Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon turns regular bacon into something completely addictive. The combination of sweet maple syrup and brown sugar creates a caramelized coating that makes this bacon perfect for brunch spreads, holiday breakfasts, or just treating yourself on a weekend morning.
Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make bacon taste this special. Just four ingredients and about 20 minutes in the oven, and you’ve got crispy, sweet, slightly peppery bacon that disappears the second you put it out. It’s become one of those recipes I make whenever we have guests because it looks impressive without requiring any real skill.
Ingredients & Equipment
- Bacon
- Maple syrup
- Brown sugar
- Black pepper
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small bowl for mixing
- Pastry brush or spoon
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 4-6 servings. It takes 5 minutes of prep time and 18-20 minutes of cook time.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3. Cut the bacon strips in half and place on the baking sheet. Do not overlap them.
Step 4. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 5. Brush the mixture over the bacon on both sides.
Step 6. Bake for 18-20 minutes in the oven until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Step 7. Let the bacon cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving, as the sugar coating will be very hot.
Variations
- Spicy Candied Bacon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Cinnamon Brown Sugar Bacon: Mix a dash of cinnamon into the brown sugar mixture for warm, fall-inspired flavor.
- Honey Glazed Bacon: Replace the maple syrup with honey for a different kind of sweetness.
- Coffee Rubbed Bacon: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the glaze for a mocha-flavored twist.
- Bourbon Bacon: Replace one tablespoon of the maple syrup with bourbon for an adult version.
- Extra Crispy: Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes if you prefer your candied bacon super crispy.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp it back up. The bacon is best enjoyed fresh since the sugar coating can get sticky when stored, but reheating helps restore some of that caramelized texture.
Tips & Tricks
- Use thick-cut bacon if you can find it since it holds up better to the sweet coating and stays meatier.
- Don’t skip the nonstick spray even if using parchment paper, as the sugar can still cause sticking.
- Watch the bacon closely in the last few minutes of cooking since the sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly.
- Let the bacon cool for at least 2-3 minutes before serving because the sugar coating gets extremely hot and can burn your mouth.
- Cut the bacon strips in half to make them easier to eat and to get more pieces from each batch.
- Line your baking sheet with foil for the easiest cleanup since the sugar mixture can make a mess.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon? You can, but the texture won’t be quite the same since turkey bacon doesn’t crisp up as well. If using turkey bacon, watch it closely and reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent burning.
Do I have to use real maple syrup? Real maple syrup gives the best flavor, but pancake syrup works in a pinch. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of the oven? You can cook candied bacon in a skillet, but the oven method is easier since you can cook more at once and get more even caramelization. If using a skillet, cook over medium heat and watch carefully to prevent burning.
How do I know when the bacon is done? The bacon is done when it reaches your preferred level of crispiness and the glaze has caramelized. It will continue to crisp slightly as it cools, so take it out just before it reaches your ideal texture.
Can I make this ahead for brunch? You can make it up to 2 hours ahead and keep it at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate and then reheat briefly in the oven before serving.
What can I serve with candied bacon? This bacon is amazing on its own, but it’s also great crumbled over salads, alongside pancakes or waffles, on top of baked sweet potatoes, or as part of a brunch charcuterie board.
More Holiday Brunch Recipes
- Sugared Cranberries
- Candied Pecans
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
- Air Fryer Ham
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Loaded Hashbrown Casserole
Equipment
- Parchment Paper or aluminum foil
- Pastry brush or spoon
Ingredients
- ½ lb bacon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the bacon strips in half and place on the baking sheet. Do not overlap them.
- In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and black pepper until well combined.
- Brush the mixture over the bacon on both sides.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes in the oven until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Let the bacon cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving, as the sugar coating will be very hot.
Notes
Pin This Post
Leave a Reply