Irresistible Maple-Candied Bacon Recipe: Sweet & Salty Magic

Sweet maple syrup creates a magical glaze that transforms ordinary bacon into an irresistible delicacy.

Crispy edges caramelize with golden brown perfection while subtle sweetness lingers.

Maple-candied bacon brings comfort and indulgence to every bite you’ll savor.

Weekend breakfast adventures suddenly become extraordinary culinary moments.

Household favorites rarely emerge this deliciously with such minimal effort.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something truly spectacular.

This recipe promises pure breakfast bliss that will make everyone at the table smile.

Proper Storage Tips for Maple-Candied Bacon

• Place cooled maple-candied bacon in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bacon strips in plastic wrap, then store inside a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 3-5 minutes until heated through, watching carefully to prevent burning.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Maple-Candied Bacon?

The key ingredients are brown sugar, maple syrup, honey dijon mustard, salt, cayenne pepper, and bacon slices.

• How does the coating affect the bacon's flavor?

The sweet and spicy coating creates a caramelized, complex flavor that balances the bacon’s natural saltiness with maple sweetness and a hint of heat from cayenne.

• Why use a wire rack when baking this bacon?

The wire rack allows excess fat to drip away, ensuring the bacon becomes crispy and evenly cooked without sitting in its own grease.

• Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce or increase the cayenne pepper amount to suit your heat preference, making the recipe adaptable to different taste tolerances.

Maple-Candied Bacon Packed with Sweet and Smoke

• Craft Gourmet Sensation: Transform ordinary bacon into a mouthwatering delicacy with a perfect blend of sweet maple, tangy mustard, and a hint of spicy cayenne.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it a stress-free cooking experience for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for brunches, appetizers, holiday gatherings, or as a decadent snack that will impress guests and satisfy diverse taste preferences.
• Customize Your Kick: Easily adjust the heat level by modifying the cayenne pepper, allowing personal flavor customization without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.

Ingredients Needed to Make Maple-Candied Bacon

• Bacon: A delicious, fatty meat that serves as the star of this sweet and savory recipe.
• Maple Syrup: A rich, natural sweetener that provides a classic Canadian flavor to the bacon.

• Brown Sugar, Honey Dijon Mustard: These ingredients create a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes on the bacon.
• Salt, Cayenne Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile with a hint of heat and depth.

• Aluminum Foil, Wire Rack, Parchment Paper, Baking Sheet: Essential tools for creating perfectly crisp and evenly cooked maple-candied bacon.

How to Prepare Maple-Candied Bacon Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for some bacon magic.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Station

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top.

This setup will help your bacon get perfectly crispy.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Honey dijon mustard
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper

Toss the bacon slices into this delicious mixture, making sure each piece is completely coated with the sweet and spicy goodness.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Carefully lay out the bacon slices on the wire rack, keeping them from touching. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

Flip the bacon and continue baking for another 10 to 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning – you want caramelized, not charred!

Step 5: Cool and Crisp

Pull the bacon out when it’s almost at your desired crispness. Let it rest on the wire rack for 5 minutes, then transfer to parchment paper using tongs.

The bacon will continue to harden and become gloriously crisp as it cools down.

Tips to Nail Maple-Candied Bacon Every Time

• Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and minimal mess during cooking.
• Use a wire rack to elevate bacon, allowing excess sugar and fat to drip down for crispier results.
• Mix brown sugar, maple syrup, and honey dijon mustard to create a perfect sweet-and-spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
• Watch bacon closely during final baking stages to prevent burning, as sugar can quickly turn from caramelized to burnt.
• Let bacon cool on the rack for 5 minutes to achieve maximum crispiness and allow the sugary coating to set perfectly.

Variations to Switch Up Maple-Candied Bacon

• Spicy Sriracha Bacon: Replace honey dijon mustard with sriracha sauce for a fiery kick. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for extra heat.
• Bourbon Maple Bacon: Add a splash of bourbon to the sugar mixture for a rich, smoky flavor profile. Complement with a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Herb-Infused Bacon: Mix in finely chopped rosemary or thyme into the sugar coating for an aromatic herb-enhanced version. Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor intensity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Verify all ingredients are gluten-free, especially mustard and maple syrup. Use certified gluten-free brown sugar to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Pairings That Compliment Maple-Candied Bacon

• Craft a bourbon old fashioned with maple syrup and orange bitters to echo the bacon's sweet-savory profile and enhance its rich caramelized notes.
• Serve alongside fluffy buttermilk pancakes or waffles, allowing the candied bacon to provide a crunchy, spicy-sweet accent that transforms a simple morning meal.
• Include this bacon on a charcuterie board with sharp aged cheddar, creamy brie, and tangy goat cheese to create a dynamic flavor landscape that highlights the bacon's complex taste.

Maple-Candied Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Maple-candied bacon combines sweet Canadian maple syrup with crispy pork strips for an irresistible treat. Salty and sweet notes mingle perfectly, creating a breakfast or appetizer sensation you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 to 16 slices bacon
• 1/3 cup (79 ml) brown sugar
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) maple syrup
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) honey Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, positioning a wire rack on top for optimal bacon preparation.
2. Create a flavor-packed glaze by whisking together brown sugar, maple syrup, honey dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl until smoothly integrated.
3. Immerse the bacon slices in the prepared glaze, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
4. Carefully arrange the glazed bacon strips on the wire rack, maintaining spacing between each slice to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization.
5. Roast the bacon in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, then carefully flip each slice to promote uniform cooking and color development.
6. Continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes, vigilantly monitoring the bacon to prevent sugar from burning and achieve desired crispness.
7. Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to rest on the wire rack for 5 minutes, which helps set the candied coating and enhance texture.
8. Transfer the maple-candied bacon to parchment paper using tongs, allowing the slices to cool completely and further crisp up, creating a delectable sweet and savory treat.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial texture and better caramelization of the maple glaze.
• Monitor the bacon closely during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning, as the sugar can quickly turn from caramelized to charred.
• Experiment with different mustard varieties like whole grain or spicy brown mustard to customize the flavor profile.
• Store cooled bacon between parchment paper layers in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 168
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg