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    Home » Appetizers

    Updated: Nov 19, 2020 · Published: Nov 4, 2019 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Candied Bacon

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Candied Bacon on a dark plate, with pecans and cayenne pepper.

    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.

    Candied bacon on a rose gold trivet with pecans on the side.

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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.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Ways to Serve
    • More Appetizer Recipes
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    The ingredient list is short and full on pantry staples.

    bacon, pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup and cayenne pepper on black board.

    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.
    Candied Bacon on a dark plate with cayenne pepper.

    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!

    instructions collage steps 1-3.

    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.

    bacon strips on pan with brown sugar topping and maple syrup on top.

    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.

    Candied Bacon piled on a wodden serving tray with parchment paper.

    FAQs

    What is the best kind of bacon to use?

    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.

    Why do you par-bake the bacon?

    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.

    How to store?

    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.

    Candied Bacon on 2 black plates with pecan and cayenne pepper for garnish.

    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 on plate.

    Candied Bacon Recipe

    Garnish With Lemon
    This Candied Bacon is perfect for any holiday party!
    4.67 from 30 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Appetizers
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 139 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Make sure you bake bacon to your desired degree of doneness. If bacon is undercooked, it will not crisp as it cools.

    VIDEO

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/2 sliceCalories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 241mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7g

    Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!

    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!

    « Cranberry Mimosa
    Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes »

    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ophelia says

      December 23, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      How long will this bacon keep? I want to make it in advance; could I possibly refrigerate or freeze it until the event?

      Thanks for the recipe ?

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        December 24, 2016 at 8:49 am

        I haven't tried freezing it but t should keep for a few days in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before you serve it.

        Reply
    2. Jennifer says

      December 19, 2016 at 7:53 am

      Can this be stored to give as a gift?

      Reply
    3. Marti Woznicki says

      December 17, 2016 at 6:38 am

      A neighbor served this at a party a few years ago and I've been trying to figure it out ever since with no success until now - it's the maple syrup that I was missing! Problem solved and now I'm off to the grocery store for more bacon! ?

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        December 17, 2016 at 7:47 am

        So glad you found it! Let us know how it turns out. It's always a party favorite!

        Reply
    4. Jocelyn@Brucrewlife says

      December 24, 2014 at 1:41 am

      My family would probably fight over this bacon!! 😉 It sounds delish!

      Reply
    5. amanda @ fake ginger says

      December 17, 2014 at 9:04 pm

      Mmm, I love candied bacon. I've never made it with pecans and now I totally want to try it.

      Reply
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    4.67 from 30 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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