Just the right combination of crunchy, sweet, salty, and savory, candied bacon is like pig candy. Plus this candied bacon bakes right in the oven, making it quick and easy for your next breakfast, brunch, or even BLT sandwich.
If you have never had Candied Bacon, let me say right now, you are missing out. Candied Bacon, also commonly referred to as pig candy or meat candy, has a sweet and candied exterior that complements the salty, savory bacon.
I honestly don’t remember exactly the first time I had bacon candied, but I do remember my thoughts. It was something like, “OMG… Why haven’t I had this in my life sooner?!” I also immediately thought, “I have to figure out how to make this delicious bacon from heaven.” And so I did. Here I share with you my favorite simple Candied Bacon recipe. Whether making a small half batch for just me and Steve or a big batch for a big brunch with friends, I have made this over and over, and it never disappoints.
To some the process of candying bacon might seem difficult or daunting, but it is actually quite simple and fool proof with just a few simple tips.
How Do You Make Candied Bacon?
There are a lot of different to candy bacon, but I feel like this way is one of the quickest and easiest, with minimal clean up, which is always a win! For my classic Candied Bacon recipe, I bake the bacon in the oven on a wire baking rake set over a baking sheet, which is also my secret to crispy and easy bacon anytime. The wire baking rake allows heat to evenly cook both the top and bottom of the bacon, allowing for even cooking without having to flip the bacon half way. It also prevents burning, which can be a problem when candying bacon.
For easy cleanup, I recommend lining the baking sheet with either foil or parchment paper. This will catch any excess sugar that may drip off and burn on the bottom of the pan as well as help you to easily clean up the grease after it has a chance to cool slightly.
When making this Candied Bacon, I think it is important to use a good quality thick cut bacon. The thin bacon can burn, plus it just doesn’t have enough bacon flavor when coated in caramelized sugar. I also cut each strip of bacon in half before cooking. I think that this helps the bacon cook more evenly, but it also just makes them fit on my baking rake a little easier.
What are the Best Uses for Candied Bacon?
Candied Bacon is a classic breakfast or brunch staple (at least among our friends), but it can be used for so much more than that.
- Use candied bacon to elevate your classic BTL or bacon egg and cheese breakfast sandwich
- Add it on your burgers for extra crunch and bacon-y goodness
- Crumble candied bacon in your salads
- Add a couple of pieces to dress up your favorite bloody mary
- Toss crumbled candied bacon with cooked brussels sprouts, green beans, or your other favorite vegetable
- Top your homemade pizzas with candied bacon, such as my favorite Deep Dish Jalapeno Popper Pizza pictured below
- Or just serve it up as part of your next breakfast or brunch, may I suggest my Ham and Cheese Frittata for Two?
If you make this Candied Bacon, be sure to share your favorite ways to pair it in the comments down below and don’t forget to share your pictures on Facebook and tag me @NamasteHomeCooking!
Easy Candied Bacon
Ingredients
- ½ lb thick cut bacon
- 6 tbs brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up, lay a wire baking rack over, and spray with cooking spray
- Mix brown sugar, cayenne, and black pepper in a dish
- Cut each strip of bacon in half and dip bacon in sugar/spice mixture coating each side lightly. You don’t want the sugar to be caked on too thick, but it should evenly coat the strip.
- When coated, lay each strip on the prepared wire rack, making sure strips don’t overlap
- Bake for 20 – 30 minutes to desired crispiness – keep in mind bacon will crisp up a little more while cooling
- Let cool on rack a couple of minutes after removing from oven, and serve