Level up your bacon game! You will love this maple brown sugar candied bacon recipe, it’s sweet and peppery and bakes up in 25 minutes. Thick sliced bacon is caramelized with brown sugar and maple syrup for a flavor indulgence that you will crave!
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Why you will love this candied bacon
It’s oven baked with no stove top fuss. This sticky, sweet caramelized bacon really makes a statement! It’s next level delicious on BLT sandwiches, and really steps up to the plate when making a wedge salad. It’s also wonderful with eggs bennedict, the options are endless. So let’s get bak’in!
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Ingredients
- Thick sliced bacon
- Pure maple syrup - a bourbon barrel aged maple syrup is also really nice! Do not use an imitation maple flavored syrup, the results will not be the same.
- Brown sugar – light or dark. Dark adds more molasses flavor.
- Black pepper – freshly ground
How to make candied bacon
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place strips of bacon onto a bake sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle each strip with a little bit of the brown sugar, then lightly drizzle on the maple syrup. Bakes 20-23 minutes.
Place baking sheet into the preheated oven with the prepared bacon. Set a timer for 20 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon. Watch carefully near the end of cooking time so bacon does not overcook. The average length of time is 23 minutes.
Remove cooked bacon from the oven and allow bacon to cool.
Serve and enjoy the praises. Makes 9 pieces.
Other Ways to use this Candied Bacon Recipe
- On a wedge salad
- In a club sandwich
- On eggs benedict
Equipment
- Bake Sheet - You’ll need a large baking sheet to cook the bacon.
- Parchment - Line the baking sheet with parchment to keep the glazed bacon from sticking to the pan.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with regular sliced bacon instead of thick sliced bacon?
Of course, simply reduce the baking time.
How long does candied bacon last?
Best eaten immediately, it can be stored in a covered container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can you make candied bacon ahead of time?
You can make this recipe in advance. I like to make it the night before a big family gathering to save time for the next day.
Cool the cooked bacon to room temperature and store in a sealed container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The glaze may become a little grainy, not to worry, the glaze will melt and shine right back up when you reheat it.
Spread the bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 350°F/180°C oven until warm and shiny, for about 5-8 minutes.
History of Bacon and a little fun fact!
The "father of the American Pork Industry" is attributed to the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto by the National Pork Board. In 1539, de Soto introduced 13 pigs to the New World, and astonishingly, within three years, the herd had multiplied to 700.
During the 12th century, the church in the English town of Great Dunmow established a unique tradition. They pledged a side of bacon to any married man who could solemnly swear, in the presence of the congregation and God, that he had not engaged in any quarrels with his wife for a year and a day. This practice elevated the status of husbands who could successfully "bring home the bacon" due to their demonstrated patience and restraint, earning admiration from the community.
The consumption of salted pork belly traces its roots back thousands of years to China. The techniques for curing pork gained popularity across the Roman Empire, and Anglo-Saxon peasants incorporated bacon fat into their cooking. Notably, up until the 16th century, the Middle English term "bacon" or "bacoun" encompassed all types of pork, highlighting its general association with this meat during that period.
Maple Brown Sugar Candied Bacon
Equipment
- Bake Sheet You’ll need a large baking sheet to cook the bacon.
- Parchment Line the baking sheet with parchment to keep the glazed bacon from sticking to the pan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz thick sliced bacon 9 pieces
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or bourbon barrel aged maple syrup
- ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Place strips of bacon onto a bake sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle each strip with a little bit of the brown sugar, then lightly drizzle on the maple syrup. Bakes 20-23 minutes.
- Place baking sheet into the preheated oven with the prepared bacon. Set a timer for 20 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon. Watch carefully near the end of cooking time so bacon does not overcook. The average length of time is 23 minutes.
- Remove cooked bacon from the oven and allow bacon to cool.
- Serve and enjoy the praises. Makes 9 pieces.
Notes
- Good maple syrup makes all the difference in success! For best flavor, I used pure maple syrup or I sometimes splurge on a good bourbon barrel aged maple syrup.
- The two brands I use are:
-Bar S Naturally Hardwood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon (12oz/9 slices)
-Daily’s Peppered Thick Cut Bacon (24oz/18 slices)
Nutrition
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