Spicy Maple Candied Bacon

4.60 (5 ratings)

Spicy Maple Candied Bacon

This sweet, spicy, and smoky candied bacon (also called pig candy) is baked until perfectly caramelized. Made with brown sugar, maple, and chile powder, these strips are irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or as a party appetizer.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack | Muy Bueno

Ingredients

½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 ½ teaspoons chile powder
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/2 pounds thick cut bacon (20 slices)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. F.
Line large baking sheet with foil.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chile powder, and maple sugar to form a paste.
Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan and carefully pour off any excess grease.
Spoon about a teaspoon of mixture over each strip of bacon.
Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. I recommend flipping the bacon and sprinkling with additional mixture every 10 minutes.
The bacon is done when the brown sugar is melted and the bacon is a deep brown color.
Transfer the bacon to a clean parchment paper to cool. The bacon will crisp as it cools.

Notes

Thick cut bacon is best for chewy crisp texture. If using regular (not thick sliced) bacon, the cook time will be shorter. Thick cut: 30 to 35 minutes. Thin cut: 20 to 25 minutes.
Flip the bacon every 10 minutes and brush or sprinkle with more sugar mixture for the best caramelization.
Cool completely on parchment so it stays crispy.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Re-crisp in the oven if needed.

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