Candied Bacon, also known as “Millionaire’s Bacon,” is a sweet, salty, and slightly spicy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a unique gift. This recipe takes thick-cut bacon, coats it with a sweet and spicy sugar mixture, and bakes it until crispy and caramelized. It’s incredibly easy to make, either in the oven or the air fryer, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Oven Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, foil, or a silicone liner for easier cleanup.

2. Prepare the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the sheet pan.

3. Make the Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

4. Coat the Bacon: Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the bacon, gently pressing it down to ensure it sticks.

5. Bake: Bake the bacon for 30-40 minutes, checking for desired crispiness. If it’s not as crispy as you want, bake for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Cool and Serve: Transfer the bacon to a cooling rack to cool for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Bacon: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Coat the Bacon: Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the bacon and press gently.

4. Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, then place the bacon in a single layer. Air fry for 8 minutes, checking halfway through to rearrange the bacon if necessary.

5. Serve: Once the bacon is crispy and caramelized, serve and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 293 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 23g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 37mg

• Sodium: 394mg

• Potassium: 149mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 13g

• Vitamin A: 359 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 19mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Sweet and Spicy Flavor Combination

What makes Candied Bacon so irresistible is its sweet and spicy coating. The brown sugar forms a sugary glaze that caramelizes as the bacon cooks, giving it that signature sticky, rich texture. The black pepper adds a subtle heat, while the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes bring a bit of spice, elevating the dish with a kick that balances out the sweetness. Together, these ingredients turn an ordinary strip of bacon into a decadent, flavorful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a savory appetizer.

This combination of sweet, salty, and spicy makes Candied Bacon a versatile addition to various meals. Whether you’re craving a sweet bite in the morning or want something a bit different for a savory snack, this dish satisfies all flavor cravings in one bite.

Oven Method for Making Candied Bacon

The oven method for making Candied Bacon is the traditional approach and is incredibly easy to execute. To get started, the bacon slices are laid out in a single layer on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. This allows for even cooking and makes the cleanup process much quicker.

The sugar mixture, made from brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, is then sprinkled over the bacon. The sugar mixture sticks well to the bacon, creating a crispy, caramelized crust as it bakes.

Baking the bacon in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes allows the fat to render and the sugar to melt, turning into a syrup-like glaze that coats the bacon. The key to achieving perfectly crisp candied bacon is to keep an eye on the bacon during the final stages of cooking. If you prefer it extra crispy, leave it in for an additional 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Method for a Quicker Option

For those who prefer a faster cooking method, the air fryer works wonderfully for making Candied Bacon. The air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the bacon quickly, while the sugar mixture crisps up, resulting in perfectly caramelized bacon in just a fraction of the time.

To start, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then coat the bacon with the same brown sugar and spice mixture. After spraying the air fryer basket with olive oil, arrange the bacon in a single layer and air fry for about 8 minutes. Make sure to check halfway through and rearrange the bacon if necessary for even cooking.

Since air fryers vary in heat, it’s important to check the bacon as it cooks to ensure it reaches your desired crispiness. Once the bacon is golden and caramelized, it’s ready to serve.

Why This Recipe Works

Candied Bacon is a hit for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients and minimal prep time. The method of cooking—whether in the oven or air fryer—ensures that the bacon gets crispy, and the sugar mixture creates that perfect caramelized glaze. The sweet-spicy balance of the seasoning allows the bacon’s savory flavor to shine, while the heat from the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes adds complexity to the dish.

Additionally, Candied Bacon is highly customizable. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences, whether you prefer it extra spicy or just a little kick. The texture is another bonus—crispy on the outside, with a chewy, flavorful interior that’s irresistible.

Serving Suggestions for Candied Bacon

Candied Bacon is versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• As a Breakfast Side: Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles. The sweetness of the bacon pairs wonderfully with the richness of eggs and the fluffiness of pancakes.

• For Brunch: Candied Bacon is perfect for a brunch spread, alongside a fresh fruit salad, avocado toast, or savory breakfast potatoes.

• As a Snack: Serve it as a fun, savory snack or appetizer. It can be served on its own or paired with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

• In a Sandwich: Add Candied Bacon to a sandwich or burger for a sweet and spicy kick. It pairs particularly well with a chicken sandwich or a bacon cheeseburger.

• As a Gift: Candied Bacon makes a unique and flavorful gift. Package it in a cute gift box or jar and give it to friends or family for special occasions or holidays.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Candied Bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the bacon on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until it’s crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, but it may lose some of its crispiness.

Nutritional Information

Candied Bacon is a rich and flavorful dish, but it’s important to keep in mind its nutritional content. Each serving contains about 293 calories, with 23g of fat (8g of saturated fat), 7g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. The dish is relatively high in sodium (394mg) and cholesterol (37mg) due to the bacon and seasoning. It also provides a small amount of fiber (1g) and sugar (13g) from the brown sugar in the coating.

Although it’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation, Candied Bacon offers a satisfying, flavorful indulgence that’s worth every bite.

Conclusion

Candied Bacon, or “Millionaire’s Bacon,” is a mouthwatering, sweet, spicy, and savory treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether served as a breakfast side, a savory snack, or a unique gift, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of crispy bacon, rich brown sugar, and aromatic spices creates an unforgettable flavor experience, making it a must-try for bacon lovers and those seeking a new twist on classic bacon. With both oven and air fryer methods available, it’s quick and simple to make, ensuring you can enjoy this indulgent treat any time!