Unlock the irresistible charm of the ultimate sweet and savory indulgence with this incredibly easy Candied Bacon recipe. Imagine perfectly crisp bacon strips, beautifully glazed with a rich brown sugar coating, offering a symphony of flavors in every bite. This delightful treat is not only a fantastic snack on its own but also an extraordinary addition to elevate your favorite dishes, from gourmet burgers to decadent desserts. With just 3 simple ingredients and a mere 20 minutes of prep and cook time, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will impress everyone.
This crispy bacon candy transcends ordinary breakfast fare, adding a sophisticated touch to brunch spreads, holiday dinners, or any meal you wish to make memorable. Its unique combination of salty, sweet, and umami flavors makes it truly addictive. The best part? It’s remarkably simple to prepare, adapting a classic oven-baked bacon method to incorporate a luscious brown sugar glaze. Once you try this flavorful snack, you’ll find countless reasons to make it a staple in your kitchen.
Candied bacon’s versatility knows no bounds. Enhance your morning routine by serving it alongside eggs and pancakes, or get creative by incorporating it into lunch and dinner. It’s an exquisite topping for juicy burgers, a delightful crunch in wraps and sandwiches, a surprising element in fresh salads, and even a show-stopping garnish for deviled eggs. Its ability to complement both savory and sweet profiles makes it an endless source of culinary inspiration.
What is Candied Bacon (and why is it so good)?
Candied bacon, often referred to as “pig candy,” is a culinary marvel where strips of bacon are coated with a sweet glaze, typically made from brown sugar, and then baked until crisp. The sugar caramelizes, creating a shiny, brittle, and utterly delicious crust that contrasts beautifully with the savory, smoky notes of the bacon. This process transforms a simple breakfast staple into a gourmet treat that tantalizes the taste buds with its complex flavor profile.
The magic lies in the perfect balance it strikes: the saltiness of the bacon is amplified and then beautifully mellowed by the sweetness of the sugar, while the smoky and fatty notes add a layer of rich umami. It’s a textural delight too – the bacon becomes incredibly crisp, almost like a brittle, shattering with each bite. This irresistible combination makes candied bacon a highly sought-after dish for special occasions, or simply whenever you crave something truly extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Candied Bacon Recipe:
- Effortless Preparation: Forget constant flipping and messy stovetop cooking. Our oven method requires minimal hands-on time, making it incredibly easy. You’ll only need 3 simple ingredients to create this gourmet delight.
- Explosion of Flavor: This recipe delivers the ultimate taste experience. The rich saltiness of the bacon, the deep sweetness of caramelized brown sugar, and a subtle hint of savory pepper combine to create an umami explosion that will have you reaching for more.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Looking to elevate your breakfast, brunch, or holiday feast? Candied bacon is always a showstopper. Its unique appeal and gourmet taste make it an instant favorite, earning you rave reviews from family and friends alike.
Essential Ingredients for Candied Bacon
Crafting perfect candied bacon requires just three core ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that coveted sweet, salty, and crispy balance:
- Bacon: The foundation of our dish. For optimal results, a standard width of bacon is recommended. It cooks evenly and achieves a wonderful crispness without being too thin or thick. If you prefer a chewier texture with a slightly longer cooking time, thick-cut bacon can certainly be used, just be mindful of adjusting baking duration. Avoid overly thin bacon, as it can burn easily before the sugar has a chance to properly caramelize.
- Brown Sugar: This is the “candy” in candied bacon. As it melts under the oven’s high heat, it creates a luscious, glossy glaze that adheres beautifully to the bacon. Both light brown sugar and dark brown sugar work exceptionally well. Light brown sugar offers a milder molasses flavor, while dark brown sugar provides a deeper, richer caramel note. Choose whichever you prefer, or what you have on hand. Granulated white sugar is not recommended as it doesn’t caramelize with the same richness or stickiness.
- Black Pepper: A vital ingredient for balancing the sweetness. Just a touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and rounds out the overall flavor profile, preventing the bacon from becoming overly sweet. It introduces a savory depth that elevates the entire dish. For those who enjoy a spicier edge, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added alongside the black pepper.
Recommended Equipment
Having the right tools ensures success and makes cleanup a breeze:
- Rimmed Baking Sheet: Essential for catching the rendered bacon grease and any melted sugar that might drip. A rimmed sheet prevents spills and keeps your oven clean. Opt for a heavy-duty sheet for even heat distribution.
- Oven-Safe Wire Baking Rack: This is a game-changer for truly crispy candied bacon. Placing the bacon on a rack allows air to circulate around each strip, ensuring even cooking and preventing the bacon from sitting in its own grease, which would result in a soggy texture. This method is vastly superior to baking directly on a sheet pan.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Line your baking sheet (underneath the wire rack) with parchment paper for incredibly easy cleanup. The caramelized sugar can be quite sticky, and parchment paper makes removal effortless. If you don’t have parchment paper, aluminum foil is a good alternative.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the brown sugar and pepper.
