Candied Bacon Recipe
Candied bacon is the ultimate sweet and savory treat you never knew you needed! This candied bacon recipe features crispy, caramelized strips of thick-cut bacon coated in a sweet and spicy blend that delivers just the right amount of heat. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this indulgent dish makes a delightful addition to any meal, whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating yourself to something special.
Imagine each slice of bacon coated with a delicate layer of caramelized sugar that melts in your mouth, while the heat from cracked black pepper and cayenne builds a gentle warmth. The result is an irresistible balance of flavors—salty, sweet, spicy, and smoky. It’s not just for breakfast; candied bacon is also a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a unique party appetizer.
Ready to make this sweet, spicy, and savory bacon magic happen? Grab your favorite baking sheet, some thick-cut bacon, and get ready to elevate your next meal with a plateful of delicious candied bacon!
Key Ingredients to Sweeten the Deal
- Thick-cut bacon – The star of the show! Thick-cut bacon gives the perfect balance of crispy and chewy texture that stands up to the caramelization process.
- Brown sugar – This adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that perfectly complements the salty bacon.
- Cracked black pepper – Provides a mild heat and enhances the smoky flavor of the bacon.
- Cayenne pepper – Just a touch for a bit of extra heat, adding depth to the overall flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – For a pop of spiciness that lingers, balancing the sweetness with a nice kick.
Simple Steps to Crispy, Caramelized Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or foil to prevent sticking and make clean-up easy.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix until evenly blended.
- Generously sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over each slice of bacon, ensuring they are fully coated. Gently pat the mixture onto the bacon with your hands.
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, checking at the 30-minute mark. If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you like, continue baking for another 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Remove from the oven and let the bacon rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer the slices to a cooling rack and let them cool completely for another 10 minutes to allow the caramelized coating to harden.
Air Fryer Option
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Mix the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Coat the bacon slices with the mixture and pat it down.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, arrange the bacon slices in a single layer, and cook for 8 minutes, checking at the 4-minute mark to rearrange any overlapping pieces for even crisping.
Tips for the Best Candied Bacon
- Always use thick-cut bacon to ensure the perfect balance of chewy and crispy.
- Let the bacon cool completely on a cooling rack after baking to allow the caramelized sugar to set properly.
- Check the bacon at the 30-minute mark, especially if your oven tends to run hotter, to prevent burning.
How to Store Your Leftover Candied Bacon
If you find yourself with leftover candied bacon (which might be unlikely!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until it’s warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy.
Now that you have the secrets to making the perfect candied bacon, it’s time to treat yourself and your guests to this addictive delight! Enjoy every crispy, caramelized bite!
Candied Bacon Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Silicone liner or parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
Zutaten
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Anleitungen
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or foil. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Evenly sprinkle the sugar mixture over the bacon slices, making sure each slice is thoroughly coated. Gently press the sugar mixture onto the bacon with your hands.
- Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until it is deeply caramelized and crisp. Check the bacon at the 30-minute mark; if it isn’t crispy enough, continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bacon cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the bacon to a cooling rack and allow it to cool for another 10 minutes to let the caramelized coating harden.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Coat the bacon slices with the sugar mixture, pressing it onto the bacon to ensure it adheres well.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, then place the bacon slices inside. Air fry for about 8 minutes, checking at the 4-minute mark to see if any slices need rearranging to cook evenly.
- Serve the candied bacon hot and enjoy!