Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe You Need to Try

The combination of crispy, smoky bacon with a caramelized sweet and spicy glaze is pure magic. Imagine biting into a strip of bacon coated in a glistening layer of brown sugar and spice, with just the right touch of heat to keep your taste buds dancing. It’s indulgent, irresistible, and surprisingly easy to make. Sweet and spicy candied bacon is the perfect snack, appetizer, or topping to elevate any meal.

I first made this recipe for a Sunday brunch, and let me tell you—it was the star of the table. Guests were sneaking extra pieces off the tray before I could even serve it! Since then, it’s become my go-to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for game day, or simply craving a unique treat, this recipe will have everyone talking.

This sweet and spicy candied bacon recipe is all about balance—salty, sweet, and a little kick of heat. The secret lies in the perfect ratio of brown sugar, spices, and the natural smokiness of the bacon. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want plain bacon again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: You only need a few minutes of prep time and the oven does most of the work for you!
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples like brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne are all you need alongside your favorite bacon.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or even as a topping for burgers, salads, or breakfast sandwiches.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s impossible to resist the addictive combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy bacon.
• Unbelievably Delicious: This recipe transforms ordinary bacon into a luxurious treat with layers of flavor.

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and the flavor combination—sweet and spicy with a hint of smokiness. Plus, the caramelized glaze takes everything to the next level. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday brunch or indulging in a late-night snack, this candied bacon is guaranteed to be a hit.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe as it holds up well to the glaze and maintains a chewy texture. Applewood smoked bacon adds extra flavor.
• Brown Sugar: The star of the show! Brown sugar caramelizes as it bakes, creating that irresistible sweet coating.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat to balance out the sweetness. Adjust the amount to fit your spice tolerance.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a smoky, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness and spice.
• Optional Maple Syrup: For an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, drizzle some syrup over the bacon before baking.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily adjust the ingredients. Prefer a sweeter profile? Skip the cayenne. Like it extra spicy? Add a pinch more! The possibilities are endless.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sweet and spicy candied bacon:

• Baking Sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet is essential to catch the drippings and prevent a mess in your oven.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack allows the bacon to crisp evenly without sitting in its own grease.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Line your baking sheet for easy cleanup. Trust me, the caramelized sugar can get sticky!
• Perfect for flipping the bacon midway through baking.

If you don’t have a wire rack, you can bake the bacon directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet, though it may not crisp up as evenly. Pro tip: clean your wire rack immediately after baking to prevent the caramelized sugar from hardening!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and place a wire rack on top.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they’re not overlapping so they cook evenly.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup (200g) of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon (5g) of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon (5g) of freshly ground black pepper.
4. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture generously over each slice of bacon. Make sure to coat both sides for maximum flavor. Use your fingers to press the mixture into the bacon if needed.
5. Optional: Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30ml) of maple syrup over the bacon for an extra layer of sweetness.
6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Rotate the tray halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization.
7. Check the bacon after 20 minutes. It should be crispy and golden brown with a caramelized glaze. If it needs more time, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bacon cool on the wire rack for 5 minutes. The glaze will harden as it cools, creating that irresistible candied texture.

Pro tip: If your bacon isn’t crisping up as you’d like, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it, though—candied bacon can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to help you nail this sweet and spicy candied bacon recipe every time:

• Choose Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for the best texture. Thin bacon can burn easily and won’t hold the glaze as well.
• Use a Wire Rack: This allows the bacon to crisp evenly and keeps it from soaking in grease.
• Don’t Skimp on the Sugar: The brown sugar is what creates that delicious caramelized coating, so be generous!
• Monitor Closely: The sugar glaze can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the bacon in the last few minutes of baking.
• Let It Cool: The bacon will crisp up as it cools, so resist the urge to eat it straight out of the oven (I know it’s hard!).

One time, I got impatient and pulled the bacon out too early—it was tasty but didn’t have that signature crunch. Lesson learned! Patience is key when making candied bacon.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to adapt this recipe:

• Maple Bacon: Skip the cayenne and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a sweeter, more classic flavor.
• Smoky BBQ Bacon: Add 1 teaspoon (5g) of smoked paprika to the sugar mixture for a smoky, barbecue-inspired twist.
• Honey Mustard Bacon: Mix honey and Dijon mustard to brush over the bacon before sprinkling with sugar and pepper.

You can also make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For a slightly healthier version, use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon—it won’t be quite as crispy, but the flavor is still amazing!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Candied bacon is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve it on a platter at your next brunch or party for a show-stopping centerpiece. Pair it with eggs, pancakes, or waffles for breakfast, or crumble it over salads, baked potatoes, or even ice cream for a unique twist.

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the strips on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Pro tip: The flavors of candied bacon actually intensify after a day or two, making it even more delicious!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one slice of sweet and spicy candied bacon (based on standard thick-cut bacon):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugar: 7g

This recipe isn’t just about indulgence—it’s also a great way to incorporate protein into your diet with a flavorful twist. The spices add a touch of antioxidants, and using thick-cut bacon ensures a satisfying bite that keeps you fuller longer. Just be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re watching sugar and fat intake.

Conclusion

Sweet and spicy candied bacon is the ultimate treat that combines the best of both worlds: sweet and savory. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your cravings, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Feel free to tweak the spice level or sweetness to suit your taste—there’s no wrong way to make it your own.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because of how it always brings people together. There’s something magical about sharing food that feels like a little indulgence. I hope you love this sweet and spicy candied bacon as much as I do!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your favorite variations—I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon for this recipe?

Yes, turkey bacon works well, though it won’t be as crispy as pork bacon. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is mild, but you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to make it more or less spicy based on your preference.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar is best for this recipe because it caramelizes beautifully and adds a rich flavor. In a pinch, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Candied bacon can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

What’s the best way to clean the wire rack after baking?

Soak the rack in hot, soapy water immediately after use to loosen the caramelized sugar. A scrub brush or sponge will help remove any stubborn residue.

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