Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly spicy, Cayenne Candied Bacon is the perfect indulgent treat to elevate any breakfast spread, brunch gathering, or snack platter. This standout recipe takes thick-cut bacon and transforms it into a sweet-and-savory masterpiece by coating each slice in a sticky glaze of brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and a fiery hint of cayenne pepper. Baked to caramelized perfection, the result is a crispy, flavor-packed bite that balances the richness of bacon with the subtle heat of spices. Ready in under 35 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect as a standalone snack, crumbled over a salad, or served as a gourmet accompaniment to cocktails. Whether youβre looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a bold twist on your bacon obsession, this cayenne candied bacon delivers on all fronts.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
Lay the bacon slices evenly across the wire rack so they are not overlapping.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until it forms a sticky paste.
Using a pastry brush or a spoon, spread the sugar mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bacon.
Flip the bacon slices over and spread the sugar mixture on the other side as well.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes on the wire rack. The candied coating will harden as the bacon cools.
Carefully transfer the candied bacon to a serving plate or an airtight container for storage. Enjoy!
Calories |
1121 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.9 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.8 g | 129% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 129 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 2595 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.5 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 86.6 g | ||
| Protein | 22.7 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 82 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 503 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.