Savor the ultimate sweet and savory treat with these 32 irresistible candied bacon creations! Perfect for home cooks looking to indulge, this roundup transforms crispy bacon into decadent desserts and snacks. From breakfast delights to party favorites, get ready to elevate your cooking game. Dive in and discover your next crave-worthy recipe!
Maple Bourbon Candied Bacon
Just imagine the sweet aroma of maple syrup and bourbon caramelizing on crispy bacon—this recipe transforms ordinary bacon into an irresistible treat. Join me as we walk through each simple step to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, and black pepper until fully combined.
4. Brush the maple bourbon mixture evenly over both sides of each bacon slice using a pastry brush.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking time.
6. Check for doneness; the bacon should be crispy and the coating bubbly and caramelized, not burned.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bacon to a wire rack to cool and crisp further for 5 minutes.
Heavenly crispy with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, this candied bacon offers a satisfying crunch in every bite. Serve it as a standout appetizer at gatherings, crumbled over salads for added texture, or alongside breakfast dishes to elevate your morning meal.
Spicy Honey Glazed Candied Bacon
Keeping your kitchen adventures exciting doesn’t require complex techniques—sometimes, it’s about elevating simple ingredients like bacon with a sweet and spicy twist. This Spicy Honey Glazed Candied Bacon recipe walks you through each step methodically, ensuring even beginners achieve crispy, flavorful results every time.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. In a small bowl, combine the honey, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and brown sugar, stirring until fully mixed.
4. Brush the honey mixture evenly over both sides of each bacon slice using a pastry brush.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark for doneness.
6. Flip the bacon slices carefully with tongs halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and glazing.
7. Remove the bacon from the oven when it appears crispy and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
8. Transfer the bacon to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to cool completely, which helps it stay crisp.
9. Break or slice the cooled bacon into smaller pieces if desired before serving.
For optimal results, this bacon develops a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors with a satisfying crunch. Feel free to crumble it over salads, use it as a garnish for soups, or enjoy it as a standalone snack with its irresistible sticky glaze.
Brown Sugar and Mustard Candied Bacon
Zesty and irresistible, this brown sugar and mustard candied bacon transforms ordinary bacon into a sweet, savory, and crispy treat perfect for brunch or snacking. Follow these precise steps to achieve caramelized perfection without burning.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and water until smooth to create a glaze.
4. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the top side of each bacon slice with the brown sugar and mustard mixture.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip each bacon slice using tongs.
7. Brush the other side of the bacon with the remaining glaze, reapplying any that has dripped onto the foil.
8. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching closely until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
9. Transfer the candied bacon to a wire rack set over a clean baking sheet to cool and crisp further, about 5 minutes.
Fragrant and glossy, this bacon emerges with a crackly texture and a balanced sweet-tangy flavor from the brown sugar and mustard. Serve it alongside eggs for a decadent breakfast, crumble it over salads for a crunchy topping, or enjoy it as a standalone snack that’s sure to impress.
Sriracha Lime Candied Bacon
Crispy, sweet, and spicy bacon is easier to make than you might think. Carefully balancing the heat of sriracha with the zesty brightness of lime, this candied bacon delivers a perfect blend of flavors that will elevate any breakfast or snack. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve crispy, caramelized perfection every time.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons sriracha
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, sriracha, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.
4. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of each bacon slice, coating them thoroughly.
5. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bacon cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to allow the coating to set.
7. Transfer the bacon to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool completely before serving.
Not only does this bacon boast a satisfying crunch, but the spicy-sweet glaze clings beautifully to each slice. Try crumbling it over salads or using it as a bold topping for burgers to add an unexpected kick.
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Bacon Strips
Let’s transform ordinary bacon into a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking. This cinnamon sugar candied bacon is surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Follow these steps carefully for perfectly crispy, caramelized results every time.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until thoroughly mixed.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over both sides of each bacon strip, using all of the mixture.
5. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking for even browning.
6. Check the bacon at 18 minutes – it should be deeply caramelized and crispy around the edges but not burned.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately transfer the bacon to a wire rack using tongs to allow excess grease to drain.
8. Let the bacon cool for 5-7 minutes on the rack until firm enough to handle but still slightly warm.
Ultra-crispy with a glass-like sugar coating that shatters with each bite, this bacon delivers an addictive sweet-salty contrast. The cinnamon adds warm spice notes that pair beautifully with the smoky pork flavor. Serve these strips alongside pancakes for breakfast, crumble over ice cream for dessert, or enjoy as an unexpected cocktail party appetizer that will disappear instantly.
