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!
Equipment
- 2 Rimmed baking sheets, lined with heavy-duty foil
- wire racks for cooling
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.