Description
This Candied Bacon recipe transforms thick-cut bacon slices into a sweet and spicy treat, perfect for snacks or garnishes. Using a simple blend of brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, the bacon is coated and either baked or air fried until crisp and caramelized. The result is a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For Candied Bacon
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Arrange the Bacon: Lay the uncooked thick-cut bacon slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap for even cooking.
- Mix the Sugar and Spices: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until well blended.
- Apply the Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the bacon slices. Use your hands to gently pat the mixture onto the bacon, ensuring each slice is fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Bacon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes for doneness and crispness. Continue baking if necessary until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool the Bacon: Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it carefully to a cooling rack. Let it cool for 10 minutes to allow the caramelized sugar to harden, enhancing the crunch and flavor.
- Alternate Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Mix the brown sugar and spices as above, then sprinkle and pat onto the bacon. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, place the bacon slices inside, and cook for 8 minutes, checking halfway through at 4 minutes to rearrange slices for even crisping.
- Serve: Once cooled and crisp, serve your candied bacon as a flavorful snack, garnish, or breakfast side dish and enjoy!
Notes
- Always use thick-cut bacon for best results and texture.
- Depending on the size of your baking sheet and the amount of bacon, you might need to use two pans to avoid overlapping slices.
- Allow bacon slices to cool completely after cooking; this helps the caramelized sugar harden for that perfect crunch.
- Oven temperatures vary; check the bacon early to prevent burning, and adjust cooking time or temperature as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