Honey Garlic Candied Bacon Strips
Honey Garlic Candied Bacon Strips offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that elevate ordinary bacon into an irresistible treat. Here’s how to make them with precision.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. Bake the bacon for 10 minutes to render some fat and start the cooking process.
4. While the bacon bakes, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully brush half of the honey garlic mixture evenly over the bacon strips.
6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Remove the baking sheet again and flip each bacon strip using tongs to ensure even coating and cooking.
8. Brush the remaining honey garlic mixture onto the flipped sides of the bacon strips.
9. Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
10. Transfer the bacon to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and excess grease to drip off.
Glazed to perfection, these strips boast a crispy texture with a sticky-sweet exterior and a hint of garlic warmth. Serve them as a standalone snack, crumbled over salads for added crunch, or alongside breakfast dishes to impress guests with minimal effort.
Peppered Maple Candied Bacon
Every home cook should have this sweet and savory treat in their repertoire—it’s surprisingly simple to master. Essentially, we’re baking bacon with a maple and pepper glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, crispy delight. Let’s walk through the process together, step by step.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until fully combined.
4. Brush the maple syrup mixture evenly over both sides of each bacon slice using a pastry brush.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Carefully flip each bacon slice using tongs to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
7. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is deeply browned and crispy.
8. Transfer the bacon to a wire rack set over a clean baking sheet to cool and drain any excess grease.
9. Allow the bacon to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the glaze set properly.
Crispy, caramelized, and with a hint of heat, this bacon offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Serve it alongside pancakes for breakfast, crumbled over salads for lunch, or as a standout appetizer at your next gathering.
S’mores Candied Bacon Bites
Gathering around a campfire just got more delicious with these irresistible bites that combine smoky bacon with classic s’mores flavors. Perfect for parties or a sweet-savory snack, they’re surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Let’s walk through each step carefully to ensure crispy, gooey success.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces using kitchen shears for easy handling.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs thoroughly.
4. Toss the bacon pieces in the sugar-crumb mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
5. Arrange the coated bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces don’t touch for even cooking.
6. Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the coating is caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot bacon bites.
8. Let stand for 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt slightly from residual heat.
9. Top with mini marshmallows while the chocolate is still warm.
10. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes just until marshmallows are lightly toasted and puffed.
11. Transfer to a cooling rack for 5 minutes to set before serving.
Mouthwatering results await with these bites offering a crisp bacon base, melted chocolate richness, and toasted marshmallow sweetness. Serve them warm on skewers for easy sharing at gatherings, or crumble over ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. The contrast of salty, sweet, and smoky makes them utterly addictive from the first bite.
Rosemary Brown Sugar Candied Bacon
Delightfully simple yet impressively flavorful, this rosemary brown sugar candied bacon transforms ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary with minimal effort. Discover how just a few ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic goodness that will become your new favorite treat.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. Combine the brown sugar, chopped rosemary, and black pepper in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly.
4. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over both sides of each bacon slice, pressing gently to help it adhere.
5. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even cooking.
6. Check for doneness when the bacon appears caramelized and the edges begin to curl slightly.
7. Transfer the bacon to a wire rack using tongs, allowing excess grease to drip off and the coating to set for 5 minutes.
Zesty and crisp with a glossy caramelized coating, this bacon offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender meat beneath. The aromatic rosemary cuts through the sweetness beautifully, making it perfect for crumbling over salads, pairing with eggs, or simply enjoying as an irresistible snack straight from the rack.
Chocolate Dipped Candied Bacon
Unbelievably simple yet decadent, chocolate-dipped candied bacon combines sweet, salty, and smoky flavors in one irresistible treat. Follow these precise steps to create this crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for parties or a special indulgence. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve professional results at home.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. Combine the brown sugar and cayenne pepper in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly.
4. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over both sides of each bacon slice, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Bake the bacon for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the sugar is caramelized and the bacon is crisp.
6. Transfer the baked bacon to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
7. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth.
8. Dip one end of each cooled bacon slice into the melted chocolate, coating about one-third of its length.
9. Place the chocolate-dipped bacon back on the wire rack and allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 1 hour.