- Spoon or Fork: For stirring the sugar mixture and flipping the bacon.
How to Make Candied Bacon: The Oven Method
This oven-baked candied bacon recipe offers a straightforward and highly effective way to achieve perfectly crisp, sweet, and savory bacon. It’s reminiscent of the Southern classic “Pig Candy” but with a slightly less intense sweetness and spice, allowing for customization. Feel free to incorporate a hint of maple syrup or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide: Preparing the Brown Sugar Topping
Achieving that perfect glaze starts with properly combining your sweet and savory elements.
Step One: In a small, dry bowl, combine ½ cup of packed brown sugar with ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. For a subtle smoky depth, you could also add a pinch of smoked paprika here.
Step Two: Stir the brown sugar and pepper mixture thoroughly with a spoon or fork until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This ensures an even coating on every strip of bacon. Set this flavorful mixture aside while you prepare your bacon and baking setup.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking the Bacon to Perfection
The oven method ensures consistent crispiness and even caramelization.
Step Three: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will catch any drips and make cleanup incredibly simple. Place an oven-safe wire baking rack directly on top of the parchment-lined sheet pan. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure none of the slices overlap. Proper spacing allows for optimal air circulation and crisping.
Step Four: Carefully sprinkle approximately two-thirds of the prepared brown sugar and pepper mixture evenly over the top of the bacon strips. Ensure each slice is well-coated to achieve that beautiful glaze. Pat the sugar down gently if needed to help it adhere.
Step Five: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. During this initial phase, the bacon will begin to render its fat and partially cook, while the brown sugar starts to melt and caramelize. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the sheet from the oven, use tongs or a fork to flip each bacon slice over, and then sprinkle the remaining one-third of the brown sugar and pepper mixture evenly on the other side.
Step Six: Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bacon during this final stage, as sugar can burn quickly. Bake until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness and the sugar has transformed into a dark, rich, bubbly glaze. The exact timing may vary depending on your oven and bacon thickness. Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the candied bacon to cool on the wire rack for about 4-5 minutes before serving. This cooling period is crucial as the sugar will harden and become brittle, resulting in that delightful “candy” texture.
Achieving Extra Crispy Candied Bacon
For those who love their bacon with an undeniable crunch, there’s a simple trick to achieving ultra-crispy edges. After completing the initial cooking steps (Step Six), give your bacon slices one final flip. Return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes. This quick extra bake will re-crisp the original side, creating an incredibly satisfying, brittle texture. However, exercise caution: this extra step is best suited for standard or thick-cut bacon. Very thinly sliced bacon may become overcooked and overly dry, so adjust accordingly.
Air Fryer Instructions for Candied Bacon
While the oven method is tried and true, the air fryer offers a fantastic alternative for making candied bacon, especially for smaller batches. You’ll achieve wonderfully crispy results, though it’s important to note that flipping isn’t practical, and it can create a slightly stickier cleanup. However, if you have a non-stick air fryer basket, you’ll be golden!
- Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (177ºC) for at least 3 minutes, or as recommended by your appliance manufacturer. Proper preheating is key for even cooking.
- Arrange 4 slices of bacon in a single, even layer within the air fryer basket. Ensure no slices overlap to allow for uniform cooking and crisping. Work in batches if necessary.
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of brown sugar with ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and pepper mixture directly on top of the bacon slices. You won’t be flipping them, so make sure the top is adequately coated.
- Cook in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Begin checking for crispness around the 8-minute mark. Continue cooking until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness and the sugar is bubbly and caramelized.
- Once cooked, carefully transfer the candied bacon to a clean wire rack set over a plate or paper towel. It’s crucial to cool it on a rack to prevent sticking and allow excess grease to drain. Do NOT place hot candied bacon directly on paper towels alone, as the sugar will stick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly air-fried candied bacon!
For more detailed insights, expert tips, and a dedicated guide, explore our full recipe for Air Fryer Candied Bacon.
How to Store Cooked Candied Bacon
Proper storage ensures your delicious candied bacon remains fresh and ready to enjoy for longer:
- Refrigerator: Allow the candied bacon to cool completely to room temperature. Once fully cooled, transfer the pieces to an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper if you’re concerned about them sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. While delicious cold, for the best experience, gently reheat before serving.
- Freezer: For longer storage, flash freeze the cooled candied bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much excess air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date and contents. Candied bacon can be frozen for 3-6 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
- Re-crisping: To bring your stored candied bacon back to its prime crispiness, re-crisping is highly recommended. Draining the reheated pieces on a wire rack helps remove any accumulated grease and maximizes crispness.
- Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon in the skillet and warm for 30-60 seconds per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Air Fryer: Use the “reheat” function or set to 300°F (150°C). Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: While convenient, the microwave tends to make bacon less crispy. Heat in 15-30 second intervals until warmed through. This method is best for pliability rather than crispness.
