The BEST Candied Bacon Recipe (2024)

An irresistible breakfast treat, this Candied Bacon Recipe is easy to whip up and a guaranteed family favorite! Made with thick-cut, smokey bacon, brown sugar and a cayenne kick, this pork candy is a sweet-salty concoction sent from heaven!

I’m all about the small, simple pleasures in life: the smell of fresh brewed coffee, homemade lemonade on hot summer days and spicy, crisp bacon. I mean, is there a better way to start your morning than wrapped in a cozy robe while wolfing down a plate of bacon? I think not.

The recipe I’m sharing today is in celebration of life’s simple moments, the ones that bring us nothing but joy. Spicy Candied Bacon is the perfect food: crispy, chewy, sweet and salty! Each bite is an explosion of smokey fat unlike anything else.

Let’s start our morning off right together! You deserve a treat and so do I!

The Heart and Soul of this Candied Bacon Recipe

Ingredients

When it comes to breakfast, the only thing easier to make than a batch of candied bacon is a bowl of cereal. Seriously, with just 3 simple ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time, you’ve got your next favorite breakfast food!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Sliced Bacon

Bacon is a type of salt-cured pork; it’s typically prepared using pork belly or back cuts. Bacon is salty, smokey and occasionally, a bit sweet. I would encourage you to use a thicker cut bacon which has a higher fat concentration. The extra fat will release during cooking and make for crisp bacon with a chewy interior.

Light Brown Sugar

Light brown sugar contains added molasses which, when cooked, creates a deep, caramel-like flavor. During the baking process, the sugar coated bacon will caramelize and form a sweet, sticky exterior layer. The sweet-salty combo is to die for!

Cayenne Pepper

I love spice! I believe that just about any recipe can benefit from a bit of heat. Added spice intensifies flavor and makes for a more complex flavor profile.

TIP: Whether you’re not a fan of heat or just looking for something different, there’s an option for you! Instead of cayenne, try drizzling your candied bacon with maple syrup, sprinkling it with minced garlic or even coating it with cinnamon and chili powder.

How to make Candied Bacon

1. Set the Stage: Kick things off by preheating your oven to a cool 325 degrees. This low-and-slow heat is the secret to that perfect crunch without the burn.
2. Sugar, Spice, Everything Nice: Now, in a medium-sized bowl, it’s time to get whisk-happy. Blend that brown sugar and cayenne together. That’s right, we’re bringing heat to the sweet – a combo that’ll have your taste buds throwing a party.
3. Dress it Up: Here comes the fun part! Dip each slice of bacon into this magical sugar mixture, giving them a gorgeous coat on both sides. Think of it as bacon’s evening wear, designed to dazzle.
4. The Oven Beckons: Lay out your dressed-up bacon strips onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This non-stick step promises a smooth transition from pan to plate (though we won’t judge if some pieces never make it that far!).
5. Bake it Up: Pop them into the oven and let ’em bake for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown hue and a level of crispiness that sings to your soul.

How to Make Bacon Crispier?

There’s something so satisfying about waking up late on a Saturday morning and dusting off the cast-iron skillet to make bacon. I love standing over the skillet, tongs in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, while I listen to the pops and sizzles.

But, as much as I enjoy the classic process, I hate the oil-splatter burns and the constant nursing. By using the oven, I avoid injury and make more time to cook up eggs, hash browns and anything else my little heart desires.

The baking process will yield a bacon that is cooked evenly, crisp on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. Perfection!

For A Crispier Candied Bacon recipe: If you’re not a fan of that chewiness, an oven-safe cooling rack will be your best friend. Set it on top of a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and layer the bacon on top. Lifting the bacon up let’s it cook from every side and get super crispy!

How to Serve

I could eat an entire plate of this bacon on its own, seriously! But, I also love using it as a topping for an epic breakfast sandwich or as a side to a yummy brunch spread. You could even crumble up the cooled bacon and use it for salads or omelettes.

Need some inspiration? Here are a few of amazing breakfast recipes to serve along with it:

• Easy Breakfast Casserole
• Buttermilk Waffles
• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
• Johnny Cakes
• Cheese Grits
• Southern Grits
• Blueberry Pancakes
• Hash browns
• Apple Crisp French Toast

Reheating and Storage

Candied Bacon is delicious served right out of the oven or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I would suggest layering the bacon using wax or parchment paper to avoid sticking.

If you would like to reheat it, simply place the bacon on a bit of foil and place it in the oven for about 10 minutes. A toaster oven will work as well, just be sure the temperature is at about 400 degrees.