Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon

Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon is a delightfully simple and delicious way to dress up bacon! It only takes a little bit of preparation, and I promise that you will be rewarded with a very tasty result.

The combination of the salty bacon and sweet maple candy topping is truly addicting. This recipe can be served at breakfast or brunch, or as an appetizer for a dinner party!

It also makes a tasty topping for a salad or crumbled on top of Cream of Mushroom Soup.

Looking for other brunch recipes? Take these Zucchini and Sage Patties for a spin, or if you’re craving something sweet, this Cherry Banana Smoothie is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon 

This recipe is dairy and gluten-free, so it’s perfect for serving to a crowd. It’s quick to make with just a few ingredients, and is a fun spin to put on a classic. 

Helpful Equipment To Make Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon

These tools will help make this recipe even easier! 

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Baking or cookie sheet
• Kitchen shears – I find this the easiest way to cut up uncooked bacon. 
• Pastry brush

Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon Ingredients

• ½ lbs. bacon
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Dash of black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray 

How To Make Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, maple syrup, and pepper. Using a pair of kitchen shears, cut each strip of bacon in half.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the bacon out in a single layer, taking care to not overlap any pieces (though it’s okay if their edges touch a bit). 

With a pastry brush, coat both sides of the bacon with the sugar mixture. Place the bacon into an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. 

Prep Time

This recipe takes 5 minutes to prep and 18-20 minutes to cook.

What Can I Serve With Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon?

Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon pairs excellently with these Baked Stuffed Avocados for a quick and classy brunch menu. Other options I love are:

• As a topping on a burger  
• On a fancy grilled cheese with sourdough bread, brie cheese, and fig jam
• Served on a cheese board alongside cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit 
• As a side dish for pancakes, waffles, or an omelette 

Variations

• Try adding other spices to your sugar mixture in place of the pepper. Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, chipotle pepper, or Chinese five-spice powder would all make great additions to the flavor of the candied bacon. 
• Use honey in place of the maple syrup and cayenne pepper instead of the black pepper for a delectable hot honey variation on candied bacon! 

Tips & Tricks and Recipe Notes

• This recipe works best with thick-cut bacon. It remains chewy after cooking and is a delightful contrast to the crispy sugar topping.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper! It really makes a difference in how easy your cleanup is and ensures your bacon pieces come off of the tray whole. 
• Keep an eye on the bacon during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking. Sugar can go from golden to burnt in a flash, so make sure you’re nearby to ensure the bacon stays deliciously caramelized! 

How to Store Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon

• Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving! 

• You can reheat the bacon if you’d like as well in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until it’s warmed through. 

• This recipe does not freeze well. When thawed, water will come out of the bacon, dissolving the crispy sugar mixture and un-candying the candied bacon!

FAQs

Can I make candied maple brown sugar bacon in advance? 

This recipe can be made a few hours before you plan to serve it! Just turn your oven down to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Prop the door open a couple of inches to allow for airflow, and the bacon will stay crispy and warm until you’re ready to serve.

What is candied bacon made of? 

This candied bacon recipe is made with bacon, brown sugar, maple syrup, and black pepper to make a crispy and delicious bacon treat at home. 

Conclusion

This Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon is perfect for serving at brunch alongside a Blue Cheese Omelette and fresh fruit, or crumbled over top of your favorite salad. Whatever the occasion, this sweet and salty treat is an easy and tasty way to turn just a few common ingredients into something show-stopping.

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