Delicious Variations for Candied Bacon
While the classic brown sugar and black pepper combination is divine, don’t hesitate to experiment with these exciting variations to tailor your candied bacon to any palate:
- Million-Dollar Bacon (Millionaire’s Bacon): For a spicy kick that balances the sweetness, create this popular variation. To your ½ cup of brown sugar, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix thoroughly and sprinkle over the bacon as directed in the main recipe. The heat perfectly complements the sweet and savory notes.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: If you prefer a meatier, chewier candied bacon, opt for thick-cut slices. Be aware that these will require an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time per side to reach desired crispness and ensure the fat is fully rendered and the sugar caramelized. While still crispy, it will retain a more substantial bite.
- Maple Syrup Infusion: For an even richer, more complex sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to your brown sugar and pepper mixture. This will make the mixture more moist and slightly more challenging to spread evenly, so apply it carefully to avoid clumping. The maple adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs exquisitely with bacon.
- Candied Bacon Roses: Elevate presentation by transforming candied bacon into beautiful edible roses. Tightly roll each strip of bacon into a rosette shape, securing it with one or two overlapping toothpicks. Place these bacon roses on a wire rack and sprinkle generously with the brown sugar and black pepper mixture. Bake in a 400ºF (204ºC) oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the roses are golden brown and crispy to your liking. They make a stunning garnish or appetizer.
- Smoky Chipotle Candied Bacon: For a deeper smoky flavor with a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder to your brown sugar and pepper mix. This gives a fantastic BBQ-like essence to the candied bacon.
Creative Ways to Use Candied Bacon
Beyond being a sensational snack, candied bacon can elevate a wide array of dishes:
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a layer of crunchy, sweet-and-savory candied bacon to your favorite burgers, BLTs, or gourmet sandwiches for an unforgettable flavor boost.
- Deviled Eggs: Finely chop candied bacon and sprinkle it over deviled eggs. The texture and taste contrast beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Salads: Chop into “candied bacon bits” and sprinkle over a fresh green salad, especially those with fruit or creamy dressings, for an unexpected pop of flavor and crunch.
- Wraps: Introduce a delightful textural and flavor element to chicken, turkey, or veggie wraps.
- A Salty Snack: Enjoy it straight off the cooling rack! It’s perfect for parties, game days, or a luxurious treat for yourself.
- Garnishing Roasted Vegetables: A fantastic counterpoint to the earthiness of roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes.
- Savory Ice Cream Topping: For the adventurous palate, crumble candied bacon over vanilla, caramel, or coffee ice cream. The combination is surprisingly addictive.
- Baked Goods: Incorporate chopped candied bacon into chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or even maple-glazed donuts for a salty-sweet surprise.
- Sprinkled on Cupcakes: Frost cupcakes with a maple or caramel frosting, then top with a sprinkle of crushed candied bacon for an elegant and unique dessert.
- Bloody Mary Garnish: Take your Bloody Mary cocktail to the next level by garnishing it with a long, crispy strip of candied bacon. It’s both a stirrer and a snack!
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How to Make Candied Bacon
This easy Candied Bacon recipe is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Made with just 3 simple ingredients and ready in less than 20 minutes!
Course: Breakfast, Condiments, Snack
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 90 kcal per serving
Author: Dorothy Bigelow
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Oven-Safe Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon (standard width recommended)
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then place an oven-safe wire baking rack on top of the parchment paper.
- Arrange the bacon slices on the baking rack in a single layer, ensuring they are evenly spaced and do not overlap.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and black pepper. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
- Sprinkle two-thirds of the brown sugar and pepper mixture carefully and evenly over the top of the bacon slices.
- Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a fork or tongs, carefully flip each bacon slice over. Gently sprinkle the remaining one-third of the brown sugar and black pepper mixture onto the other side of the bacon.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized into a rich, bubbly glaze to your liking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the candied bacon slices to cool on the baking rack for 4-5 minutes. This is crucial for the sugar to set and become brittle.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade candied bacon!
Recipe Notes
- Bacon Thickness: For thick-cut bacon, you may need to add an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time per side. For very thin bacon, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side to prevent overcooking.
- For Extra Crispy Bacon: After the main cooking time is complete (Step 7), give the bacon one last flip and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes. This re-crisps the original side for an ultra-crispy texture. This is best for standard or thick-cut bacon; thin bacon might become too dry.
- Air Fryer Method: Work in half batches (about 4 slices at a time). Preheat air fryer to 350ºF (177ºC). Sprinkle all the brown sugar mixture on top (do not flip). Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy.
- Without a Wire Rack: While you can bake bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet directly, it will not achieve the same level of crispness. It tends to be softer, more pliable, and more “glazed” rather than candy-like brittle. The wire baking rack method is strongly recommended for superior results.
- Baking is Best: For candied bacon, baking is the optimal method. The high, even heat of the oven allows the brown sugar to properly melt and adhere to the bacon, creating the desired glaze and crispness. This recipe will not work effectively using a skillet or microwave.
- Storage: Allow candied bacon to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for 3-6 months. Reheat for best texture.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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