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.
PrintSpicy Candied Bacon
This candied bacon is sweet, salty, and slight spicy. Crisp and caramelized, this candied bacon makes a fun appetizer or tasty breakfast side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
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.
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!