Name: Quick Candied Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Bacon; ¼ cup light brown sugar; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

This quick candied bacon recipe offers an irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors. It's perfect for a special breakfast, as a sizzling addition to burgers or sandwiches, or as a distinctive appetizer. With just three simple ingredients, you'll transform basic bacon into a tantalizing treat that's sure to impress.

Photos of Quick Candied Bacon Recipe

The key ingredient for this recipe is light brown sugar, which is commonly found in most supermarkets. However, it's worth noting that light brown sugar has a delicate, caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the smoky taste of bacon. If you can't find it, you may substitute it with dark brown sugar or granulated sugar, but keep in mind that it might alter the final flavors of your candied bacon.

Ingredients for Quick Candied Bacon

Bacon: The star of this recipe, bacon brings the savory, smoky flavor. Opt for thick-cut bacon if you can, as it stands up well to the candying process and doesn't become overly crispy.

Light brown sugar: It provides the sweetness in this recipe. Light brown sugar has a subtle molasses flavor which pairs well with the richness of the bacon.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adding a hint of heat balances out the sweetness of the sugar. Using freshly ground black pepper will give you the most robust flavor.

One reader, Errick Partida says:

This quick candied bacon recipe is a game-changer! The bacon turns out perfectly crispy with a delightful sweet and savory flavor. It's so easy to make and always impresses my guests. I love how versatile it is - perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a topping for salads. Highly recommended!

Errick Partida

Key Techniques for Making Quick Candied Bacon

How to prepare the bacon: Lay out the bacon strips on wire racks, sprinkle with brown sugar and black pepper, and bake in the oven until the sugar is melted and the bacon is crispy.

How to check for doneness: Start checking the bacon around 18 minutes and rotate the pans once during baking to ensure even cooking. The bacon is done when the brown sugar is melted and the bacon is a deep brown color.

How to cool the bacon: Let the bacon cool on the wire rack for a few minutes to allow it to crisp up as it cools and the melted sugar hardens.

How to store and reheat: Candied bacon can be kept in the fridge for a few days and reheats well in a skillet over low heat. If making a large batch, freeze the strips individually to prevent them from sticking together.

How To Make Quick Candied Bacon

An incredible addition to a number of dishes, this candied bacon is sprinkled with brown sugar and baked until crisp and browned. Takes 5 minutes to prep!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbbacon,(12 strips), not thick cut
¼cuplight brown sugar
½tspfreshly ground black pepper,optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F with one rack in the top third and another rack in the bottom third of the oven. Line two baking sheets with foil, and place an oven-safe wire rack on each.
Layout the bacon strips perpendicular to the lines on the wire rack, divided between the two pans, and making sure they don’t overlap.
Sprinkle the bacon strips with brown sugar and (optionally) add some freshly ground black pepper.
Bake the bacon in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Rotate the pans once during baking to ensure the bacon is cooking evenly.
Start checking the bacon around 18 minutes, as some slices will cook faster, depending on the fat content and thickness of the slices.
The bacon is done when the brown sugar is melted and the bacon is a deep brown color. Remember that the bacon will continue to crisp up as it cools, so don’t worry if it’s not completely crispy now.
Let the bacon cool right on the wire rack for a few minutes. The bacon will crisp up as it cools and as the melted sugar hardens. Then serve!
Candied bacon can be kept in the fridge for a few days and reheats well in a skillet over low heat.
Freezing is not recommended, but if making a huge batch, make sure to freeze the strips individually so they didn’t stick together.

Nutrition

Calories: 338.69kcal
Fat: 30.01g
Saturated Fat: 10.05g
Trans Fat: 0.10g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.19g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.88g
Carbohydrates: 7.02g
Fiber: 0.05g
Sugar: 6.62g
Protein: 9.57g
Cholesterol: 49.90mg
Sodium: 502.19mg
Calcium: 9.64mg
Potassium: 160.27mg
Iron: 0.37mg
Vitamin A: 8.37µg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Candied Bacon

When making candied bacon, it's important to remember that the bacon will continue to cook and crisp up even after it's removed from the oven. This is due to the residual heat from the baking process. Therefore, it's crucial not to overcook the bacon in the oven, as it can result in overly hard and burnt bacon. Instead, aim for a deep brown color and a slightly crispy texture. The bacon will reach its perfect level of crispiness as it cools down.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Candied Bacon

Prep ahead: Prepare the brown sugar and black pepper mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container. This way, when you're ready to make candied bacon, you can simply sprinkle the mixture over the bacon and pop it in the oven.

