Irresistible Brown Sugar Bacon Candy: A Sweet & Savory Delight
Prepare your senses for an utterly delightful culinary experience: Brown Sugar Bacon Candy. This incredibly easy recipe transforms ordinary thick-cut bacon into an extraordinary, caramelized, and slightly spicy treat. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with an intoxicating aroma that promises something truly special. It’s the perfect harmony of smoky, crispy bacon, rich brown sugar, and a hint of chili powder, creating a snack that’s as addictive as it is simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Bacon Candy Recipe
I can personally attest to the irresistible nature of this Brown Sugar Bacon Candy. Friends and family consistently request it, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen. What makes it so popular? Beyond the incredible flavor, its simplicity is unmatched. You’ll find yourself making it again and again because it delivers consistently amazing results with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for success.
This recipe is also a fantastic way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for brunches, parties, or even as a unique snack to elevate your everyday meals. The combination of sweet and salty notes hits all the right cravings, making it a guaranteed crowd-plepleaser. Plus, the process itself is incredibly satisfying, as you watch the bacon transform into glossy, caramelized perfection in the oven.
One of the best parts about this Brown Sugar Bacon Candy recipe is that you likely already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry. No special trips to the grocery store are usually required to whip up this delicious treat. It’s a testament to how simple yet impactful a few basic ingredients can be when combined thoughtfully.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Candied Bacon
Creating this gourmet snack requires just a handful of staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor profile and texture. Quality ingredients always make a difference, especially when there are so few of them!
- Brown sugar: This is the star of the show, providing the rich, caramel notes and creating that delightful candy-like coating. Firmly packed brown sugar works best for a consistent coating.
- Chili powder: Don’t skip this! It adds a subtle warmth and a gentle kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. The chili powder elevates the flavor, preventing it from being overly sweet and adding an intriguing depth.
- Thick-cut bacon: The foundation of our candy. Thick-cut bacon is essential because it holds up well during the baking process, crisps beautifully, and offers a satisfying chew without becoming overly brittle. Thin bacon might burn or become too delicate.
Recommended Equipment for Easy Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving perfectly crispy, mess-free Brown Sugar Bacon Candy. These items are commonly found in most kitchens, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
- Cookie Sheet with an edge: This is non-negotiable. You need a baking sheet with raised edges to effectively contain the bacon grease. Without an edge, you risk spills in your oven, which can lead to smoke and a difficult cleanup. Look for a sturdy, full-size sheet for even baking.
- Aluminum foil: Your best friend for easy cleanup. Lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil will catch all the drips and caramelized sugar, preventing it from sticking to the pan. Simply discard the foil after use, and your baking sheet will be practically spotless.
- Roasting Rack (or cooling rack): Crucial for maximum crispiness. Resting the bacon on a wire rack allows air to circulate around all sides, ensuring that the bacon crisps up evenly and doesn’t sit in its own grease. This prevents a soggy bottom and promotes that desirable crunchy texture.
- Heat resistant potholders: Safety first! I highly recommend silicone or other heat-resistant potholders. A few years ago, we had a scary incident where a cloth potholder caught fire after accidentally touching a burner. Since then, we’ve exclusively used these safer alternatives, and I encourage you to do the same for peace of mind in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Bacon Candy Every Time
- Even Coating is Key: Ensure each slice of bacon is thoroughly coated with the brown sugar and chili powder mixture. This creates a uniform candy shell and ensures consistent flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your bacon slices space on the rack. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of crisp, leading to less-than-perfect results. Work in batches if necessary.
- Watch for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and bacon thickness. Look for deep golden-brown, caramelized edges and a crispy texture. The sugar should be bubbly and sticky.
- Cooling is Crucial: The bacon candy will still be soft when you remove it from the oven. It will crisp up as it cools on the wire rack. Resist the urge to move it too soon!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It might lose some crispness, but the flavor will remain delicious. You can briefly reheat it in a toaster oven for a slight crisp-up.
Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions
While the classic Brown Sugar Bacon Candy is fantastic on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and serving ideas:
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the brown sugar mixture.
- Maple Infusion: Drizzle a tiny bit of maple syrup over the bacon *before* adding the brown sugar mix for an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
- Black Pepper Power: A generous crack of fresh black pepper adds a delightful aromatic contrast to the sweetness.
- Herbaceous Twist: Believe it or not, a tiny sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme can add an unexpected gourmet touch.
Serving Ideas:
- Breakfast/Brunch Star: Serve alongside pancakes, waffles, eggs, or French toast for an elevated breakfast experience.
- Gourmet Garnish: Crumble it over salads, especially those with apples, goat cheese, or pecans, for a sweet and salty crunch.
- Dessert Topping: A surprising but delicious addition to ice cream sundaes, cupcakes, or even as a garnish for chocolate desserts.
- Appetizer Perfection: Skewer small pieces with melon or cheese for a sophisticated party appetizer.
- Snack Attack: Keep a batch on hand for those moments when you need a truly satisfying sweet and savory snack.
More Great Bacon Recipes to Explore
If you love the magic that bacon brings to any dish, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic recipes:
Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins
Crockpot Bourbon Bacon Meatballs
Crockpot Bacon Corn Chowder
Wilted Spinach Bacon Salad
Bacon Manhattan Cocktail
Maple Bacon Pancake Muffins
For even more inspiration, we’ve put together a big list of recipes with bacon!
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our incredible CrockPot Recipes. There’s something for every palate and occasion!
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Brown Sugar Bacon Candy Recipe
Print
Rate
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
8
120kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar firmly packed
- 2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 8 slices Bacon thick cut
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). This high temperature ensures the bacon cooks quickly and crisps up nicely, while also caramelizing the sugar.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This step is crucial for easy cleanup, as the caramelized sugar and bacon grease can be quite sticky. Place a cooling rack directly over the foil-lined pan. The rack allows air circulation, promoting even cooking and crispy bacon.
- In a shallow bowl or rimmed plate, combine the brown sugar and chili powder. Mix them well until uniformly blended. Take each slice of thick-cut bacon and dredge it through the brown sugar mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Place the coated bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking rack, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness and the sugar has caramelized to a deep golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Once done, carefully transfer the hot, candied bacon to a serving dish (or another cooling rack) and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The candy will harden and become crispier as it cools. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Cookie Sheets
- Aluminum Foil
- Roasting Racks
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 81
Recipe originally shared on April 3, 2015. Updated on March 29, 2020.