10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What makes this treat exceptional is the contrast between the crisp, candied bacon and the smooth, rich chocolate coating. The hint of cayenne adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness beautifully. For a festive presentation, arrange the pieces upright in a glass or serve alongside fresh berries for a sophisticated dessert platter.
Cranberry Glazed Candied Bacon
Perfect for holiday gatherings or weekend brunch, this cranberry glazed candied bacon combines sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. Preparing it requires just a few simple steps and yields impressive results every time.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and black pepper, stirring until smooth.
4. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top side of each bacon slice with the cranberry glaze mixture.
5. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then rotate the pan for even cooking.
6. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
7. Carefully transfer the bacon to a wire rack using tongs, allowing excess grease to drip off and the bacon to crisp further as it cools.
Finished with a glossy, ruby-hued coating, this bacon offers a delightful contrast between its crispy texture and the sweet-tart cranberry flavor. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast, crumbled over salads for lunch, or as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party.
Vanilla Espresso Candied Bacon
Many home cooks overlook the magic that happens when sweet vanilla meets bold espresso in this unexpected bacon treat. Mastering this recipe requires patience but rewards with incredible flavor layers that will impress any crowd.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons finely ground espresso beans
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
3. Bake the bacon for 15 minutes at 375°F until it begins to render fat but remains pliable.
4. While the bacon bakes, combine brown sugar, ground espresso, vanilla extract, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly until no lumps remain.
5. Remove the partially cooked bacon from the oven and carefully pat each slice dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere.
6. Generously brush both sides of each bacon slice with the espresso-vanilla mixture using a pastry brush for full coverage.
7. Return the coated bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes at 375°F until the sugar caramelizes and bubbles.
8. Transfer the candied bacon to a wire cooling rack immediately to prevent sticking and allow it to crisp up completely.
Velvety crisp texture gives way to a complex sweet-savory balance that makes this bacon perfect for brunch platters or crumbled over vanilla ice cream. The espresso notes deepen the caramelization while the vanilla adds a subtle aromatic quality that elevates ordinary bacon into something extraordinary.
Thai Chili Candied Bacon
Kick off your culinary adventure with this sweet and spicy twist on a classic favorite. Thai chili candied bacon combines smoky pork with fiery heat and caramelized sweetness for an unforgettable treat. Follow these precise steps to create perfectly balanced strips every time.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Thai chili paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. Bake the bacon for 15 minutes at 375°F to render some fat and begin crisping.
4. Combine the brown sugar, Thai chili paste, and soy sauce in a small bowl, mixing until a thick paste forms.
5. Remove the partially cooked bacon from the oven and carefully brush both sides with the chili-sugar mixture using a pastry brush.
6. Return the coated bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes at 375°F until the sugar is bubbly and caramelized.
7. Transfer the bacon to a wire rack set over a clean baking sheet to cool completely, which helps it become crisp.
8. Break or cut the cooled bacon into bite-sized pieces before serving.
What makes this bacon exceptional is its dual texture—crispy edges with a slightly chewy center—and the bold fusion of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. We love crumbling it over salads, stirring it into mac and cheese, or simply enjoying it as a standalone snack with a cold beverage.
Orange Zest and Maple Candied Bacon
Just imagine the sweet and savory aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this irresistible treat. Orange zest and maple candied bacon combines crispy pork with citrus brightness and caramelized sweetness for a perfect balance of flavors. Let’s walk through each step together to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
4. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat both sides of each bacon slice with the maple mixture.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Carefully flip each bacon slice using tongs to ensure even cooking on both sides.
7. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the bacon appears deeply caramelized and reaches your desired crispness.
8. Transfer the candied bacon to a wire rack set over a clean baking sheet to cool completely, which helps maintain its crisp texture.
9. Once cooled to room temperature, break or cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Let this candied bacon cool completely before serving to achieve the perfect crisp texture. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet maple, and bright orange creates an addictive flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more. Try crumbling it over salads, incorporating it into breakfast dishes, or simply enjoying it as a standalone snack with its irresistible sweet-salty crunch.
Conclusion
Overall, these 32 candied bacon recipes offer endless sweet and savory inspiration for your kitchen. We hope you find a new favorite to try—don’t forget to share which one you loved in the comments and pin this roundup to your Pinterest boards for later!
I’m Louise Cutler, a food lover who enjoys creating simple, flavorful recipes that anyone can make and share at home.
