Brown Sugar Candied Bacon
Candied bacon ("millionaire's bacon" on some menus) is bacon baked with brown sugar until the sugar melts into a glossy, crackly glaze. Eat it as-is, crumble it over desserts, or dip it in chocolate for the ultimate sweet-and-salty bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or chili powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil (the sugar gets sticky) and set a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.
- Mix the coating: Combine brown sugar, pepper, and cayenne in a shallow dish.
- Coat the bacon: Press each strip into the sugar mixture on both sides and lay it on the rack in a single layer.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, then brush lightly with maple syrup if using and sprinkle any remaining sugar on top.
- Continue baking until deep golden and caramelized, usually another 10–15 minutes. Watch closely at the end: sugar burns fast.
- Cool on the rack for at least 10 minutes. The glaze hardens and turns crisp as it cools. Don't move it to paper towels while hot; it will stick.
Variations
- Maple-bourbon: brush with a little maple syrup mixed with bourbon in the last few minutes.
- Coffee: add a teaspoon of finely ground coffee to the sugar.
- Chocolate-dipped: cool completely, then dip in melted chocolate (see our chocolate-covered bacon recipe).
Serving ideas
Serve on a brunch board, crumble over vanilla ice cream, add to a Bloody Mary as a garnish, or chop into chocolate chip cookie dough.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Re-crisp briefly in a warm oven if it softens.