Irresistibly Sweet Candied Maple Bacon Recipe for Breakfast Bliss

Maple-infused bacon offers a delightful twist on classic breakfast fare that will surprise your taste buds.

Sweet meets savory in this irresistible combination.

Crispy strips coated with rich, golden maple syrup create a mouthwatering experience.

Bacon lovers appreciate the perfect balance between smoky and sugary flavors.

Each bite delivers a delectable crunch that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive technique.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new weekend breakfast obsession.

Why Candied Maple Bacon Gets Everyone Talking

• Effortless Gourmet Twist: Transform ordinary bacon into a mouthwatering delicacy with minimal cooking skills required.
• Sweet and Savory Perfection: Enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy bacon, rich maple syrup, and caramelized brown sugar that tantalizes every taste bud.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Impress guests at brunches, potlucks, or holiday gatherings with this crowd-pleasing appetizer that's both elegant and simple to prepare.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up a gourmet treat in just a few easy steps, using basic ingredients and minimal cleanup for a stress-free cooking experience.

Candied Maple Bacon: What Goes In

• Bacon Strips: Thin, classic cut for even caramelization.

• Maple Syrup: Pure, rich sweetener that creates a glossy coating.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel flavor and helps create crispy texture.

• Parchment Paper, Baking Sheet: Provides non-stick surface for easy cooking.
• Wire Rack: Helps bacon cool and maintain crispy texture.

Candied Maple Bacon Cooking Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). This temperature will help create perfectly caramelized bacon with a delightful crunch.

Step 2: Create a Bacon Canvas

• Parchment paper
• Bacon strips

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully arrange bacon strips in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures each piece gets evenly cooked and crispy.

Step 3: Drizzle Liquid Gold

• Maple syrup

Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon strip with rich maple syrup. The syrup will create a glossy, sweet foundation for your candied bacon.

Step 4: Sprinkle Sweet Crystals

• Brown sugar

Dust each maple-coated bacon strip with a generous layer of brown sugar. The sugar will melt and create a stunning caramelized coating during baking.

Step 5: Transform in the Oven

Place the prepared bacon in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch closely as the edges turn crispy and the sugar transforms into a shiny, candied glaze.

Step 6: Rest and Crisp

Transfer the bacon to a wire rack and let it cool completely. This crucial step allows the sweet coating to harden and develop a delightful crackly texture.

Cooking Help for Maple Bacon

• Prevent Sticky Situation: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup easy and prevent bacon from sticking.
• Control Sugar Caramelization: Watch closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to avoid burning the sugar coating, which can quickly turn bitter.
• Choose Quality Bacon: Select thick-cut bacon for a more substantial texture and better absorption of maple syrup and brown sugar.
• Store with Care: Keep leftover candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper for a spicy-sweet twist that elevates the classic recipe.

Candied Maple Bacon: Keep It Crispy After Cooking

• Store candied maple bacon in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the crispy texture.
• Wrap individual strips in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen candied bacon can last up to 1 month without losing flavor or quality.
• Warm bacon on a baking sheet at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving to maintain the candied crunch.
• For a quick crisp, briefly pan-fry cold bacon on medium heat for 30-60 seconds on each side to restore its original texture.

Candied Bacon Tasty Pairings

• Pair Sweet Bourbon Cocktail: Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters for a drink that echoes the bacon's rich, sweet profile.
• Complement with Pecan Pancakes: Serve the candied maple bacon alongside fluffy pancakes topped with toasted pecans to amplify the maple and sugary notes.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a decadent dessert by crumbling the bacon over creamy vanilla ice cream, blending salty-sweet flavors for a luxurious treat.
• Balance with Crisp Apple Salad: Toss fresh apple slices, arugula, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the bacon's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Bacon Sweet-Salty Pairings

• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free maple syrup for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Spicy Bacon Variation: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes before baking to add a hot kick to the sweet candied bacon.
• Smoky Herb Twist: Mix dried rosemary or thyme into the brown sugar coating to create an aromatic and complex flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternatives like coconut sugar instead of traditional brown sugar for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Is maple syrup the only sweetener I can use?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but pure maple syrup gives the most authentic flavor and caramelization.

• How do I prevent the bacon from burning while getting crispy?

Use thick-cut bacon and monitor closely in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. The sugar can quickly go from caramelized to burnt, so watch it carefully.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare candied bacon 1-2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.

• What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon is ideal because it provides a better texture and allows more surface area for the maple and brown sugar to caramelize without burning.

Candied Maple Bacon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet maple magic meets crispy bacon in this irresistible candied maple bacon recipe that combines rich Canadian maple syrup with smoky, caramelized pork. Salty and sweet notes dance together, creating an addictive treat you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) thick-cut bacon

Sweeteners:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) maple syrup
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in the center position and preheat to 350°F, ensuring even temperature distribution.
2. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over edges for easy cleanup.
3. Meticulously arrange bacon strips in a single layer, ensuring no overlap to promote uniform caramelization.
4. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon strip with pure maple syrup, creating an even glossy layer.
5. Delicately sprinkle brown sugar across bacon strips, pressing gently to help sugar adhere and create a crisp candied texture.
6. Transfer baking sheet to preheated oven, rotating midway through cooking to guarantee consistent browning.
7. Monitor bacon closely, baking until edges curl and surface transforms into a glistening, mahogany-colored candied crust, approximately 20-25 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and immediately transfer bacon to a wire cooling rack, allowing excess grease to drip and sugar coating to solidify and crisp.
9. Let candied bacon cool completely for 5-10 minutes, during which the sugar will harden into a delectable, crunchy shell.
10. Serve at room temperature as a decadent appetizer, sweet garnish, or indulgent snack.

Notes

• Experiment with different maple syrup grades to find your perfect flavor intensity, from light and delicate to rich and robust.
• Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture that holds up better to the sweet maple coating and provides a satisfying crunch.
• Adjust cooking time based on bacon thickness; thinner slices might caramelize faster, so watch closely to prevent burning.
• Transform this indulgent treat into a low-carb option by substituting brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 898 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg