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Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m incredibly excited to share a recipe that’s close to my heart and always a hit at family gatherings, brunches, and even as a unique gift during the holidays! I’m talking about Candied Maple Bacon – yes, you heard that right! This delightful recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and just a hint of crunch that will make your taste buds sing with joy. If you’ve been following my blog, you know how much I love creating dishes that are anything but boring!! And I promise, this one delivers.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Candied Maple Bacon, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (the real deal, for that authentic sweet touch!)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for that irresistible caramelized topping)
How to Make Candied Maple Bacon
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bacon cooks evenly and gets that perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer. This setup helps in easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Step 3: Apply the Maple Syrup
Brush each slice of bacon generously with maple syrup. This not only adds sweetness but also helps the brown sugar adhere better in the next step.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Brown Sugar
Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the bacon, ensuring each piece is well coated. This step is key to achieving that glorious, caramelized crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the sugar is bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the bacon to cool slightly on a wire rack. This cooling period helps the candy coating to harden, creating that perfect chewy texture. Then, enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Watch the Oven: The sugar and syrup can burn easily if left unattended. Keep an eye on your bacon to ensure it doesn’t burn, especially towards the end of baking.
- Extra Crispy: If you like your bacon extra crispy, consider increasing the oven temperature slightly or leaving it in the oven a few minutes longer.
Substitutions/Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mix to introduce a spicy twist to your candied bacon.
- Honey Alternative: If maple syrup isn’t your style or you’re looking to try something new, honey works as a great substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Candied bacon can be made ahead and stored, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready whenever the craving hits.
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Yes, though keep in mind that cooking times may vary, and regular bacon will become crisper faster than thick-cut.
Storage Instructions
Store candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and enjoy within a week.
More Relevant Recipes
If you loved this, why not dive deeper into the world of sweet and savory delights? Check out these recipes on my blog:
I hope you enjoy making and munching on this Candied Maple Bacon as much as I do! It’s truly a unique treat that’s bound to impress anyone who tries it. Happy cooking, and stay tuned for more exciting recipes!
PrintCandied Maple Bacon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Dive into the sweet and savory world of Candied Maple Bacon! This recipe combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and brown sugar with the irresistible crunch of bacon, creating a treat that’s perfect for brunch, as a snack, or even as a unique gift. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, this bacon will leave your guests craving more!
Ingredients
1 lb thick-cut bacon
⅓ cup maple syrup
½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Bacon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the bacon strips.
Add Maple Syrup: Brush each piece of bacon with maple syrup.
Coat with Brown Sugar: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each strip.
Bake: Place the bacon in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Let the bacon cool on a wire rack to harden the candy coating before serving.
Notes
Keep a close eye on the bacon while baking as the sugar and syrup can burn quickly.
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 strips
- Calories: 396 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 1300 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg