If you are craving that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and crispy all rolled into one unforgettable bite, this Easy Candied Bacon Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms ordinary thick-cut bacon into a luscious treat glazed with a sticky, caramelized coating of brown sugar, maple syrup, and a hint of tangy vinegar, accented with freshly cracked black pepper. This recipe is straightforward yet yields an indulgent snack or appetizer that will quickly become a star at any gathering or just a delightful way to elevate your breakfast or brunch game.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Candied Bacon Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient works together to create rich flavor and the perfect crunchy texture. You don’t need a long list—just a handful of kitchen staples that elevate ordinary bacon in the most delicious way.
- Light brown sugar: Provides a deep sweetness and helps form that irresistible sticky glaze on the bacon.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Maple syrup: Infuses a warm, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with bacon’s smoky richness.
- Black pepper: Lends a peppery bite that cuts through the sweetness and enhances complexity.
- Thick-sliced bacon: The star of the show—thick slices hold up well to glazing and baking, delivering a satisfyingly chewy yet crispy finish.
How to Make Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by mixing the brown sugar, rice vinegar, and maple syrup in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves, creating that luscious glaze. Adding black pepper to taste really brings the flavor together, offering a surprising kick to each bite.
Step 2: Pre-bake the Bacon
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for quick cleanup, then place a wire rack on top and lightly spray it with nonstick spray. This setup lets the bacon cook evenly with air circulating around each strip, preventing sogginess. Lay out the thick-cut bacon strips in a single layer, then bake for 10 minutes before flipping them over and baking 5 more minutes, allowing the fat to render slightly.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze and Continue Baking
Take the bacon out and generously brush the top of each strip with the prepared brown sugar glaze. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. This step starts building that beautiful caramelized layer we’re after.
Step 4: Repeat Glazing and Baking Until Crisp
Keep turning the bacon, brushing on glaze every 5 minutes, and baking until the bacon is gloriously browned, sticky, and crisp. This usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the thickness of your bacon. Patience pays off here—each round intensifies the flavor and texture to perfection.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once done, let the bacon cool on the wire rack for about 10 minutes. This resting allows the glaze to set fully, resulting in that addictive crunch and glossy finish that will wow anyone who tries it.
How to Serve Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving to enhance the flavor contrast. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aromatic touch and brighten up the presentation.
Side Dishes
Easy Candied Bacon pairs beautifully with savory sides like scrambled eggs or creamy grits for a luxurious breakfast. It is also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or mixed greens for a delightful sweet-savory combo that complements a variety of meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve candied bacon as a conversation-starting appetizer on a platter, layered with cheese and crackers for a sophisticated snack board. Or, chop it up and sprinkle over salads, burgers, or even inside deviled eggs for an unexpected burst of flavor and texture. The possibilities are truly endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Candied Bacon in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 5 days. Since the glaze hardens as it cools, storing it properly keeps the candy coating intact and ready for your next craving.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked candied bacon by placing strips between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents sticking and allows easy portioning later. Frozen candied bacon maintains its flavor well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat candied bacon in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bacon chewy and the sugar glaze gummy.
FAQs
Can I use regular sliced bacon instead of thick-cut?
While thick-cut bacon works best for candied bacon due to its hearty texture, you can use regular sliced bacon. Just keep an eye on it while baking since thinner slices may cook faster and require less time to avoid burning.
Is rice vinegar necessary, or can I substitute it?
Rice vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, but if you don’t have it on hand, apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar can work as good alternatives without overpowering the glaze.
How sweet is the candied bacon—will it be overpowering?
The sweetness is well-balanced by the black pepper’s bite and the subtle vinegar tang, so it does not overpower the savory bacon flavor. It’s indulgently sweet but with enough complexity to keep it interesting.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just give it a quick stir before use to recombine any settled sugars.
What is the best way to ensure crispy, non-greasy bacon?
Using a wire rack to elevate the bacon while baking is key since it allows the fat to drip away from the strips, resulting in crispiness without sogginess or excess grease.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Candied Bacon Recipe is a game-changer for bacon lovers everywhere. Its perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and peppery flavors combined with unbeatable crispiness makes it the ideal addition to both simple meals and special occasions. Give it a try—it’s an easy way to treat yourself and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Print
Easy Candied Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Candied Bacon recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a delightful crispy texture. The bacon is glazed repeatedly with a brown sugar, rice vinegar, and maple syrup mixture, then baked until golden and caramelized, making it an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Glaze
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Black pepper, about 1 tablespoon
Bacon
- 1 pound thick-sliced bacon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Glaze: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, rice vinegar, and maple syrup, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add black pepper to taste, approximately one tablespoon, to add a slight kick to the sweet glaze.
- Arrange Bacon for Baking: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet pan and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Lay the strips of thick-sliced bacon in a single layer on the wire rack to allow even cooking and fat drainage.
- Initial Baking: Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After this initial cooking, turn the bacon strips over to ensure even cooking, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Glazing and Further Baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the tops of the bacon strips generously with the prepared brown sugar glaze. Return the bacon to the oven and continue baking for another 5 minutes.
- Repeat Glazing and Baking: Every 5 minutes, take the bacon out, turn each strip over, and brush more glaze on top. Repeat this process until the bacon is deeply browned, crisp, and caramelized, usually taking between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the thickness of your bacon.
- Cooling and Serving: Once the bacon is crisp and caramelized, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on the wire rack for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Thick-sliced bacon is recommended for best texture and glazing results.
- Keep an eye on the bacon during the final stages to prevent burning due to the sugar content in the glaze.
- You can adjust the amount of black pepper for more or less spiciness according to your taste.
- Use a wire rack to allow fat to drip away for crispier bacon.
- Allow the bacon to cool before storing to maintain its crispness.
