This Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon is a crispy, glossy bacon that is sweet, savory and spicy all at the same time. Make a BIG batch of this stuff…it gets devoured FAST!
The brown sugar bacon is so great for an appetizer, brunch or as an accent for so many dishes. Sometimes the best things take only a little effort but have an incredible payoff. This spicy bacon is one of the best.
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What We Love About This Recipe
This brown sugar bacon is perfect for special occasions, to top your favorite salad or to jazz up eggs. Try it on appetizers or use it to top a pan of your favorite meat.
- Make Ahead: Wonderful to make ahead of time and use for brunch or other meals. Plus you won’t have to worry about clean up when company is coming.
- Easy Ingredients: Only 5 ingredients, it is so easy but people will be so impressed.
- Entertain: Everyone will love this amazing brown sugar bacon.
Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Any variety that you enjoy.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar can be great in this recipe.
- Rice wine vinegar: The acid cuts some of the sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is best.
- Black pepper: The flavor really intensifies the bacon.
Variations and Substitutions for Caramelized Bacon
- Bacon – Turkey bacon or Vegan bacon.
- Vinegar – Try white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Pepper – Cayenne Pepper is a great kick up.
How to Make Spicy Bacon
These are the basic steps for making candied maple bacon. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions. Find the nutrition information for your daily values for a responsible calorie diet. More great recipes on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
STEP 1: PREP
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then in a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup and pepper together in a bowl.
STEP 2: SLICED BACON
Then place strips bacon slices on a wire rack (allows the grease to drain) that is on a aluminum foil baking sheet in a single layer. Bake bacon for 10 minutes; flip and bake for 5 additional minutes.
STEP 3: COAT
Next, brush both sides with brown sugar mixture glaze and bake for 25 minutes, basting ever 5 minutes.
Prep and Storage Tips for Caramelized Bacon
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
This brown sugar bacon recipe is a great make ahead treat. It can be made up to four days in advance and kept in the fridge in an airtight container.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
Let the bacon cool on a cooling rack and store the candied bacon recipe in an air tight container or zip top bag in the refrigerator.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
Freeze the crispy bacon slices in wax paper or parchment paper and then place in an airtight container for up to three months.
HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE
Reheat the brown sugar bacon in the microwave or in the oven baked or in a pan on the stove..
Frequently Asked Questions
Try a sprinkle a low calorie brown sugar substitute such as swerve for this maple brown sugar bacon.
Of course, you may have to cook the bacon a little longer to get it crispy but thick cut is a great option for the bacon lover.
This is the best bacon therefore you will want to double this recipe.
Typically it is served cold but there is no hard and fast rule. So Use this crispy deliciousness however you like.
Expert Tips for Making This Spicy Bacon Recipe
- Spices: Try chili powder or other spices for that sweet and spicy bacon flavor.
- Flavored Bacon: Maple bacon, smoked bacon or honey bacon.
- Variation tip for candied maple bacon: You can fry the bacon on the stove top if you wish.
- Dietary consideration tip: Sugar free or low sugar versions of the brown sugar and maple syrup.
- Top: Deviled eggs, roasted carrots or other vegetables.
What to Serve with Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon
- Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
- Mouthwatering Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
- Easy Breakfast Recipes for Kids
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Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup and pepper together in a bowl.
- Place bacon on a rack on a foil lined rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake bacon for 10 minutes; flip and bake for 5 additional minutes.
- Brush both sides with glaze and bake for 25 minutes, basting ever 5 minutes.
Expert Tips
- Spices: Try chili powder or other spices for that sweet and spicy bacon flavor.
- Flavored Bacon: Maple bacon, smoked bacon or honey bacon.
- Variation tip: You can fry the bacon on the stove top if you wish.
- Dietary consideration tip: Sugar free or low sugar versions of the brown sugar and maple syrup.
