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.
![candied bacon in a glass jar](https://seasaltsavorings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/candied-bacon-3.jpg)
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
![raw bacon on a plate next to seasons](https://seasaltsavorings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/candied-bacon-0.jpg)
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
![brushing sauce onto bacon strips on a pan](https://seasaltsavorings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/candied-bacon-1.jpg)
- 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.
![candied bacon in a glass jar](https://seasaltsavorings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/candied-bacon-4.jpg)
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.
![holding a piece of bacon with bite taken out](https://seasaltsavorings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/candied-bacon-2.jpg)
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.
![close up view of a piece of candied bacon](https://seasaltsavorings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/candied-bacon-5.jpg)
![](https://seasaltsavorings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/candied-bacon-5-500x500.jpg)
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.