Use parchment: Line the baking sheets with parchment paper instead of foil for easy cleanup. This will save time on washing the baking sheets and make the whole process more efficient.

Batch cooking: Make a large batch of candied bacon at once and store the leftovers in an airtight container. This way, you'll have delicious candied bacon ready to enjoy without the need for frequent preparation.

Preheat in advance: Preheat the oven while you're preparing the bacon. This way, the oven will be ready to go as soon as you finish prepping the bacon, saving you valuable time in the process.

Multi-level baking: If your oven allows, bake the bacon on multiple racks at the same time to increase efficiency and speed up the cooking process.

Quick cooling: Place the candied bacon in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to quickly cool and harden the sugar, allowing it to crisp up faster and saving time before serving.

Substitute Ingredients For Quick Candied Bacon Recipe

bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian bacon that is cured but not smoked, offering a similar salty and savory flavor to the dish.
light brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a sweet and sticky glaze to the bacon, adding a different depth of sweetness to the candied bacon.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick to the candied bacon, complementing the sweetness with a hint of heat.

How to Beautifully Present Candied Bacon

Elevate the plating: When presenting the candied bacon, consider using a sleek and modern plate to showcase the crispy, caramelized bacon strips. The contrast between the dark bacon and a light-colored plate will make the dish visually striking.
Incorporate height and layers: Create a visually appealing presentation by stacking the candied bacon strips in a crisscross pattern, allowing the layers to add depth and dimension to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the plate by garnishing with sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. The vibrant green hues will complement the rich tones of the candied bacon.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by strategically placing the candied bacon on the plate, allowing for ample negative space to draw attention to the star of the dish.
Consider a monochromatic theme: Opt for a monochromatic color scheme by pairing the candied bacon with complementary elements such as a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of crème fraîche. This approach will create a visually cohesive and sophisticated presentation.
Artful drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal by delicately drizzling a contrasting sauce, such as a reduction of balsamic vinegar, in an artistic manner around the plate, adding an element of finesse to the overall presentation.
Use elegant serving utensils: Select refined and polished serving utensils, such as sleek tongs or a sophisticated spatula, to handle and present the candied bacon with precision and grace.
Attention to detail: Pay meticulous attention to the arrangement of the bacon strips, ensuring they are impeccably placed on the plate to convey a sense of artistry and culinary expertise.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Candied Bacon

Once the candied bacon has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will help maintain its crispiness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors or flavors in the refrigerator.
When storing in the refrigerator, place the container or bag on a shelf away from any strong-smelling foods to avoid the bacon taking on those flavors.
Properly stored, the candied bacon will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to consume it within 3 days.
If you need to keep the candied bacon for longer, freezing is an option, although it may affect the texture slightly. To freeze, follow these steps:
1. Place the cooled bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
2. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the bacon strips are frozen solid. This initial freezing step prevents the strips from sticking together when stored.
3. Transfer the frozen bacon strips to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper or wax paper to make it easier to remove individual strips later.
4. Label the container or bag with the date and return it to the freezer.
Frozen candied bacon can be stored for up to 1 month. To reheat, place the frozen strips on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat the strips in a skillet over low heat until crispy.

How To Reheat Leftover Candied Bacon

To reheat leftover candied bacon, the best method is to use a skillet over low heat. Place the strips in a single layer on the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crispy. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the bacon while preventing it from becoming too greasy or soggy.
Another option is to reheat the candied bacon in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn't burn, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the candied bacon in the microwave. Place the strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the bacon, as it can become tough and chewy.
If you have a large batch of leftover candied bacon, consider reheating it in smaller portions to ensure even heating and to maintain the desired texture. This also allows you to reheat only what you need, keeping the rest fresh for later use.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to store the leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will help to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors or flavors from other foods in the fridge.

