Candied Bacon Sweet Spicy

This candied bacon recipe turns thick-cut bacon into a wonderfully sweet and spicy treat that is both crispy and full of flavor. It’s perfect as a snack on its own, a crunchy garnish for salads or burgers, or a special breakfast addition that adds a bit of excitement to your usual plate. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious balance of smoky, sugary, and spicy notes that will impress any bacon lover.

I first made this recipe when I wanted to elevate a weekend brunch, and now it’s become my go-to for gifts or party snacks because everyone loves the addictive crunch and flavor punch.

Ingredients

• One pound of thick-cut bacon: thick cut holds up to the sugar coating and stays crispy
• Half a cup of brown sugar: adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze
• Half a teaspoon of cracked black pepper: brings a little warmth and complexity
• Quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper: adds subtle heat without overpowering
• Half tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes: gives the candied bacon a pleasant spicy kick

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Proper preparation here ensures your bacon will cook evenly without sticking.

Arrange the Bacon:

Lay each slice of bacon flat on the prepared baking sheet, making sure slices do not overlap. This allows the heat to circulate properly and helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.

Mix the Sugar and Spices:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are blended well. This mixture is the key flavor booster in your candied bacon.

Apply the Sugar Mixture:

Sprinkle the spice and sugar blend evenly over each slice of bacon. Use your fingers to gently pat the mixture onto the meat to ensure the coating sticks well. Don’t rush this step because an even coating will give you the best caramelization.

Bake the Bacon:

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Start checking the bacon at 30 minutes; it should be golden brown and crispy. If you want it extra crispy, bake for a few more minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning the sugar.

Cool the Bacon:

When done, transfer the bacon slices to a cooling rack. Allow the bacon to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets the caramelized sugar harden slightly, making the bacon perfectly crunchy.

Alternate Air Fryer Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius. Mix your sugar and spices as described before. Sprinkle and pat the mixture onto the bacon slices. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, place the bacon inside without overlapping, and cook for around 8 minutes. Check at 4 minutes and rearrange the slices to ensure even crisping.

Serve:

Once cooled and crisp, serve your candied bacon as a snack, a topping for salads or waffles, or alongside your favorite breakfast dishes.

One of my favorite memories with this recipe is making trays of candied bacon for a family brunch. The house smelled amazing, and it was hard not to sneak crispy pieces before serving. The kids especially loved the sweet heat combo.

Storage Tips

To keep your candied bacon crispy, store cooled pieces wrapped in parchment paper inside an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. For longer storage, freeze whole slices between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer bag so they don’t stick together. Reheat gently in a low oven or air fryer to regain crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to avoid spicy heat, reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes but keep the black pepper for a gentle bite. Dark brown sugar works best for rich caramel notes but light brown sugar can be used for a milder sweetness. You could experiment with maple sugar for a different flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

Candied bacon pairs beautifully with crispy fried eggs and buttered toast for a classic breakfast. Try crumbling it over a fresh green salad to add texture and a sweet spicy zing. It also makes a festive garnish for bloody mary cocktails or a flavorful layer in gourmet burgers.

This recipe rewards patience and attention to detail for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with that coveted crunchy texture.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What cut of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon provides the ideal texture and thickness for absorbing the sugar and spice coating while achieving a perfect crisp.

→ Can I use an air fryer instead of baking?

Yes, air frying at 400°F for about 8 minutes crisps the bacon evenly while caramelizing the sugar and spices.

→ How do I ensure the bacon crisps evenly?

Arrange slices without overlapping and check doneness halfway through cooking to adjust placement if needed.

→ What spices are included in the coating?

The coating blends brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy flavor.

→ Can this be prepared ahead and stored?

Yes, once cooled, the candied bacon can be stored in an airtight container for up to several days while maintaining crispness.