The Best Homemade Candied Bacon Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This candied bacon recipe is a game-changer, turning ordinary bacon into a sweet, salty, and crispy treat you won’t be able to resist.

Easy to make—just a few simple ingredients and steps for a snack that feels fancy.
Perfect balance—the sweet glaze and smoky bacon create a flavor combo that’s downright addictive.
Versatile—great for breakfast, salads, or even as a party appetizer that’ll steal the show.

Recipe

Candied bacon is a sweet and savory treat that combines crispy bacon with a caramelized sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a garnish, this easy recipe delivers irresistible flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

1 lb thick-cut bacon
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tsp black pepper (optional)
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Lay the bacon strips on the wire rack in a single layer. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over each slice, pressing lightly to adhere.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

For extra crispiness, flip the bacon halfway through baking and add more sugar if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Equipment:

Baking sheet
Wire rack
Aluminum foil

Time:

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes

Cuisine: American

Serving: 4–6 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition information is approximate and can vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Calories | 150

Total Fat | 10g

Saturated Fat | 3g

Cholesterol | 25mg

Sodium | 300mg

Total Carbohydrates | 8g

Sugars | 7g

Protein | 6g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade candied bacon with eggs and toast for a sweet-and-savory breakfast that’s hard to beat. For something lighter, I’ll toss together a fresh salad mix to balance out the rich, crispy bacon. Either way, it’s a combo that always feels right.

Eggs And Toast

When I’m whipping up a breakfast plate, eggs and toast are my go-to, but I always think about how to make it feel a little extra special. I love scrambling eggs with a splash of cream for fluffiness, or frying them sunny-side up with crispy edges. Toast tastes best when it’s golden brown; I spread it with butter or avocado and sprinkle it with salt. Pairing these with homemade candied bacon turns an ordinary breakfast into something amazing. The sweet-savory bacon adds a pop of flavor that works perfectly with the eggs and toast. It’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot.

Fresh Salad Mix

Though a fresh salad mix can stand on its own, pairing it with the right dishes turns it from a side into the star of the meal. I love tossing crisp greens with candied bacon—its sweet, smoky crunch contrasts perfectly with the lightness of the salad. Add some creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, or toasted nuts for extra texture. A simple vinaigrette ties it all together. If you’re serving it as a side, grilled chicken or seared salmon work wonders. The key is balance—let the salad shine without overpowering it. Trust me, once you try these combos, you’ll never see salad as just a side again.