Millionaire Bacon (Candied Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon)
Make sweet, spicy, and sticky caramelized bacon strips perfect for a special brunch side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top of the foil.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using, until a thick paste forms.
- Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Do not let them overlap.
- Brush or spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top side of each bacon strip.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using tongs, flip each bacon strip over. Brush the remaining sugar mixture onto the second side.
- Return the bacon to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, watching closely. The sugar will caramelize quickly.
- Remove the bacon when it reaches your desired crispness and the glaze is bubbly and dark brown, but not burnt.
- Let the bacon cool on the rack for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will set as it cools.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a lower oven temperature, like 325°F, and bake slightly longer, checking frequently after the 20-minute mark.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, substitute smoked paprika for the black pepper.
- This recipe works best with thick-cut bacon to prevent the sugar from burning before the bacon cooks through.
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