Brown Sugar Bacon

Name: Brown Sugar Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 strips bacon; 1/4 cup brown sugar; Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

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Our brown sugar bacon recipe is a sweet and savory twist on your average bacon. Your family is sure to ask for more when they taste the irresistible combination of crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish for your next BBQ. So fire up the stove, grab some bacon, and get ready to indulge in this deliciously sweet and savory treat!

You can serve candied bacon on a burger, sandwich, or salad, or alongside other traditional breakfast foods, like pancakes, eggs, or quiche. I bet it would even be yummy sprinkled over these cinnamon rolls.

What You’ll Love About this Candied Bacon Recipe

Smoky, crispy bacon and sweet caramelized brown sugar are an irresistible combination.
It’s very easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Candied bacon can be enjoyed on its own, as a snack, or incorporated into various dishes like sandwiches, salads, or breakfast recipes.
The balance of savory and sweet flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for both bacon lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
You’ll love how the aroma of the bacon sizzling in the oven fills your kitchen!

How to Serve Baked Brown Sugar Bacon

Enjoy the Brown Sugar Bacon on its own as a snack or appetizer.
Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, eggs over easy, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles for an extra special breakfast treat.
Crumble it over salads to add a burst of flavor and texture.
Use it as a filling in sandwiches or wraps for crunch and texture, and plenty of flavor.
Chop it up and incorporate it into savory dishes like mac and cheese or baked beans for a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

Bacon – You can make this with regular or thick sliced. I prefer hickory smoked.
Brown sugar
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

How to Make Candied Bacon in Oven

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven and prep the pans. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with foil, and place a wire rack on each sheet pan. Lay the bacon strips on the wire racks of both sheet pans. Be sure to not overlap the bacon.

STEP TWO: Add the sugar and pepper. Sprinkle each bacon strip with brown sugar. Add some freshly cracked black pepper.

STEP THREE: Bake. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. If you are using thick-cut bacon, you may need to bake the bacon for longer.

STEP FOUR: Serve. Enjoy as is or in your favorite recipes.

Tips for Making Perfect Candied Bacon

For easier clean-up, line your baking sheets with foil and place a wire rack on top, or put down parchment paper. This helps the bacon cook evenly and allows the excess fat to drip away.
Be sure not to overlap the bacon strips on the wire rack to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture or regular bacon for a crispier texture. You may have to cook the thick-cut candied bacon a bit longer.
Experiment with different flavors of bacon, like maple syrup bacon, or pepper bacon.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over each bacon strip to help with consistency.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar and black pepper to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less depending on how sweet or spicy you want it to be.

How to Store

If you have any leftover Brown Sugar Bacon, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the bacon completely cool before storing to maintain its crispiness.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked Brown Sugar Bacon for later use. Place the cooled bacon strips in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each layer with parchment paper so it doesn’t stick. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can partially prepare candied bacon ahead of time. Follow the recipe until you add the sugar and pepper, then cover the bacon with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed.

How to Reheat Brown Sugar Bacon

To reheat the Brown Sugar Bacon, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warm and crispy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe should be gluten-free as-is as long as you choose a gluten-free brand. But always check your product labels to be sure.

A oven with the door open and the top rack pulled slightly out, with a foil-covered tray of bacon inside. The oven is set to 400 degrees F.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon in this recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make candied bacon on the grill?

Yes, you can make brown sugar bacon on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the bacon directly on the grates. Sprinkle with brown sugar and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and caramelized.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you want to make a spicier version of brown sugar bacon, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the brown sugar before sprinkling it on the bacon. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of heat.

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