Ingredients
Scale
For the Bacon:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon (12-16 slices)
- ½ to ¾ cup packed brown sugar (dark or light)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup for extra gloss
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the foil-lined baking sheet (this elevates bacon for even crisping).
- Mix Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and any optional spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder). Mix thoroughly so spices distribute evenly throughout the sugar.
- Prepare Bacon: Lay bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Don’t overlap—they need space to crisp properly. You may need to use two baking sheets or bake in batches.
- Apply Sugar Coating: Generously coat the top side of each bacon strip with the brown sugar mixture. Press gently so sugar adheres to the bacon. Use most or all of the sugar mixture—don’t be shy! If using maple syrup, drizzle lightly over the sugar-coated bacon.
- Bake: Place baking sheet in preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching carefully. The bacon should be deeply caramelized, crispy, and the sugar should be bubbling and melted. Timing depends on bacon thickness and your preferred crispiness.
- Check and Flip (Optional): At 15 minutes, check bacon. If you want even caramelization on both sides, carefully flip strips using tongs, add a bit more sugar mixture to the second side, and continue baking for 5-10 more minutes.
- Cool: Remove from oven when bacon reaches desired crispiness and sugar is caramelized. Let bacon cool on the rack for 5-10 minutes—it will continue crisping as it cools and the sugar coating will harden into that signature candy-like glaze.
- Serve: Once cooled slightly (bacon will be very hot immediately from the oven), serve warm or at room temperature. The bacon is best enjoyed within a few hours of making for optimal crispiness.
Notes
- Watch carefully during final 5 minutes—sugar can burn quickly once caramelized.
- Bacon continues crisping as it cools, so remove when it’s almost at desired crispiness.
- Using a wire rack is highly recommended for crispiest results on all sides.
- Adjust cayenne to taste—½ teaspoon for mild heat, 1 teaspoon for moderate spice.
- The sugar will be extremely hot when bacon comes out—let cool before eating.
- Line pan well—the sugar coating creates sticky drippings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 485mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg