Irresistible Brown Sugar Bacon: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Candied Bacon Recipe
Truthfully, we go through a lot of bacon at my house. At least a couple of pounds a week! It’s a staple, a treat, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. But while regular crispy bacon is undeniably delicious, there’s a whole other level of culinary delight that awaits when you introduce a touch of sweetness and spice. Imagine bacon that’s not just crispy, but also sticky, gloriously caramelized, and bursting with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. That, my friends, is the magic of brown sugar bacon, also affectionately known as candied bacon.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. A simple addition of brown sugar and a hint of pepper transforms ordinary bacon into something truly extraordinary. It bakes effortlessly in the oven, emerging as golden, glistening strips of pure bliss that are absolutely drool-worthy. Once you try this easy method, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s not just the best bacon EVER; it’s a breakfast game-changer, a brunch superstar, and a perfect appetizer for any gathering.
The Unexpected Bacon Revelation
The story of how brown sugar bacon became a household favorite for us is quite a charming one, and it all started with a picky eater. About six months ago, we took our then 4-year-old son, who was notoriously selective about his food, along with our other boys, to the legendary Original Pancake House in Redondo Beach. (Side note: If you haven’t been there, you absolutely must go. Their pancakes are simply out of this world!)
As we all dove into our piles of fluffy pancakes, my youngest was contentedly eating a bowl of applesauce. For some reason, this kid had a deep-seated aversion to carbs, a mystery considering his parentage! We tried to coax him into trying the pancakes, but he wasn’t having any of it. Then, his eyes landed on my husband’s plate, specifically on the crispy strips of bacon. He asked, “What’s that?”
My clever husband, seizing the moment, replied, “Oh, that’s candy.” Instantly, my little guy’s ears perked up. “Candy? Can I try it?” he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. Of course, my husband obliged, and we all watched with bated breath as he took a tentative bite. To our utter astonishment, he LOVED it! He devoured my husband’s bacon, then proceeded to eat everyone else’s bacon at the table. It was a true “aha!” moment for our family, marking the beginning of our youngest’s deep affection for bacon.
That’s how we discovered we had a huge bacon lover under our roof, and why I now find myself going through pounds of it every week. But why stop at just good bacon when you can elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness? Today, we’re taking that beloved bacon and turning it into what my son calls “bacon candy,” or as the rest of us would more accurately describe it: brown sugar bacon. This recipe takes everything you love about bacon and enhances it with an irresistible sweet and savory glaze.
Why Oven-Baked Bacon is a Game-Changer
For years, I cooked bacon on the stovetop, enduring the splattering grease, constant flipping, and uneven cooking. It was a messy, time-consuming affair. Then I discovered the magic of cooking bacon in the oven, and it completely transformed my breakfast routine. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on the easiest, cleanest, and most consistently perfect bacon you’ll ever make.
Here’s why oven-baking is superior, especially for brown sugar bacon:
- No Mess: Forget about greasy stovetops and oil splatters. By lining your baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil for easier cleanup), all the grease is contained. When the bacon is done, simply remove the strips and toss the parchment paper. Cleanup is a breeze!
- Even Cooking: Spreading the bacon in a single layer on a wire rack allows for hot air to circulate around each strip, resulting in perfectly crisp bacon from end to end. No more burnt edges and limp middles!
- Hands-Free: Once the bacon is in the oven, your work is essentially done. No need to stand over a hot stove, constantly flipping. This frees you up to prepare other breakfast items, like those special pancakes, waffles, or eggs for your family.
- Perfect for Candied Bacon: The dry heat of the oven is ideal for caramelizing the brown sugar without burning it. The sugar melts and adheres beautifully to the bacon, creating that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze.
The Magic of Brown Sugar and Pepper
With this brown sugar bacon recipe, you’ll follow the same effortless oven-baking method, but with one crucial addition: a generous sprinkle of ground black pepper and a coating of packed brown sugar. This combination might sound simple, but the result is nothing short of culinary alchemy.
- Brown Sugar: When baked, the brown sugar melts and caramelizes, forming a glossy, sweet, and slightly crunchy glaze over each strip of bacon. It enhances the natural savory notes of the bacon with a deep, molasses-like sweetness that’s simply addictive. You can use light or dark brown sugar; light brown sugar will give a milder sweetness, while dark brown sugar will provide a richer, deeper caramel flavor.
