Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon
Gather around, my friends, for today we’re diving into a recipe that takes the concept of indulgence and wraps it in a crispy, glistening package. Imagine taking the savory, mouthwatering richness of bacon and elevating it with a sweet and sticky glaze of maple and brown sugar, finished with a hint of black pepper for a touch of spice. This Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon is a simple joy, transforming basic ingredients into a dish that’s nothing short of addictive.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Tips
- Watch the Oven: Due to variations in oven temperature, start checking your bacon around the 15-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Extra Glaze: If you love the maple-brown sugar flavor, feel free to prepare a little extra glaze and brush it on halfway through baking for an even stickier finish.
- Serving Suggestion: While fantastic on its own, this bacon also makes a phenomenal addition to burgers, breakfast plates, or even crumbled over salads.
Ingredients
The Star
- ½ lb bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a meaty bite and optimal surface area for the glaze.
The Glaze
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Pure maple syrup brings a natural, woodsy sweetness that’s irreplaceable.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a molasses depth to the sweetness, complementing the maple.
- Dash of black pepper: Just enough to cut through the sweetness and add a savory note.
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, a crucial step for achieving that perfect crispness.
- Prep the Pan: Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup or foil for a sturdier base, then give it a light spray with nonstick to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Bacon: Cutting the strips in half ensures each piece cooks evenly and fits nicely on your serving platter.
- The Glaze: Mixing maple syrup, brown sugar, and black pepper creates a glaze that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Brush it generously over each piece of bacon, coating both sides for maximum flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Let the oven work its magic, transforming the bacon into a candied treat that’s sticky, crispy, and utterly delicious.
Substitutions
- Maple Syrup Alternative: In a pinch, honey can substitute for maple syrup, offering a different but equally delightful sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze if you like a little heat with your sweet.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which might be a big if), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back the crispness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the bacon chewy.
FAQs
Absolutely, though keep in mind that turkey bacon may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.
For this recipe, oven-baking is recommended for an even candying process, but you could try pan-frying for a quicker alternative.
Keep a close eye on the bacon in the last few minutes of cooking, as the sugar can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.
Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon
Ingredients
- ½ lbs. bacon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick
- Cut the bacon strips in half and place on the baking sheet. Do not overlap them.
- In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar and black pepper and mix until well combined.
- Brush the mixture over the bacon on both sides.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes in the oven
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
