Description
This Maple Candied Bacon is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky. Thick-cut bacon is brushed with maple syrup and sprinkled with brown sugar, then baked until crispy and caramelized. It’s an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a unique snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined baking sheet. The wire rack is essential for allowing air to circulate around the bacon, resulting in even cooking and crispiness.
- Arrange Bacon: Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the wire rack. Do not overcrowd the bacon.
- First Glaze: Brush the top side of each bacon slice generously with maple syrup. Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar evenly over the maple syrup.
- Bake (First Side): Bake for 15 minutes.
- Flip, Glaze, and Bake Again: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, flip each bacon slice over. Brush the second side with maple syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. The total baking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and your oven.
- Cool
Notes
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is recommended for this recipe because it holds up well to the glaze and baking time. Regular-cut bacon can be used, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning, and reduce the cooking time.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor.
- Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar will have a more intense molasses flavor.
- Wire Rack: Using a wire rack is essential for crispy bacon. It allows air to circulate around the bacon and prevents it from sitting in its own grease.
- Baking Time: The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your bacon. Keep a close eye on the bacon during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this candied bacon as a side dish for breakfast or brunch, crumble it over salads, use it as a topping for desserts, or enjoy it on its own as a snack.
- Storage: store in the fridge.