Crispy Candied Bacon with Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar

Candied Bacon, sometimes called Billionaire Bacon, is one of those classic recipes that instantly makes the whole house smell like magic. It is sticky, crispy, sweet, salty, and spicy all at once. My kids hover nearby every time I make it, waiting to grab a piece while it is still warm. There’s something nostalgic about it. The perfect candied bacon should be thick, deeply caramelized, crisp at the edges, and never overly sticky.

Start with thick cut bacon and slice each strip into halves or quarters so it is easier to serve and snack on. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a greased wire rack set over a foil lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the bacon and set a second baking sheet with parchment on top to weight it down. This keeps the strips from curling as they cooks. Bake at 350F until the bacon is about three quarters cooked and just beginning to crisp. Carefully remove it from the oven, discard the grease, and gently pat the bacon dry before returning it to the pan.

While the bacon cooks, bring real maple syrup to a gentle boil in a small saucepan. Let it simmer just until it deepens slightly in color. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle the warm syrup evenly over the partially cooked bacon, then sprinkle the sugar spice mixture generously on top.

Transfer the bacon onto a silicone baking mat and return it to the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 350°F, until the bacon is deeply browned and crisp. The sugar should bubble and then harden into a glossy coating. Let the bacon cool for about 10 minutes so the coating fully sets. Once cooled, it will be crisp, caramelized, and ready to disappear fast.

How to Make Candied Bacon

Crispy, sweet, and spicy, this candied bacon recipe is a flavor-packed treat. Thick-cut bacon coated with maple syrup and a brown sugar spice mix bakes to caramelized perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) thick-cut bacon
• ¼ cup real maple syrup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Prep / Mise En Place

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Cut bacon strips in half or quarters for easier serving.
4. Prepare a small bowl with brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Place a wire rack on one baking sheet and lightly grease it.

Instructions

1. Arrange bacon in a single layer on the wire rack set over the greased baking sheet.
2. Cover with a sheet of parchment paper and place a second weighted baking sheet on top to keep bacon flat.
3. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until bacon is about three-quarters cooked and beginning to crisp.
4. While bacon bakes, pour maple syrup into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Simmer just until slightly deepened in color (about 2–3 minutes).
5. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
6. Carefully remove bacon from the oven and discard excess grease. Pat bacon lightly with paper towels.
7. Drizzle warm maple syrup evenly over each strip of partially cooked bacon.
8. Sprinkle the brown sugar and spice mixture generously over the bacon.
9. Return bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until edges are crisp and glaze is caramelized.
10. Remove bacon from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
11. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an indulgent snack straight from the pan.
• Add to breakfast plates with eggs, pancakes, or waffles.
• Chop and sprinkle over salads, mac and cheese, or baked brie for a sweet-salty twist.

Leftover Ideas

• Store cooled candied bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat briefly to restore crispness.
• Chop and fold into cornbread or muffins for a smoky-sweet flavor.
• Use as a topping for burgers or sandwiches to add crunch and sweetness.

Candied Bacon is the ultimate sweet and savory snack, with crispy edges, tender centers, and a perfectly caramelized glaze. This recipe is straightforward but delivers big flavor, making it a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or snacking anytime. If you love a little sweet-spicy magic in the kitchen, this candied bacon is worth every minute.