Bacon is always a hit with a crowd, and this Candied Bacon is no exception! One bite of this mouthwatering appetizer and people will be begging for the recipe. It's spicy, sweet and guaranteed to disappear.
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Looking for a new, unexpected appetizer? Your search is over with this Candied Bacon recipe. Have you ever heard of it? It can often go by a few names, like caramelized bacon, bacon candy, brown sugar bacon or even pig candy.
No matter what you call it, it's all amazing.
An added bonus? The smell of bacon wafting through the house. And when that greets your guests at the door, you know it's going to be a great night.
Bacon, cocktails, and friends. A combination that can't be beat.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is short and full on pantry staples.
Ingredient Notes
- It's best to use thick cut bacon for this recipe, it holds up to the sugar and nut topping really well and makes for a substantial appetizer.
- I highly recommend using pure maple syrup. It adds such a concentrated rich flavor when it bakes in the oven.
Instructions
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to make! You will have extra topping. I store mine in the refrigerator to make more for BLTs!
Step 1: Add the pecans and brown sugar to a food processor and pulse until pecans are finely chopped.
Step 2: Add cayenne and stir.
Step 3: Cut bacon strips in half and place on lined pan. Bake in oven for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Remove bacon from oven and spoon pecan mixture on top of bacon. (You will have extra!)
Step 5: Drizzle with maple syrup and place back in the oven.
Step 6: Bake until bacon is crispy.
FAQs
For this recipe, we love to use thick-cut bacon. You can certainly use other cuts of bacon, just know that if you use thinner slices, you might need to adjust the baking time.
The ideal candied bacon has crispy edges and a crackly crust from the caramelized sugar that's been baked on top. When you give the bacon a head start in the oven, it's easier to get it crispy. Otherwise the topping will be done before the bacon.
Once the bacon is completely cooled, you can wrap each piece in wax paper, place it in a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator for as long as three weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
Ways to Serve
It is simple to make and goes amazingly well with cocktails. Since it's an unexpected appetizer, it's a great treat to serve during the holidays. But the sky is the limit with how you can serve it.
- Crumble it in a spinach salad
- Add it to a BLT
- Garnish your favorite bloody mary
But be warned; people will love it. And eat all of it.
You can always use more appetizers at a party, so be sure to check out a few of these fan favorites that are always a hit no matter the occasion!
More Appetizer Recipes
- Bacon Cream Cheese Bites- the party favorite that always disappears
- This Layered Greek Dip is a healthy twist on your traditional 7 layer dip!
- These Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites are always a hit!
Check out all of our appetizer recipes!
Recipe
Candied Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- ½ cup chopped or whole pecans
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ pound bacon
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a jelly roll pan with foil and place a baking rack on top. Set aside.
- Add brown sugar and pecans to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until pecans are finely chopped. Add cayenne pepper and pulse again.
- Cut bacon in half cross-wise and place on top of rack. Be certain that the slices do not touch each other. Bake for 5 minutes and remove from oven.
- Use a spoon to sprinkle the pecan-brown sugar mixture among the slices of bacon.
- Drizzle the top with maple syrup.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are browned but not burned. Remove from oven and place on a paper towel lined plate.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
VIDEO
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
This Candied Bacon Recipe is an easy, make-ahead appetizer that always disappears at a party. The sweet and spicy combination is a perfect match for happy hour cocktails!
Amanda says
Has anyone tried using hot honey instead of maple syrup? We love that stuff! Wondering how that would turn out?
Sam says
If my party is on Sunday night, can I make this on Friday night? Will it still be good? Any tips?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time! Simply store it in an air tight container and put wax paper or parchment paper between each layer so it doesn’t stick. Keep it in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before serving. Good luck!