If you want a snack that hits all the right notes with every crispy, irresistible bite, you absolutely must try this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe. It delivers a perfect harmony of smokiness, sweetness, and a little kick of heat that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you are serving it as an appetizer, a game day treat, or simply indulging your own cravings, this dish transforms ordinary bacon into a totally unforgettable masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create this magical flavor combo. Each one plays an essential role in balancing the sweet, spicy, and savory elements that give this dish its signature taste and texture.
- 1 lb. bacon: Thin slices work best for crispiness, but choose your favorite cut to match your texture preference.
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and caramelizes beautifully for that candy-like coating.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives just the right smoky heat; feel free to increase it if you love it spicy.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle earthiness and sharpness to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Seasoning
In a medium-sized glass bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This blend forms the heart of your sweet and spicy coating, so make sure it’s well combined before moving on.
Step 2: Prepare Your Setup
Forget preheating the oven just yet. Cover a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a cooling rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking — this simple prep makes all the difference for crisp, evenly cooked bacon.
Step 3: Arrange the Bacon
Drape the bacon strips on the cooling rack, making sure to leave a little space between each slice for even cooking. Don’t worry if the pieces are a bit long—cut them in half to fill in the gaps and make the best use of your rack space.
Step 4: First Bake
Place the bacon setup on your oven’s middle rack, then turn the oven on to 375°F. Bake the bacon for 20 minutes to get it partially cooked and a bit crispy before adding your sweet and spicy mixture.
Step 5: Flip and Coat
Carefully remove the bacon from the oven and turn each slice over. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar and pepper mixture over each strip, making sure every bite gets that signature sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return the bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an extra close eye on it during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning—this is when the sugar caramelizes to a perfect, delicious crunch.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once finished, let the bacon cool slightly on the rack to let the sugar coating set up. This little wait ensures each slice has that irresistible candy-like crunch. Then it’s time to dig in and enjoy every sweet, spicy, crispy bite!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives atop the bacon for a pop of color and a fresh contrast to its bold flavors. A small dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving can also boost the flavor layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
This candied bacon pairs wonderfully with creamy avocado slices, a fresh fruit salad, or a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette. It’s also fantastic alongside classic breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or pancakes to add an unexpected flavor twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party snack, try skewering pieces of the bacon with chunks of pineapple or jalapeño. Or use the bacon as a crunchy topping on baked potatoes, mac and cheese, or even sprinkled over a cheesy flatbread. The Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe transforms any dish with its vibrant personality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra candied bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It maintains its crispness surprisingly well and is ready for quick snacking or adding to other dishes.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking and store in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen candied bacon stays good for up to 2 months, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute treats.
Reheating
Reheat the bacon in a preheated 375°F oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the coating can become chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use thicker bacon slices for this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe?
Absolutely! Thicker slices take a bit longer to cook but offer a meatier bite. Just watch the baking times closely to make sure they get crispy without burning.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Definitely. You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to tone down the heat. The brown sugar and black pepper still create an amazing flavor that balances sweet and savory perfectly.
Can I use other types of sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Dark brown sugar provides moisture and deep caramel notes, but you can substitute light brown sugar or even maple sugar for a slightly different twist. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
What dipping sauces go well with this candied bacon?
Try a honey mustard sauce, chipotle mayo, or even a creamy blue cheese dip. These add another layer of flavor that complements the sweet and spicy bacon beautifully.
Can I make this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe without a cooling rack?
While the rack helps keep the bacon crispy and allows fat to drain, you can place the bacon directly on foil-lined baking sheets. Just be mindful to flip often and carefully drain excess grease.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe is such a delightful treat to whip up when you want to impress friends or spice up your snack game. Its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a staple you’ll return to again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite in my kitchen—give it a go and enjoy every crispy, sweet, spicy moment!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon is a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors baked to crispy perfection. Thin slices of bacon are coated with a mixture of dark brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, then baked on a rack to allow even cooking and caramelized edges. This crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack combines the richness of bacon with a delightful spicy-sweet glaze, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bacon (thin slices preferred, but use your favorite)
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar mixture: In a medium glass bowl, thoroughly mix together the dark brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Set this spicy-sweet seasoning aside to use after the initial baking phase.
- Prepare the baking setup: Do not preheat the oven at this point. Cover a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up, then place a cooling rack on top. Spray the cooling rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the bacon: Drape the strips of bacon across the cooling rack, spacing them slightly apart. If necessary, cut some slices in half to fill in any large gaps evenly across the rack.
- Bake the bacon initially: Position the cookie sheet on the middle rack of your oven and turn the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bacon for 20 minutes to render fat and start crisping the edges.
- Flip and coat with sugar mixture: Remove the bacon from the oven and carefully flip each slice. Sprinkle the previously prepared brown sugar, cayenne, and black pepper mixture evenly over each slice. This step adds the signature sweet-spicy glaze.
- Finish baking: Return the bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
- Cool and serve: Once baked to desired crispiness and glaze, let the bacon cool slightly so the sugar coating sets perfectly. Serve warm or at room temperature for a deliciously addictive savory snack.
Notes
- Using a cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet allows the bacon to cook evenly and the fat to drip away, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Aluminum foil lining the baking sheet makes cleanup quick and easy.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity according to your heat preference; you can omit it completely for a milder version.
- Watch the bacon closely in the last minutes of baking to avoid burning the sugar coating, which caramelizes very quickly.
- Thin bacon works best for even cooking and crisp glazing, but thicker cuts can be used if adjusted for longer baking time.