Interesting Fact About Candied Bacon

The quick candied bacon recipe is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. It's a perfect addition to breakfast or as a unique ingredient in various dishes. The combination of brown sugar and bacon creates a delightful treat that is sure to please any bacon lover. Plus, it's a simple and quick recipe to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal effort. Enjoy the irresistible taste of candied bacon!

Is Making Candied Bacon at Home Cost-Effective?

This candied bacon recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Bacon is a relatively inexpensive protein, and the additional ingredients like brown sugar and black pepper are commonly found in most kitchens. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly treat. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 out of 10 for its simplicity, affordability, and delicious results.

Is Candied Bacon Healthy or Unhealthy?

This candied bacon recipe is undeniably delicious but falls short in terms of healthiness. Here's why:

High in saturated fat: Bacon is notorious for its high saturated fat content, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Added sugar: The brown sugar coating adds extra calories and carbohydrates to an already high-fat food, further diminishing its nutritional value.
Sodium content: Bacon is often high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems when consumed in large quantities.

While this recipe is meant to be an indulgent treat, there are ways to make it slightly healthier without compromising on taste:

Opt for a leaner cut of bacon, such as center-cut or turkey bacon, to reduce the overall fat content.
Reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe, or experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a more wholesome touch.
Pair the candied bacon with nutrient-dense foods, such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, to balance out the meal and add essential vitamins and minerals.
Enjoy candied bacon in moderation, treating it as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of your diet.

Editor's Opinion on This Candied Bacon Recipe

This quick candied bacon recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness, while the black pepper provides a subtle kick. The cooking method ensures that the bacon becomes crispy and the sugar caramelizes beautifully. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a snack, crumbled over salads, or used as a topping for desserts. The recipe's simplicity and delicious results make it a winner for any occasion.

Enhance Your Quick Candied Bacon Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a crispy garlic parmesan topping.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha glaze for a flavor explosion.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots and Shallots: Caramelized carrots and shallots drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze for a sophisticated and flavorful side dish.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Candied Bacon

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: A delicious and healthy recipe that combines ground meat, rice, and flavorful seasonings, all stuffed inside colorful bell peppers and baked to perfection.

Citrus Glazed Salmon: A refreshing and zesty recipe that features succulent salmon fillets glazed with a tangy citrus sauce, perfect for a light and flavorful dinner option.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: A tropical and creamy dessert recipe that combines ripe mangoes, coconut milk, and chia seeds to create a refreshing and nutritious pudding, perfect for a guilt-free treat.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Candied Bacon

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: For a light and flavorful main course, consider grilling salmon. The smoky char from the grill adds depth to the delicate fish, while a simple marinade or seasoning can enhance the natural flavors. Pair with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile and satisfying main course option. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients such as ground meat, rice, quinoa, and vegetables, then bake them until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. Experiment with different flavor profiles and toppings to create a unique dish every time.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and luscious texture of a classic strawberry cheesecake, adorned with fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of strawberry coulis for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Quick Candied Bacon Recipe:

This recipe for candied bacon is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal or snack. The bacon is carefully coated with light brown sugar and a touch of freshly ground black pepper, creating a crispy, caramelized treat that is sure to impress. The method of baking on wire racks ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness. Trust the irresistible aroma and the mouthwatering appearance of this candied bacon to elevate your culinary experience. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Want to share your tips and tricks for making this quick candied bacon recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how your batch turned out!

FAQ:

How long can I store candied bacon?

Candied bacon can be kept in the fridge for a few days. It reheats well in a skillet over low heat.

Can I freeze candied bacon?

Freezing candied bacon is not recommended, but if you're making a huge batch, make sure to freeze the strips individually to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I omit the black pepper in the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the black pepper if you prefer. The recipe will still yield delicious candied bacon with just the brown sugar.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. It will add a richer, more molasses-like flavor to the candied bacon.

Can I use a different type of bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bacon, such as turkey bacon or beef bacon, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary from traditional pork bacon.