ordinary bacon into an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a savory snack that’ll have your friends asking for seconds. Whether you’re a bacon lover or just dabbling in new flavors, this recipe is a total game-changer that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a tantalizing combination of flavors and textures. Each one plays an essential role in bringing out the best in the bacon—turning it from delicious to downright unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Adds the perfect caramelized sweetness that crisps up beautifully on the bacon.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Introduces a delicate tang that cuts through the richness, balancing the glaze.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the glaze with its rich, amber notes.
- Black pepper: Imparts a subtle heat and complexity; don’t be shy—about a tablespoon works great.
- 1 pound thick-sliced bacon*: Thick slices ensure the bacon stays tender inside while getting crispy edges from the glaze.
How to Make Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Glaze
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get everything ready. While the oven warms, mix the brown sugar, rice vinegar, and maple syrup in a bowl until the sugar dissolves completely—this sticky, sweet glaze is the heart of your candied bacon. Add black pepper to taste, warming up the flavor with just the right amount of bite.
Step 2: Setting Up the Bacon
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then set a wire rack on top and give it a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray. Lay out the bacon strips in a single layer on the rack, which allows the heat to circulate evenly and helps the bacon cook perfectly crispy without getting soggy.
Step 3: Partially Baking the Bacon
Bake the bacon for 10 minutes, then turn each strip over and bake for about 5 more minutes. This initial cooking phase renders some fat and starts the browning process, laying down the foundation for the glaze to stick beautifully.
Step 4: Applying the Glaze
Remove the bacon from the oven and brush the top of each strip generously with your brown sugar mixture. Pop the bacon back in the oven for 5 minutes so the glaze can start to set and caramelize.
Step 5: Repeating the Glazing and Cooking
This is where the magic happens: every 5 minutes, turn the bacon strips, brush on another layer of glaze, and return them to the oven. Continue this process for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the bacon is gloriously browned and crisp. Depending on your bacon’s thickness, this might take a bit longer, but trust me—it is worth the wait!
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Let the candied bacon cool on the wire rack for about 10 minutes to let the glaze harden a little and the bacon reach perfect crispy-glazed bliss. Then, transfer the strips to a serving platter and prepare to wow everyone with your masterpiece.
How to Serve Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a tiny dusting of smoked paprika on top for an extra depth of flavor and visual appeal. Fresh herbs like finely chopped chives or parsley add a lovely contrast and a pop of color that makes your candied bacon look even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This candied bacon pairs beautifully with hearty breakfast staples. Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, golden buttermilk pancakes, or even a creamy avocado toast. It also works great as a flavorful addition to burgers, salads, or as a decadent component in a cheese platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping appetizer, try cutting the candied bacon into bite-sized pieces and threading them onto cocktail picks with small chunks of sharp cheddar and crisp apple slices. Or crumble it over a warm baked brie for an irresistible sweet-salty topping. The possibilities are endless when you get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover candied bacon (which rarely happens), store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and lets the glaze maintain its delightful crispness after reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked candied bacon for longer storage. Lay the strips flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method prevents sticking and allows you to grab a tasty treat whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat and revive the glorious texture, place the bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps it crispy and avoids any sogginess that microwaving might cause.
FAQs
Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
While rice vinegar provides a mild, slightly sweet tang that complements the glaze perfectly, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch. Just use a bit less, as these alternatives tend to be stronger and more acidic.
What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
Thick-sliced bacon is ideal because it holds up well during the long baking and glazing process, staying tender on the inside while getting that amazing crispy-caramelized crust on the outside.
Is this recipe very sweet?
The interplay of brown sugar and maple syrup gives a pleasant sweetness that balances the salty, smoky bacon beautifully. The black pepper and rice vinegar ensure it’s never cloying—just a perfectly nuanced sweet-savory bite.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or use alternatives?
While this recipe is designed for traditional bacon, you could experiment with plant-based bacon alternatives that crisp up in the oven. Keep in mind the cooking times and glazing results may vary depending on the product’s texture and fat content.
How long can I store candied bacon safely?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, candied bacon stays good for up to 5 days. Always check for freshness before eating, and reheat thoroughly to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple yet show-stopping recipe to upgrade your breakfast or snack game, this Easy Candied Bacon Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an effortless way to turn everyday bacon into a glistening, addictive treat that’s sweet, savory, and totally addictive. Give it a try—you just might find yourself sneaking bites straight from the pan while everyone else watches in awe.
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Print
Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Candied Bacon recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Thick-sliced bacon is coated with a sticky glaze made from brown sugar, rice vinegar, and maple syrup, then baked to crispy perfection. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or a decadent addition to breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
For the Candied Bacon
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Black pepper, about 1 tablespoon or to taste
- 1 pound thick-sliced bacon
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Glaze: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the light brown sugar, rice vinegar, and maple syrup, stirring well until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add black pepper according to your taste preference.
- Setup Baking Surface: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the rack to ensure even baking.
- Initial Baking: Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then, turn the strips over and bake for an additional 5 minutes to start rendering the fat and browning the bacon.
- Apply Glaze: Remove the bacon from the oven and brush the top side generously with the prepared brown sugar glaze. Return the bacon to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Repeat Glazing and Baking: Continue the process of turning the bacon strips every 5 minutes and brushing them with more glaze. Keep baking until the bacon is deeply browned, crisp, and caramelized, which will take between 30 to 45 minutes depending on bacon thickness.
- Cooling and Serving: Once cooked to desired crispiness, let the candied bacon cool on the rack for about 10 minutes to set the glaze. Transfer to a platter for serving.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and crispness.
Notes
- Using a wire rack allows fat to drip away and promotes even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust black pepper quantity to your spice preference, though about 1 tablespoon provides a nice balance.
- The candied bacon can be served as a sweet-savory snack, crumbled over salads, or alongside breakfast favorites.
- For easier cleanup, lining the baking sheet with foil is recommended.
- Thickness of bacon impacts cooking time—thicker slices require longer baking to become fully crisped and caramelized.
