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candied bacon strips fanned out on a white plate with dried chiles and paprika

Candied Bacon recipe

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Sweet, smoky, and perfectly caramelized, this candied bacon recipe uses a simple spice rub and a low oven bake for a crisp, candy like crust every time. 

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 14 slices 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun spice
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 teaspooons garlic powder
  • 1 pound thick cut bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
  2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, Cajun spice, smoked paprika, white pepper and garlic powder.
  3. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire cooling rack on top.
  4. Coat both sides of the bacon evenly with the spice mixture and place in single layer on the cooling rack.
  5. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until desired doneness.
  6. Remove and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Thick cut matters. Regular sliced bacon cooks too fast for the sugar to caramelize properly and can burn before the fat renders. Stick with thick cut for the best texture. 
  • The rack is not optional. Baking directly on foil traps the bacon in its own rendered fat and prevents the crisp, candy like exterior. A wire rack lets air circulate underneath. 
  • Adjust heat to taste. Cajun spice blends vary quite a bit in heat level. If yours runs mild, add a pinch of cayenne. If it runs hot, cut back slightly on the amount used. 
  • Author: Superman Cooks
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 slices
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 21.1 g
  • Sodium: 460.9 mg
  • Fat: 8.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 8.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 22.8 mg