Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe

If you love the sweet crunch of candy mixed with a kick of heat, then you’re in for a treat with this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—crispy, caramelized bacon that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of spice. When I first tried making candied bacon at home, I was blown away by how easy it was and how it elevates any breakfast or snack. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything you need to know to get that perfect sweet and spicy crunch right in your own kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the candy-like coating and spicy kick that makes this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe stand out. I like to use thick-cut bacon because it holds the sugar and spices beautifully without getting too brittle.

• Thick-cut Bacon: Thick slices are essential—they won’t shrink too much and give you that satisfying chew with a crunchy edge.
• Brown Sugar: This is what creates the caramelized, glossy coating on the bacon. Light or dark brown sugar works fine.
• Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a sharp bite that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a little to provide warmth and heat without overpowering the bacon.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a textured, spicy pop that complements the cayenne and gives a lovely color contrast.

Variations

I love how flexible this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe is—you can easily tweak the spice blend or even add a little extra sweetness to suit your mood. Play around and make this your own.

• Maple Syrup Twist: I once swapped the brown sugar for maple sugar and drizzled real maple syrup over the bacon before baking, which gave it a rich depth that my kids adored.
• Smoky Flavor: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika gives a smoky undertone that takes the bacon to the next level in flavor complexity.
• Less Heat? Just reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes for a sweeter, milder candied bacon that’s still fantastic.
• For a Crunchier Finish: Using a broiler for the last 1-2 minutes helps crisp up the sugar coating if you like more crunch.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bacon and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, foil, or a silicone liner—it makes cleanup way easier! Lay your thick-cut bacon slices in a single layer. I like to keep some space between each slice, so they crisp evenly.

Step 2: Mix and Apply the Sweet and Spicy Coating

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir until everything’s evenly mixed. Now sprinkle this over each bacon slice. Here’s a trick I discovered: use your fingers to pat the sugar mixture onto the bacon so it sticks well and forms that delicious candy crust.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy and Caramelized

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. I always check around the 30-minute mark because all ovens heat a bit differently. You want the bacon to be deep golden, crispy, and sticky with caramelized sugar but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. When it’s done, remove the pan and let the bacon cool for 10 minutes right on the sheet — this cool-down helps the sugar harden into a perfect candy shell.

Step 4: Transfer and Finish Cooling

Using tongs or a fork, transfer each slice to a cooling rack. I can’t stress enough how much letting the bacon cool makes a difference because that’s when the crispy candy shell really sets. Wait another 10 minutes before diving in.

Air Fryer Option for Candied Bacon

If you’re short on time or just love your air fryer, this works beautifully too! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Combine the sugar and spices the same way, pat the mixture onto your bacon slices, and spray the basket lightly with olive oil. Arrange bacon in an even layer and air fry for about 8 minutes, flipping or rearranging halfway through for even crisping. The result? Equally crispy and sticky candied bacon that’s ready to enjoy fast.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing my candied bacon with a little fresh cracked black pepper to give it a bit of extra spice punch. Sometimes, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a nice pop of color and freshness, especially if serving at brunch.

Side Dishes

This bacon pairs beautifully with buttery scrambled eggs, creamy avocado slices, and even sweet potato hashbrowns. My family is obsessed with serving it alongside waffles—those sweet and spicy flavors create a mind-blowing combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the candied bacon standing upright on skewers with melon or pineapple chunks for a fun sweet-and-savory appetizer. Wrapping it around jalapeño poppers or stuffing it into mini sliders creates an unforgettable finger food perfect for game day or holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftovers in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any extra moisture. It keeps the candied bacon crisp for up to 3 days, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing cooked candied bacon by layering slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to bring back the crisp.

Reheating

To keep that signature crunch, I reheat leftover candied bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven for a few minutes. The microwave tends to make it chewy, which I don’t prefer personally.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe is one of those simple kitchen wonders that never fails to impress. I’ve shared it countless times with friends and family, and everyone always says it’s a game-changer. If you’re someone who loves crispy bacon but wants to add a delicious twist, this is your go-to. Plus, the balance of sweet, heat, and that irresistible crunch will make it your new obsession too—trust me, it’s worth every minute in the kitchen!

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