Categories: Appetizers

Candied Bacon – Easy, Delicious Appetizer!

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Candied Bacon

Candied bacon – A sweet & spicy treat

Candied Bacon

This easy-to-make treat elevates the classic strip of bacon to new heights with a sweet, caramelized coating that enhances the savory richness of the meat. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or even on top of a salad or burger, candied bacon is a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist. It’s similar to it’s cousin, bacon jam, but instead of being used as a garnish is deliciously snackable!

Perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer

Candied Bacon

As the bacon cooks, the sugar caramelizes, creating a deliciously crunchy, golden crust that coats each piece of bacon.

The end result? A sweet, salty, crispy, and tender bite that combines the best of both worlds—perfectly caramelized on the outside, but still full of rich, savory bacon flavor inside.

What’s to love about Candied Bacon

This diverse treat can be served as an appetizer, on charcuterie, with eggs, or on top of a sandwich or burger!
It’s a delicious, crowd-pleaser for game days, brunches, and holidays alike!
It’s sweet, spicy, and savory – the best of all worlds!
It’s easy-to-make, using spices you likely already have in your pantry.

Perfect for appetizers, brunches, charcuterie and holidays

Recipe Note –

This recipe makes a candied bacon with a mild heat. The cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes come together to create a slow heat that nicely balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. If you prefer more heat, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes or add an extra dash of cayenne.

Bacon covered with brown sugar & spices

Ready to go in the oven!

Ingredients

1 pound of thick cut bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a cooling rack on top. Be sure to use a baking sheet and not a cookie sheet! If you don’t have edges on your pan then you will have a mess in your oven.
Cut bacon strips into thirds. Lay flat on cooling rack on your baking sheet.
Mix all other ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne, and red pepper flakes) in a small bowl.
Evenly distribute brown sugar mixture on bacon slices. Each slice should be lightly covered with the brown sugar mixture.
Bake bacon in 325 degree oven for 18-24 minutes. Bake time will depend some on preference – you do not want this to get burnt! But if you undercook it the sugar won’t be caramelized. Check bacon at 18 minute mark, and bake in additional 2 minute increments until bacon is bubbly and crisp.
Allow bacon to cool for 10 minutes, and enjoy!

Storing Candied Bacon

Candied bacon is not shelf-stable. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. I recommend letting it come to room temperature, or microwaving it for 10 seconds, before eating it again after storing in the refrigerator.