Candied bacon is the perfect treat to bring to any party or serve as a snack for guests. It’s easy to make and you can flavor it with whatever spices you’d like. Start by baking an 8-10 pound slab of bacon in your oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until cooked through. While the bacon cooks, mix together brown sugar with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise and allspice (or other favorites). Once the bacon has finished cooking remove it from the oven and coat it completely on both sides with the brown sugar mixture while still warm so that it adheres well. Place on cooling rack and allow to cool before serving!
You will need to start with an 8 to 10 pound slab of bacon.
- You will need to start with an 8 to 10 pound slab of bacon.
- The best kind of bacon to use is one that’s not too thick or too thin, but somewhere in between. If your bacon is too thick, it will take longer than expected for it to cook through and become tender enough to eat on its own. If the slices are too thin, however, then there won’t be enough time for them all to cook before being dipped in syrup (which makes them soggy).
- You should buy at least four pounds of sliced pork belly before beginning this recipe because it takes a lot of time and effort–and if you’re anything like me then making mistakes can really bum me out! So just go ahead and buy more than needed so nothing goes wrong later down the line when making candied bacon yourself at home 🙂
Step 1: Pre-Baking the Bacon
Place your bacon on a cooling rack in a roasting pan.
The cooling rack is important because it allows the bacon to drain and cool off. Without it, you’ll end up with a greasy mess on your hands that no one wants to touch. The roasting pan catches all of the grease as it drains from the bacon, so don’t forget this step either!
The amount of brown sugar used is totally up to personal preference–just make sure not to add too much or else your candied bacon will taste like candy instead of savory meaty goodness (and nobody wants that).
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of brown sugar, but you can reduce or increase that amount depending on your tastes.
Pour the brown sugar over the bacon, making sure it coats evenly.
Pour the brown sugar over the bacon, making sure it coats evenly.
It’s important not to use too much or too little sugar. If you use too much, your bacon will be overly sweet and sticky; if you use too little, your bacon won’t have that candied flavor we all know and love. Also make sure that no part of your bacon is uncovered by any kind of sugary coating or else it will stick together in an unappetizing way when cooked in a skillet (or on a grill).
-Once you’ve coated each slice of bacon, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and put in the oven. Try to cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, but be sure to check on them after 10 minutes or so; depending on how crispy you like your bacon
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until cooked through.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until cooked through. It’s best to check with a meat thermometer to ensure that the bacon is fully cooked and crispy, but if you don’t have one on hand, then use this rule of thumb: If the bacon looks golden brown and crispy on the outside and raw white in the middle (like uncooked sausage), it needs more time in the oven. If your candied bacon looks like it’s burning or has started smoking too much while baking, turn down your heat!
Bacon should be prepared from pork belly (the fatty part of a pig). Make sure that any brand of bacon you buy hasn’t been cured with nitrates–these preservatives are known to increase cancer risk when consumed regularly over long periods of time
and can cause headaches and nausea when consumed in high doses. After you’ve cooked your bacon, allow it to cool slightly before eating. This helps prevent burning your mouth on the hot candied bacon!
To make candied bacon, you will need:
- Bacon (I recommend using thick cut)
- Sugar
- Salt
To make it, follow these steps: 1) Preheat oven to 400F 2) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray 3) Lay out your bacon strips 4) Sprinkle sugar over the top of each strip 5) Bake for 15 minutes 6) Remove from oven and let cool 7) Sprinkle salt to taste
8) Serve on a plate and enjoy!
If you want to try this recipe, I recommend using thick-cut bacon and cooking it until it is nice and crispy. The best way to do this is in the oven or on a griddle at medium heat for about 15 minutes. You can also use a pan if you don’t have an oven or griddle available. Once your bacon is cooked, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so it doesn’t stick while cooling off (this will also make clean up easier!). Then it’s time for the fun part: adding sugar!
Frequently Asked Questions about Maple Brown Sugar Bacon:
- What is maple brown sugar bacon made of?
- Maple brown sugar bacon is made from strips of pork belly that are seasoned with a mixture of maple syrup and brown sugar.
- Is maple brown sugar bacon gluten-free?
- Most maple brown sugar bacon is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten ingredients. However, it is important to check the packaging or consult the manufacturer to ensure that it has not come into contact with gluten during processing.
- How do I cook maple brown sugar bacon?
- To cook maple brown sugar bacon, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired crispiness. Alternatively, you can cook it in a skillet on the stovetop.
- Can I freeze maple brown sugar bacon?
- Yes, you can freeze maple brown sugar bacon. Wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight freezer bag before freezing. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the bacon in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Does maple brown sugar bacon contain artificial flavors or preservatives?
- This varies depending on the brand and manufacturer. It is recommended to check the ingredient list on the packaging to determine if the bacon contains artificial flavors or preservatives. Look for brands that prioritize natural ingredients.
- Can I use maple brown sugar bacon in recipes?
- Absolutely! Maple brown sugar bacon can add a sweet and savory flavor to a variety of dishes. It can be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, or as a topping for burgers, pizzas, and even desserts.
- What are the nutritional values of maple brown sugar bacon?
- The nutritional values can vary depending on the specific brand and serving size. Generally, maple brown sugar bacon is high in protein and fat. It is advisable to check the packaging for specific nutritional information.
- Is maple brown sugar bacon suitable for a keto or low-carb diet?
- Maple brown sugar bacon is not typically suitable for a keto or low-carb diet due to its sugar content. However, there are some bacon brands that offer low-carb or sugar-free options. Check the packaging for details or consider making your own with a low-carb sweetener.
- Where can I buy maple brown sugar bacon?
- Maple brown sugar bacon can be found in most grocery stores, especially in the bacon or meat section. Some online retailers may also offer a variety of brands to choose from.
- Are there any vegetarian or vegan alternatives to maple brown sugar bacon?
- Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives to maple brown sugar bacon made from plant-based ingredients such as tempeh, tofu, or seitan. These alternatives can be found in specialty stores or made at home with suitable substitutions.