This Best Candied Bacon Recipe is crispy, sweet, smoky, and completely irresistible! Whether you're making it for brunch, game day, or just because—this bacon candy (also known as pig candy or million dollar bacon) is always the first thing to disappear. Bonus? It only takes 5 minutes of prep!
Candied bacon is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is secretly so simple. It's a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, and brunch spreads—and it's just as perfect served on its own as it is crumbled into a BLT Turkey Wrap or layered on a mini Homemade Pizza. I first made it as a snack for a family BBQ and now it's on repeat for everything from charcuterie boards to holiday breakfasts.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Only 4 Ingredients: No fancy tools or ingredients required—just pantry staples and bacon.
- Customizable: Sweet, spicy, smoky, or nutty—this recipe is a flavor playground.
- Crispy, Glazed Perfection: The sugar caramelizes while baking for the ultimate crunchy-chewy texture.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Holds up best in the oven and crisps beautifully while staying meaty. Avoid thin bacon—it cooks too fast and can burn.
- Maple Syrup: Maple Syrup: Adds depth and a rich sweetness that balances the salty bacon. Use Homemade Maple Syrup for best results.
- Light Brown Sugar: Helps create the signature candy-like crust and sticky glaze.
- Black Pepper: Cuts the sweetness and adds a bold, savory twist that takes it over the top.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Spice it up! I love adding a little heat to my candied bacon—try a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Honey swap! No maple syrup? No problem! Swap it with honey for a slightly richer sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- Brown sugar twist! Want a deeper flavor? Dark brown sugar brings extra molasses goodness for a richer, more intense glaze.
- Extra crunch! Sprinkle on some crushed pecans or sesame seeds before baking for a fun, nutty twist that takes it to the next level!
Be sure to chek out my recipes for Greek Beetroot Dip and Homemade Bagel Chips.
🔪How To Make Candied Bacon
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and black pepper and mix until well combined.
- Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick. Cut the bacon strips in half and place on the foil-lined baking sheet. Do not overlap them.
- Step 3: Brush the mixture over the bacon on both sides.
- Step 4: Bake for 18-20 minutes in the oven.
- Step 5: Place your candied bacon onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool.
- Step 6: Enjoy your candied bacon.
💡Hint: For super crispy results, place a wire rack over your baking sheet and lay the bacon on top so the heat circulates all around.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for best results—thin slices cook too quickly and may burn before the sugar caramelizes.
- Watch closely in the last 5 minutes—candied bacon can go from perfect to burnt fast!
- Let it cool completely on a rack before serving. This sets the glaze and gives that signature crunch.
💭 FAQs
Candied bacon—aka pig candy or million dollar bacon—is made by brushing bacon with a sugar-based glaze (usually maple syrup and brown sugar), then baking it until crispy and caramelized.
Both! The brown sugar and syrup create a sweet, sticky coating, while the bacon keeps its savory, salty edge.
Absolutely! Just add a pinch of cayenne, chili powder, or crushed red pepper to the maple glaze.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp it back up.
Yes! Make a day in advance, cool completely, and store in the fridge. Warm in the oven just before serving.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Some great ways to use bacon candy:
- On a Charcuterie Board: Pair with cheeses, crackers, and nuts for a sweet-salty surprise.
- Crumbled into Salads: Toss into a Fall Harvest Salad or Caesar for extra crunch.
- Breakfast Upgrade: Serve with buckwheat pancakes, pumpkin waffles, or alongside eggs for a deluxe brunch.
- In Sandwiches or Wraps: Adds amazing flavor to turkey clubs or BLTs.
- As a Cocktail Garnish: Add a candied bacon slice to Bloody Marys or maple bourbon drinks!
🍽 More Recipes With Bacon
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Candied Bacon
Ingredients
- ½ Pound Bacon Slices
- ¼ Cup Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoon Light Brown Sugar
- Pinch Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and black pepper and mix until well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick. Cut the bacon strips in half and place on the foil-lined baking sheet. Do not overlap them.
- Brush the mixture over the bacon on both sides.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes in the oven.
- Place your candied bacon onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool.
- Enjoy your candied bacon.
Notes
- To ensure evenly cooked bacon, use thick-cut bacon strips.
- Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks - it can go from perfect to burned quickly!
- If you want a more savory flavor, add additional seasonings such as cayenne or garlic powder.
- Let the candied bacon cool before serving. This will help keep it crispy.
Amazing
Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly crispy—this candied bacon is a flavor-packed treat! Perfect for brunch or a decadent snack.