Learn how to make this candied bacon recipe that’s super easy and requires just 4 ingredients. Made in the oven, this candied bacon is sweet, salty, and slightly spicy. Serve it as a fun appetizer or as a side dish at breakfast.
The second recipe in this four-part Spring Brunch series moves the menu in a bit of a salty direction. This recipe for candied bacon takes a breakfast staple and turns it up a notch by making it a bit more interesting.
Being cooked in the oven and requiring just four ingredients, this candied bacon is incredibly easy to make. Halfway through cooking, just sprinkle a sweet spice mixture over the bacon and cook until caramelized. Yes, it’s that easy. But no guests have to know that part.
This bacon does have a spicy kick, which I find to pair well with the rest of the menu. But if you’re not a fan or you’re worried about others’ spice tolerances, simply swap out the cayenne pepper for cumin or coriander.
Make sure to tag me @ZESTFULKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM or comment below if you make this Candied Bacon.
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Spicy Candied Bacon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This candied bacon is sweet, salty, and slight spicy. Crisp and caramelized, this candied bacon makes a fun appetizer or tasty breakfast side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-sliced bacon
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar, sucanat, or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Heat oven to 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with foil then set a wire rack in sheet.
Arrange bacon in a single layer on rack and bake 20 minutes.
Combine sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper; evenly sprinkle on bacon then return to oven and bake until crispy, 15–20 minutes more.
Let cool slightly, then serve.
Notes
Make ahead tip: cook the bacon halfway through (before adding the spice mixture) then store in a zipper-lock bag in the refrigerator. On the day of, heat oven to 375°F and arrange bacon on rack in pan (according to recipe instructions). Cook bacon 5 minutes to reheat, then sprinkle with spice mixture and continue to cook according to instructions.
Nutrition
- Calories: 137
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 286mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
Keywords: Spicy Candied Bacon, Candied bacon
Start inviting friends over because the rest of this menu is yet to come!
Spring Brunch Menu
- Buckwheat Rhubarb Bread
- Spicy Candied Bacon
- Strawberry-Rhubarb Yogurt Parfaits with Honey & Almond Granola
- Rosé & Strawberry Champagne Cocktail
>>> Buckwheat Rhubarb Bread <<<
I collaborated on this project with photographer Austin Day and stylist Lauren Day. Check out their websites for more of their amazing work!
Morgan B says
Made this spicy candied bacon last weekend and OH MY we LOVED it. So easy to make and perfectly spiced.
★★★★★
Lauren says
Hey Morgan! I’m so glad you enjoyed the bacon! One of my favs too! 🙂
JB says
I tried this bacon over the weekend. To take it to the next level, I drizzled it with melted chocolate and allowed the chocolate to set until firm. It was delicious, with or without chocolate. I used the bacon without chocolate to make BLT’s. Yum.
★★★★★
Lauren says
Hi JB, what a fantastic idea to add a drizzle of chocolate! I might have to add that to my weekend plans! 🙂