Oh my, candied bacon! Little strips of bacon topped with a generous sprinkling of dark brown sugar and a pinch of chili powder plus some freshly cracked black pepper. Baked until the sugar carmalizes, leaving a sweetness, mixed with a savory note, and a spice that gently tickles the back of your throat. It leaves you wanting one more bite. Or maybe two!
This is an easy appetizer, and an ideal pairing with any beverage making it the perfect addition to a cheeseboard. And don’t hesitate to add a strip or two to your favorite burger or sandwich.
Candied bacon is made with a simple collaboration of ingredients. Bacon, brown sugar, chili powder and black pepper.
The spices are whisked into the brown sugar then everything is sprinkled over small pieces of bacon, offering enough for a bite or two.
For the bacon, grab the leanest you can find, picking a thicker cut that will hold up while the sugar caramelizes in the oven. You can make these luscious bits in advance and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Then simply allow enough time to let them come to room temp – about 30 minutes or so – and you’re good to go!
Your guests will love this decadent little appetizer – it’s a celebration of flavor in your mouth and a fun way to kick an evening of entertaining!
Candied Bacon
10 slices lean, thick-sliced bacon, about ¾ pound
½ cup dark brown sugar
1-½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Cut the strips of bacon into thirds. Spread the pieces of bacon out onto rimmed baking sheets lined with heavy-duty foil.
Break up any lumps in the brown sugar using your hands if needed. Whisk the brown sugar together with the chili powder and the black pepper.
Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the tops of the bacon pieces covering each piece completely.
Bake in a 400-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bacon pieces are almost crisp and the sugar is melted and caramelized. The bacon will firm up as it cools. Immediately transfer the bacon pieces to a wired rack to cool completely.
Keep the candied bacon chilled in a sealed container. Serve at room temperature – with plenty of napkins!
Makes 27 to 30 pieces.
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Candied Bacon
Equipment
- 2 Rimmed baking sheets, lined with heavy-duty foil
- wire racks for cooling
Ingredients Â
- 9 to 10 slices lean, thick-sliced bacon, about ¾ pound
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1-½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
InstructionsÂ
- Cut the strips of bacon into thirds. Spread the pieces of bacon out onto rimmed baking sheets lined with heavy-duty foil.
- Break up any lumps in the brown sugar using your hands if needed. Whisk the brown sugar together with the chili powder and the black pepper.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the tops of the bacon pieces covering each piece completely.
- Bake in a 400-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bacon pieces are almost crisp and the sugar is melted and caramelized. The bacon will firm up as it cools.
- Immediately transfer the bacon pieces to a wired rack to cool completely.
- Keep the candied bacon chilled in a sealed container. Serve at room temperature.
