Bacon

Candied Brown Sugar Bacon

Name: Candied Brown Sugar Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) thick-cut bacon; 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar; 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) onion powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) maple syrup; 1/4 cup (60g) water; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Jake Thornton · June 18, 2026 · Bacon

Prep15 min

Cook25 min

Total40 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made candied brown sugar bacon in my backyard smoker. The combination of the smoky flavor from the bacon and the sweetness of the brown sugar was a game-changer for me. Since then, I've perfected the recipe and now I'm excited to share it with you. This candied brown sugar bacon recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a sweet and savory combination.

The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make. All you need is some thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The result is a deliciously sweet and smoky bacon that's perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a topping for your favorite salad or sandwich.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart from others is the use of a combination of brown sugar and spices to create a crispy and caramelized crust on the bacon. This crust is what gives the bacon its signature flavor and texture, and it's surprisingly easy to achieve. Simply mix together the brown sugar, spices, and a few other ingredients, and then rub the mixture all over the bacon before baking it in the oven.

If you're looking for a recipe that's sure to impress your friends and family, look no further than this candied brown sugar bacon. It's perfect for special occasions or just a quick and easy breakfast or snack. And the best part is that you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week, so you can enjoy it whenever you want.

In this recipe, we'll walk you through the steps to make delicious candied brown sugar bacon from scratch. We'll cover everything from the ingredients you'll need to the cooking technique, so you can make this recipe with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The combination of sweet and smoky flavors is a game-changer
The bacon is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a topping for your favorite salad or sandwich
You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week
The recipe is perfect for special occasions or just a quick and easy breakfast or snack
The bacon is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a deliciously sweet and smoky flavor

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great candied brown sugar bacon is to cook the bacon low and slow, so that the fat renders out and the bacon becomes crispy. This is achieved by baking the bacon in the oven at a low temperature for a long period of time, which allows the fat to melt and the bacon to become caramelized.

Another important factor is the use of a combination of brown sugar and spices to create a crispy and caramelized crust on the bacon. This crust is what gives the bacon its signature flavor and texture, and it's surprisingly easy to achieve. Simply mix together the brown sugar, spices, and a few other ingredients, and then rub the mixture all over the bacon before baking it in the oven.

The type of bacon you use is also important. Thick-cut bacon is best for this recipe, as it allows for a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. You can use any type of thick-cut bacon you like, but I prefer to use applewood-smoked bacon for its rich and smoky flavor.

Finally, the cooking time and temperature are crucial in making great candied brown sugar bacon. The bacon needs to be cooked low and slow, so that the fat renders out and the bacon becomes crispy. This is achieved by baking the bacon in the oven at a low temperature for a long period of time, which allows the fat to melt and the bacon to become caramelized.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this candied brown sugar bacon, you'll need a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The most important ingredient is the bacon, which should be thick-cut and smoked for the best flavor. You'll also need some brown sugar, spices, and a few other ingredients to create the crispy and caramelized crust on the bacon.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose a high-quality bacon that is thick-cut and smoked. You can use any type of bacon you like, but I prefer to use applewood-smoked bacon for its rich and smoky flavor. You'll also need to choose a good quality brown sugar, as this will affect the flavor of the bacon.

1 lb (450g) thick-cut baconThick-cut bacon is best for this recipe, as it allows for a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. You can use any type of thick-cut bacon you like, but I prefer to use applewood-smoked bacon for its rich and smoky flavor.
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugarYou'll need to choose a good quality brown sugar, as this will affect the flavor of the bacon. Look for a brown sugar that is fresh and has a rich, caramel-like flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a deep, smoky flavor to the bacon. You can use any type of smoked paprika you like, but I prefer to use a sweet smoked paprika for its rich and complex flavor.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a savory flavor to the bacon. You can use any type of garlic powder you like, but I prefer to use a fresh and high-quality garlic powder for its rich and complex flavor.
1 tsp (5g) onion powderOnion powder is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a savory flavor to the bacon. You can use any type of onion powder you like, but I prefer to use a fresh and high-quality onion powder for its rich and complex flavor.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it enhances the flavor of the bacon. You can use any type of salt you like, but I prefer to use a fresh and high-quality salt for its rich and complex flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a sharp and savory flavor to the bacon. You can use any type of black pepper you like, but I prefer to use a fresh and high-quality black pepper for its rich and complex flavor.
1/4 cup (60g) maple syrupMaple syrup is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a sweet and rich flavor to the bacon. You can use any type of maple syrup you like, but I prefer to use a high-quality maple syrup for its rich and complex flavor.
1/4 cup (60g) waterWater is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it helps to create a crispy and caramelized crust on the bacon. You can use any type of water you like, but I prefer to use a fresh and high-quality water for its rich and complex flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it helps to create a crispy and caramelized crust on the bacon. You can use any type of olive oil you like, but I prefer to use a high-quality olive oil for its rich and complex flavor.

