Who knew bacon, already the star of any breakfast plate, could get even more addictive? This sweet and spicy candied bacon is the kind of indulgence that makes you rethink everything you know about savory treats—imagine a carnival in your mouth with every bite. It’s like bacon decided to dress up in a spicy-sweet tuxedo and crash a party!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, placing a wire rack on top.
- Lay the strips of thick-cut bacon evenly across the wire rack. Sprinkle them with cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Gently press a thin layer of brown sugar onto each bacon strip, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the sugar has melted and the bacon is crispy.
- Once baked, remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Using tongs, transfer the bacon to a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely to room temperature.
- Store the cooled candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2776kcal | Carbohydrates: 224g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 176g | Saturated Fat: 56g | Cholesterol: 296mg | Sodium: 3192mg | Potassium: 1504mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 208g | Vitamin A: 4200IU | Vitamin C: 3.2mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 5.6mg
FAQ
- What is Millionaire Bacon?
- Millionaire Bacon is a sweet and spicy caramelized bacon dish that originated at Sweet Maple restaurant in San Francisco. It is made by coating bacon with a mixture of brown sugar and cayenne pepper before baking, resulting in a delightful treat.
- How do you make Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon?
- To make this dish, preheat your oven to 350°F and place a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet. Lay thick-cut bacon on the rack, sprinkle with cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, and black pepper, then lightly press brown sugar onto the bacon. Bake for 30-40 minutes until caramelized and crispy, then cool before serving.
- What are some serving suggestions for Candied Bacon?
- Candied bacon can be served as an appetizer with drinks, added to salads like a wedge or pear salad, used in a BLT for an updated twist, or even sprinkled on soups such as pumpkin or vegetable soup for extra flavor.
- How should leftover Candied Bacon be stored?
- Store any leftover candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To restore crispiness, reheat it on a baking rack in the oven for a few minutes.
- Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?
- Yes, if you prefer less spice, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
- Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure the sugar has enough time to melt and caramelize without burning the bacon.
- If you desire a milder flavor, consider reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Store any leftover candied bacon in an airtight container and, if it loses its crispness, reheat it in the oven to restore its texture.
- Experiment by adding this sweet and spicy bacon to salads, soups, or sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
Equipment
- Wire Rack – A wire rack that fits over a baking sheet to allow for even cooking and crisping of the bacon.
- Baking Sheet – A large baking sheet to hold the wire rack and bacon.
- Tongs – For handling the hot bacon without burning yourself.
- Airtight Container – For storing any leftover candied bacon to maintain freshness.
