Go Back
–+ servings
Glazed bacon strips topped with brown sugar.

How to Make Candied Bacon

Print Recipe
This easy Candied Bacon recipe is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Just 3 simple ingredients and ready in less than 20 minutes!
Course Breakfast, Condiments, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 90
Author Dorothy Bigelow

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, and place an oven-safe baking rack on top of the parchment paper.
  • Place the bacon slices on the baking rack, keeping them evenly spaced with no overlapping.
    Raw bacon strips in an even layer on a wire rack set inside of a baking pan.
  • Add the brown sugar and black pepper to a small bowl. Stir to combine.
    A small bowl of brown sugar being mixed with a small gold spoon.
  • Sprinkle ⅔ of the brown sugar and pepper mixture carefully on top of the bacon slices.
    Bacon strips covered with brown sugar.
  • Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Use a fork to flip the bacon slices over, then gently sprinkle on the remaining brown sugar and black pepper.
    Half cooked bacons strips being topped with brown sugar.
  • Return to the oven to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until crisp enough for your liking.
    Crispy cooked bacon on a wire rack set inside of a baking sheet.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the bacon slices to cool on the baking rack for 4-5 minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

*For thick cut bacon, add 2-3 minutes per side. For thin bacon, reduce the time by 1-2 minutes per side.
Extra crispy: Flip the bacon one last time after the initial cooking time is done, and then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Air fryer: Work in a half batch (4 slices) of bacon, and add the brown sugar mixture on top of the slices. Do not flip. Cook at 350ºF (177ºC) for 8-10 minutes.
Without a wire rack: You can bake the bacon on a parchment lined baking sheet, but it does not crisp up like if you were to use a raised baking rack. It will be softer, pliable, and more "glazed." I tested both methods several times and the wire baking rack was superior.
Do I have to bake the bacon? Yes, baking is the best way to make candied bacon. In order for the brown sugar to stay on the bacon, it’s essential to use the baking method. This will not work using a skillet or microwave.
Storage: Allow to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for 3-6 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg