Sweet & Spicy Candied Bacon

This candied bacon is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, crispy, and just a little spicy. Whether you're serving it as a brunch side or adding it to a party board, this recipe is dangerously addictive. Bonus: it only takes a few ingredients and makes your kitchen smell amazing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra kick)

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional glaze boost)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top*. This helps the bacon crisp evenly.

   
   

2. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cayenne (if using).

   
   

3. Lay strips of bacon on the wire rack in a single layer.

   
   

4. Sprinkle the sugar mixture generously over each slice, pressing lightly so it sticks. Drizzle with a bit of maple syrup or honey if desired.

   
   

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes as the sugar can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.

   
   

6. Let the bacon cool on the rack for 5–10 minutes. It will crisp up more as it cools.

*Notes and suggestions:

• No wire rack? You can bake directly on parchment but flip the bacon halfway through for best results.

  
  

• Want it extra spicy? Add more cayenne or use a pinch of chipotle powder.