Description
Easy Candied Bacon is a deliciously sweet and savory treat combining thick-sliced bacon baked to crispy perfection and glazed repeatedly with a rich mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and black pepper. This recipe transforms simple bacon into an irresistible glazed delicacy perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or adding a flavorful crunch to salads and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Glaze
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Black pepper to taste (about 1 tablespoon)
Bacon
- 1 pound thick-sliced bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the brown sugar, rice vinegar, and maple syrup until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add black pepper to taste, approximately 1 tablespoon, and stir to combine.
- Preheat and set up baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet or sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the foiled pan and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Initial bake of bacon: Arrange the thick-sliced bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip the bacon strips over and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- First glaze application: Remove the bacon from the oven and brush the top side of each strip generously with the prepared brown sugar glaze. Return the bacon to the oven.
- Baking and glazing cycles: Bake the bacon for 5 minutes, then remove and flip each strip, brushing the top again with glaze. Repeat this process every 5 minutes—flipping the bacon and glazing it—until the bacon is deeply browned and crisp. This typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the thickness of your bacon.
- Cool and serve: Once candied and crisped to your liking, let the bacon cool on the wire rack for about 10 minutes. This allows the glaze to set and the bacon to firm up. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Using thick-sliced bacon is crucial for achieving the ideal texture—thin slices may cook too fast and burn.
- Be patient with the glazing process; repeated brushing and baking create the characteristic glossy candied finish.
- Line the pan with foil to simplify cleanup, as the sugar glaze can be sticky.
- If the bacon starts to burn before it crisps up, reduce oven temperature slightly.
- Store candied bacon refrigerated and reheat briefly to bring back crispiness before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