Ingredients for Candied Brown Sugar Bacon

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetWire rackOvenMixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Candied Brown Sugar Bacon

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bacon off the sheet.
3
Place a wire rack on top of the prepared baking sheet.
4
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5
Add the maple syrup and water to the bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
6
Lay the bacon slices on the wire rack, making sure not to overlap them.
7
Brush the sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the bacon slices.
8
Drizzle the olive oil over the bacon slices, making sure they are all coated.
9
Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).
10
Increase the oven temperature to broil (high) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
11
Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool completely on the wire rack.
12
Once the bacon has cooled, use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use thick-cut bacon for this recipe, as it allows for a crispy exterior and a chewy interior.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the bacon to steam instead of crisp.
If you want a crisper bacon, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
To make the bacon more caramelized, you can brush it with a little bit of maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
You can store the cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
You can also freeze the cooked bacon for up to 2 months. Simply place the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the bacon to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.
To reheat the bacon, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy and warmed through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using thick-cut bacon, which can result in a bacon that is too crispy or too chewy.
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the bacon to steam instead of crisp.
Not cooking the bacon to the correct internal temperature, which can result in a bacon that is undercooked or overcooked.
Not letting the bacon cool completely before storing it, which can cause the bacon to become soggy or develop off-flavors.
Not storing the cooked bacon in an airtight container, which can cause the bacon to become stale or develop off-flavors.
Not freezing the cooked bacon correctly, which can cause the bacon to become freezer-burned or develop off-flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add other ingredients to the sugar mixture, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to give the bacon more flavor.
You can use different types of wood chips or chunks to smoke the bacon, such as applewood or mesquite, to give the bacon a unique flavor.
You can add a little bit of bourbon or whiskey to the sugar mixture to give the bacon a boozy flavor.
You can use different types of bacon, such as peppered bacon or brown sugar bacon, to give the bacon a unique flavor.
You can add a little bit of heat to the bacon by adding some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the sugar mixture.
You can make the bacon more savory by adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the sugar mixture.
You can make the bacon more sweet by adding some honey or maple syrup to the sugar mixture.

What to Serve With Candied Brown Sugar Bacon

This candied brown sugar bacon is perfect for serving as a side dish, snack, or even as a topping for your favorite salad or sandwich. You can serve it on its own, or pair it with some other delicious dishes, such as scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles.

Some other ideas for serving this bacon include using it as a topping for a charcuterie board, adding it to a BLT sandwich, or using it as a crunchy topping for a salad. You can also crumble it into bits and use it as a topping for soups or stews.

Serve the bacon on its own as a side dish or snackUse the bacon as a topping for a charcuterie boardAdd the bacon to a BLT sandwichUse the bacon as a crunchy topping for a saladCrumble the bacon into bits and use it as a topping for soups or stewsServe the bacon with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the cooked bacon, you can place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Simply let the bacon cool completely, then place it in the container and store it in the fridge.

You can also freeze the cooked bacon for up to 2 months. Simply place the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the bacon to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.

To reheat the bacon, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy and warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave by placing it on a paper towel-lined plate and cooking it for 20-30 seconds, or until crispy and warmed through.

It's also important to note that you should not store the bacon at room temperature, as this can cause the bacon to become stale or develop off-flavors. Always store the bacon in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bacon is best for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon is best for this recipe, as it allows for a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. You can use any type of thick-cut bacon you like, but I prefer to use applewood-smoked bacon for its rich and smoky flavor.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can use a different type of sugar, such as white sugar or turbinado sugar, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Brown sugar is preferred for this recipe because it has a richer, more caramel-like flavor that complements the smoky flavor of the bacon.

Can I add other ingredients to the sugar mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sugar mixture, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to give the bacon more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar and spices accordingly to balance out the flavors.

How long can I store the cooked bacon?

You can store the cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply let the bacon cool completely, then place it in the container or freezer bag and store it in the fridge or freezer.

Can I reheat the bacon in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat the bacon in the microwave by placing it on a paper towel-lined plate and cooking it for 20-30 seconds, or until crispy and warmed through. Just be careful not to overcook the bacon, as this can cause it to become dry and tough.

Can I make this recipe in a skillet on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a skillet on the stovetop, but keep in mind that the bacon may not cook as evenly as it would in the oven. Simply cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).

Can I use a different type of wood chips or chunks to smoke the bacon?

Yes, you can use different types of wood chips or chunks to smoke the bacon, such as applewood or mesquite, to give the bacon a unique flavor. Simply place the wood chips or chunks in the skillet or oven with the bacon and cook as directed.

Can I make this recipe with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon?

Yes, you can make this recipe with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Simply cook the bacon according to the package instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

The Full Recipe

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