Millionaire Bacon (Candied Spicy Sweet Bacon)
Recipe for thick-cut bacon coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, baked until caramelized and chewy.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top of the foil.
- Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Do not let the strips overlap.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using, until combined into a paste.
- Brush or spoon the sugar mixture evenly over the top side of each bacon strip.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Carefully flip each bacon strip over. Brush the remaining sugar mixture onto the second side.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes, watching closely after the 10-minute mark. The sugar will caramelize quickly.
- Remove the bacon when it reaches your desired crispness and color. It should be lacquered and sticky.
- Let the bacon cool on the rack for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will set as it cools.
Notes
- For extra crispness, you can bake the bacon at 325 degrees Fahrenheit and monitor it closely, as lower heat reduces the risk of burning the sugar.
- If you prefer a less spicy kick, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
- You can use paprika instead of cayenne for color without significant heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 strips
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 45