A simple recipe for making crispy bacon coated in a sweet and slightly spicy brown sugar glaze, baked in the oven.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound thick-cut bacon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon black pepper (coarsely ground)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the foil-lined sheet.
Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Do not let the strips overlap.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper until combined.
Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the top side of the bacon strips. Gently press the mixture onto the bacon so it adheres.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, flip each bacon strip over. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the uncooked side.
Return the bacon to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispness and the glaze is caramelized. Watch closely after the 10-minute mark to prevent burning.
Remove the bacon from the oven and immediately transfer the strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Let the bacon cool for 5 minutes before serving; the glaze will set as it cools.
Notes
For a stickier glaze, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar in the initial mix.
Baking at a slightly lower temperature, like 375 degrees Fahrenheit, for a longer time (around 30-35 total minutes) can help prevent the sugar from burning if you prefer very thick bacon.
If you want a spicy kick without cayenne, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sugar mix.