Indulge in the savory-sweet perfection of Mediterranean Diet Candied Bacon—a gourmet twist on a classic treat that's both mouthwatering and surprisingly wholesome. This elevated recipe combines thick-cut bacon with the Mediterranean-inspired flavors of extra virgin olive oil, honey, and a sprinkling of dried oregano and paprika for a subtle herbal and smoky kick. Brown sugar lends a luscious caramelized coating, while freshly ground black pepper adds a delicate spicy edge. Perfectly baked to crisp, golden perfection, this candied bacon becomes irresistibly crunchy and sweet, making it an ideal addition to brunch platters, salads, or as a decadent snack on its own. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers an indulgent yet refined treat aligned with Mediterranean-style eating.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup will allow the bacon to cook evenly and the fat to drain away.
Lay the bacon slices evenly across the wire rack, making sure they do not overlap.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, and brown sugar. Warm the mixture slightly (about 20 seconds in the microwave) to ensure it is easy to spread.
Using a pastry brush or a spoon, coat each slice of bacon evenly with the honey and olive oil mixture.
Sprinkle the black pepper, oregano, and paprika evenly over the bacon slices.
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, baking for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bacon, as baking times may vary based on thickness. The bacon is done when it is crispy and caramelized to your liking.
Remove from the oven and let the bacon cool on the wire rack for at least 5 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the candy coating to set properly.
Serve the candied bacon as part of a breakfast spread, as a snack, or crumbled over salads for a delicious Mediterranean flair.
Calories |
1253 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.0 g | 127% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.8 g | 149% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 129 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 2583 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.3 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.7 g | ||
| Protein | 23.2 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 48 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 444 mg | 9% | |
*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.