Are you ready to experience bacon like never before? This Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon recipe is a total game-changer. Forget floppy, greasy bacon or burnt, sticky glaze. We’re talking perfectly crispy bacon, coated in a sweet and spicy glaze that will have you reaching for more. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and trust me, the results are absolutely worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon
This isn’t just another bacon recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:
- Perfectly Crispy: Say goodbye to soggy bacon. The baking method ensures ultimate crispiness.
- Sweet and Spicy Kick: The combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying candied bacon in no time.
- Impress Your Friends: This unique treat is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Addictive: Seriously, you won’t be able to stop at just one piece!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon
Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’re using just a handful of components to create a truly extraordinary flavor combination: the salty, savory bacon, the deep sweetness from the brown sugar and maple syrup, and a delightful hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. The interplay of these flavors is what makes this candied bacon so irresistible. It’s all about balance and quality. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Bacon: You’ll want about 1 pound of thick-cut bacon strips. The thicker the bacon, the better it will hold its shape and texture during the baking process. I recommend avoiding extremely thin-cut bacon, as it tends to become overly brittle and can burn easily.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar provides the foundation for the sweet glaze. The molasses in brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and a slightly chewy texture that complements the crispy bacon beautifully. Don’t skimp on the “packed” part – this ensures you have the right amount of sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup add a touch of sophistication and enhance the caramelization process. Real maple syrup is crucial for the best flavor; avoid using pancake syrup, which often contains artificial flavors and sweeteners.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes delivers the spicy kick that balances the sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking – if you prefer a milder flavor, start with 1/2 teaspoon. If you’re feeling bold, add a bit more!
Crafting Your Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon: Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part – making the candied bacon! Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is all about technique. The key is to bake the bacon in stages, allowing it to render some fat before adding the glaze. This prevents the sugar from burning and ensures that the bacon becomes perfectly crispy. Plus, the wire rack is essential for achieving that coveted crispy texture. Let’s get started!
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Getting the oven to the right temperature is important for even cooking.
- Prep the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Nobody wants to scrub burnt sugar off a baking sheet! Then, place a wire cooling rack on top of the foil-lined sheet. The rack is crucial because it allows air to circulate around the bacon, promoting even crisping.
- Arrange the Bacon: Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they do not overlap. Overlapping will cause the bacon to steam instead of crisp, and we definitely don’t want that. Think of it as giving each strip its own personal tanning bed!
- First Bake: Bake for 15 minutes. This initial bake renders some of the fat from the bacon, setting the stage for that perfect crispiness.
- Make the Glaze: While the bacon is baking, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This is your sweet and spicy weapon!
- Glaze the Bacon: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. The bacon will be partially cooked, and some fat will have rendered. Now, using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush or drizzle the brown sugar mixture evenly over each strip of bacon. Applying the glaze at this stage allows the bacon to render some fat and start crisping before the sugar caramelizes and potentially burns.
- Second Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the bacon is deeply caramelized, glossy, and cooked to your desired crispness. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as the sugar can burn quickly. The glaze should look bubbly and set, not watery.
- Cool Completely: Carefully remove the sheet from the oven. Let the candied bacon cool completely on the wire rack set over the baking sheet. As it cools, the glaze will firm up and the bacon will become perfectly crispy yet chewy. This cooling step is crucial for the glaze to set properly without sticking excessively.
- Peel and Enjoy: Once cool, carefully peel the candied bacon from the rack. If it’s sticking a bit, use a thin spatula to help release it. Now, it’s time to enjoy your hard work!
Tips for Perfect Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon Every Time
Want to ensure your candied bacon is a masterpiece? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the bacon strips are not overlapping on the wire rack. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. Work in batches if necessary.
- Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the bacon during the final baking stage, as the sugar can burn quickly. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the bacon.
- Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to eat the bacon while it’s still warm. Letting it cool completely allows the glaze to set properly and the bacon to reach its maximum crispiness.
- Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder flavor, start with 1/2 teaspoon. For a spicier kick, add more!
- Storage: Store any leftover candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crispy for a few days, but I doubt it will last that long!
What to Serve With Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon
This Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic on its own as a snack or appetizer, but it also adds a delicious twist to other dishes. Crumble it over a fresh salad for a sweet and savory crunch. It would also be delicious served alongside these golden cottage cheese fritters or as a topping for our savory sausage and bread bake. You can even chop it up and add it to your favorite cheesy potatoes for a flavor explosion. The possibilities are endless!
Your Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make candied bacon ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crispy for a few days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
While brown sugar and maple syrup provide the best flavor and texture, you could experiment with other sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar. However, keep in mind that this may affect the final taste and texture of the bacon. Honey, for example, might create a stickier glaze.
What if my bacon is burning?
If your bacon is burning, it could be due to a few factors. First, make sure your oven temperature is accurate. You might also be baking the bacon for too long. Start checking the bacon a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests and adjust the baking time accordingly. Also, make sure you’re using thick-cut bacon, as thinner bacon is more prone to burning. Consider using a lower oven temperature if burning continues to be a problem.
My glaze is too sticky. What did I do wrong?
A sticky glaze usually means the bacon wasn’t cooled completely or that there was too much moisture present. Be sure to let the bacon cool completely on the wire rack, as this allows the glaze to set properly. You might also try baking the bacon for a few extra minutes to evaporate any excess moisture. If you are applying the glaze too early the fat won’t have enough time to render and create the crispy texture.
Enjoy Your Homemade Spicy Sweet Candied Bacon!
There you have it – perfectly crispy, sweet, and spicy candied bacon that’s sure to become a new favorite! This recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious. Now it’s your turn to give it a try. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking (and snacking)!