If you adore the perfect balance of sweet and savory snacks, then this Candied Bacon Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Picture thick, smoky slices of bacon wrapped in a crispy caramelized coating of brown sugar and zesty steak seasoning. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a burst of rich, salty, sweet, and slightly spiced flavors that feel like a little celebration for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or sneaking a few pieces for yourself, this recipe is irresistibly easy and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple but absolutely essential to get that mouthwatering texture and flavor in your candied bacon. Each component plays a vital role from adding sweetness and spice, to enhancing the crispiness and depth of flavor.
- Thick cut bacon: Provides the perfect meaty base that crisps up wonderfully without drying out.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Creates the delicious caramelized coating that transforms your bacon into candy.
- Montreal’s Steak Seasoning: Adds savory, peppery notes that balance the sweetness with a little kick.
How to Make Candied Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right for slowly caramelizing the brown sugar while crisping the bacon evenly—no burnt edges here!
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with two layers of foil. This makes cleanup a breeze after all that sticky goodness. Place a wire cooling rack on top—this helps the bacon cook evenly and allows extra fat to drip away.
Step 3: Mix the Sugar Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar with Montreal’s Steak Seasoning to create that magical candy coating. This mix is where the sweet and savory flavors begin to dance, so make sure to give it a good stir.
Step 4: Arrange the Bacon
Lay the thick cut bacon slices on the wire rack with space between each piece so they don’t stick together. This spacing is key for maximum crispiness and caramelization.
Step 5: Apply the Sugar Mixture
Sprinkle a generous layer of the brown sugar and seasoning blend evenly over each slice. Cover every nook and cranny—this is what gives the bacon its signature candied finish!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it starting around 20 minutes to prevent burning—the bacon should turn a deep, glossy brown when perfectly candied.
Step 7: Cool and Crisp
Once out of the oven, let the bacon cool slightly. Then, gently loosen each slice with a metal spatula so it doesn’t stick to the rack. As it cools further, that sticky sugar hardens into a satisfyingly crisp candy shell.
How to Serve Candied Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your candied bacon with a few crushed pecans or flaky sea salt for an extra touch of texture and flavor that complements the sweet-salty contrast beautifully.
Side Dishes
This candied bacon pairs wonderfully alongside creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green salads, or even atop rich mac and cheese. It also makes a sensational addition to breakfast plates alongside eggs and pancakes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try crumbling the candied bacon over buttered toast or baked brie. You can even thread strips on skewers as fancy appetizers or chop it up as a decadent salad topping. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover candied bacon (though that can be rare), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to retain its crispiness.
Freezing
Freeze candied bacon by laying pieces flat on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It keeps well for up to two months, making it perfect for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat candied bacon in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes. This brings back its delightful crisp without making it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick cut?
Yes, you can, but thick cut bacon works best since it stays juicy inside while the sugar forms a nice crust. Thinner slices may cook too fast and become overly crispy or burnt.
Is Montreal’s Steak Seasoning necessary?
While this seasoning really elevates the flavor, you can substitute with a mix of black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if needed. It adds a lovely savory balance to the sweetness.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Watching the bacon carefully after 20 minutes is key. Using foil on your tray and a wire rack helps regulate heat. If you notice the sugar browning too fast, lower the oven temperature slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Just ensure your Montreal’s Steak Seasoning is gluten free or use your own gluten-free spice blend. None of the other ingredients contain gluten.
What is the best way to serve candied bacon at parties?
Serve candied bacon on a lined platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or wrap it around dates or small jalapeños for a sweet-savory party appetizer everyone will rave about.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Bacon Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels both indulgent and simple to make. It elevates any occasion from casual brunches to elegant gatherings with its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Once you try it, “just one more piece” will become your favorite mantra—so get cooking and share the love!
Print
Candied Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 14 slices
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Candied Bacon recipe transforms thick-cut bacon into a sweet and savory treat coated with a flavorful blend of brown sugar and steak seasoning. Baked to crispy perfection in the oven, this indulgent snack or appetizer balances smoky, spicy, and sugary notes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick cut bacon
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon Montreal’s Steak Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (estimated, to complement recipe)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (estimated, optional for mild heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (estimated, adds depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (estimated, for smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bacon to a crispy, caramelized finish.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with two layers of aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the foil-lined pan to elevate the bacon, allowing even heat circulation and fat drainage.
- Make Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Montreal’s Steak Seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika. This spice blend will infuse the bacon with a complex, sweet, and savory flavor.
- Arrange Bacon: Lay the bacon slices on the prepared wire rack, spacing them so they do not overlap. Proper spacing ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Coat Bacon: Generously sprinkle the sugar and seasoning mixture evenly over the top of each bacon slice, making sure to cover all exposed areas for maximum flavor and caramelization.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the bacon is dark brown and crispy. Start watching closely at the 20-minute mark to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a metal spatula to gently loosen each slice from the rack to prevent sticking. The bacon will continue to crisp up as it cools. Serve once cooled to your desired texture.
Notes
- Using a wire rack allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Watch the baking time closely starting at 20 minutes to avoid burning the sugar coating.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- For easier cleanup, foil lining is recommended.
- Candied bacon pairs well with breakfast dishes, salads, or as a snack on its own.