- Black Pepper: The black pepper is key to balancing the sweetness. Its sharp, slightly spicy kick cuts through the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the sugar, creating a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Don’t be shy with the pepper – it’s what elevates this from just “sweet bacon” to “sweet and savory candied bacon.”
The synergy between these three simple ingredients – bacon, brown sugar, and pepper – creates an explosion of flavors and textures. The bacon becomes perfectly crisp, the sugar turns into a golden, sticky coating, and the pepper adds a delightful warmth. It’s the ultimate sweet and savory combination that will undoubtedly become a new family favorite. Serve it as a side for breakfast or brunch, crumble it over salads, or enjoy it as a standalone snack. The possibilities are endless, and the satisfaction is guaranteed.
Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Bacon Every Time
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can ensure your brown sugar bacon turns out perfectly crispy, sticky, and delicious every single time:
- Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon if possible. Thicker slices stand up better to the cooking time, allowing the sugar to caramelize beautifully without the bacon becoming overly brittle. Regular cut bacon works too, but keep a closer eye on it as it may cook faster. Avoid very thin-cut bacon, as it can burn before the sugar has a chance to properly glaze.
- Use a Wire Rack: This is crucial for even cooking and preventing soggy bacon. Placing the bacon on a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet allows air to circulate underneath the bacon, ensuring both sides crisp up evenly and the rendered fat drips away.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Lay your bacon strips in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding will steam the bacon rather than crisp it, and the sugar won’t caramelize as effectively. If you’re making a large batch, use two baking sheets.
- Pack the Brown Sugar: When measuring the brown sugar, make sure to pack it firmly into your measuring cup. This ensures you have enough sugar to create that beautiful, thick glaze.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the black pepper! It’s essential for balancing the sweetness and adding that irresistible savory kick. If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be a fantastic addition.
- Monitor While Baking: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bacon, especially during the last 10 minutes. The sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly. You’re looking for a rich golden-brown color and a crispy texture. Rotating the baking sheets halfway through the cooking time helps ensure even browning.
- Cool on a Rack: Once out of the oven, let the bacon cool on the wire rack. The sugar glaze will firm up and become delightfully sticky as it cools. If you try to move it too soon, it might be too pliable.
- Pat Dry (If Needed): If you notice any excess grease after baking, you can gently pat the bacon with paper towels. This helps maintain maximum crispiness, though often, it’s not necessary when using a wire rack.
More Than Just Breakfast: Serving Suggestions & Variations
While brown sugar bacon is an undeniable star at the breakfast or brunch table, its versatility extends far beyond. Its irresistible sweet and savory profile makes it a fantastic addition to various meals and occasions:
- Breakfast & Brunch: Serve it alongside fluffy pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, or a delicious frittata. It’s a perfect partner for anything from a leisurely weekend brunch to a quick weekday treat.
- Appetizer: Cut the crispy strips into smaller pieces and serve them as a gourmet appetizer for parties. Arrange them on a platter for an impressive display, or skewer them with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a sweet-and-savory bite.
- Salad Topper: Crumble the candied bacon over a fresh green salad, a spinach salad with goat cheese and berries, or even a creamy broccoli salad (like the one linked below!) for an incredible burst of flavor and texture.
- Sandwiches & Burgers: Elevate your ordinary burger or BLT by adding a few slices of brown sugar bacon. The sweetness complements savory fillings perfectly.
- Sweet Treats: Believe it or not, candied bacon can be a surprising addition to desserts! Think crumbled over vanilla ice cream, dipped in dark chocolate, or even incorporated into cookies or brownies for a unique salty-sweet twist.
Flavor Variations to Experiment With:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the brown sugar mixture for a sweet-spicy sensation.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a little pure maple syrup over the bacon *before* sprinkling with brown sugar for an extra layer of caramelized sweetness.
- Herbaceous Notes: A tiny sprinkle of dried rosemary or thyme can add an unexpected aromatic dimension to the bacon.
- Smoked Paprika: For a deeper, smoky flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika along with the black pepper.
This brown sugar bacon is truly a gift you can give to your family, especially for special occasions. Father’s Day is often just around the corner, and what dad doesn’t love bacon? This dish is the perfect addition to make your dad feel extra special and show him how much you appreciate him. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on his face. Enjoy the ultimate sweet and savory indulgence!
Brown Sugar Bacon
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. bacon
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top of each sheet.
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Place bacon in a single layer on the two racks. Sprinkle the bacon slices with pepper and then brown sugar.
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Bake in preheated oven until bacon is crisp and browned, about 15-20 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels, if necessary. Enjoy!
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