Hi friends! Valentine’s Day is always a special time in our home, and this year, I wanted to prepare something special for my husband. After diving deep into recipe research, I landed on a true showstopper: spicy candied bacon with brown sugar and pecans. Bacon is one of his all-time favorites and let me tell you—this elevated version is a total game-changer! He said it was like a 5-star restaurant experience, especially when paired with ice cream.
Why This Candied Bacon is So Special
This recipe takes the simple joy of bacon and adds layers of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors. The brown sugar creates a caramelized glaze, the cayenne pepper brings a subtle heat, and the pecans add a delightful crunch. It’s crispy, sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy—perfect for impressing your loved ones or treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Medium or thick-cut bacon
- Light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for less heat)
- Finely chopped pecans
- A splash of bourbon (optional): Adds depth and a sophisticated caramel note as a boozy alternative to vanilla.)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Parchment paper
- Oven-safe wire rack
- Small mixing bowl
Steps to Make Spicy Candied Bacon
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Prepare the bacon by laying slices on the rack or foil without overlapping.
- Mix topping: Combine brown sugar, cayenne pepper, chopped pecans, and optional bourbon in a small bowl.
- Coat the bacon: Sprinkle the mixture over each slice and press gently to stick.
- Bake for 12-20 minutes, checking after 12 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool: Let bacon cool slightly on the rack, then transfer to a nonstick surface to harden.
Tips for Success and Storage
- Balance the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a pinch of cayenne and adjust to taste.
- Prevent sticking: Remove the bacon promptly after baking: Don’t let it sit in the pan or on the baking rack for too long. Doing so prevents it from sticking to the wire rack or foil.
- Choose your bacon wisely: Thicker slices result in a deeper caramelization and crunch.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 8 weeks.
- Reheating: A quick 15-second zap in the microwave will bring it back to life.
Creative Ways to Serve Candied Bacon
This bacon is so versatile! Here are some ideas to make the most of it:
- Garnish Pies and Cobblers (Raspberry Chocolate Cobbler pictured above)
- Crumble it over French toast or pancakes for a sweet-and-savory breakfast.
- Top cinnamon rolls for a crispy, savory surprise.
- Pair it with creamy vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.
- Serve it as a snack or appetizer alongside cheese spreads or dips.
- Add it to roasted Brussels sprouts for a flavorful side dish.
Watch the step-by-step instructions in this video.
Thanks so much for being here! Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy this spicy candied bacon. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let me know how it turns out!
Spicy Candied Bacon with Brown Sugar & Pecans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350, prepare 2 baking sheets lined with foil to catch drippings.
- Arrange the bacon strips evenly on the baking pans, either on a wire rack or on foil, ensuring they are not overlapping. If desired, you may cut each strip in half or leave them whole to break apart after cooking. For further explanation, see *Note.
- In a bowl mix together the rest of the ingredients. Toss together for a ‘rub’.
- Sprinkle rub over bacon, pressing to adhere.
- Cook the bacon for 12-20 minutes, closely monitoring it after the initial 12 minutes.
- Allow the bacon to cool on the wire rack (or parchment) for a minute until warm. Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a nonstick surface, arranging it in a single layer until it cools. Be cautious, as the hot glaze can cause burns.
- Store the bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers.
Notes
- Some recipes suggest using a wire rack to make bacon less oily on the underside. However, I prefer not to use one due to past sticking issues, which turned out to be a disaster. The bacon still tastes great, with minimal oiliness.
- You can choose either medium or thick-cut bacon but add more time and use more rub if you opt for a thicker cut.
- If you use maple-cured bacon it might make the recipe a little too sweet so you can cut some of the sugar from the recipe to balance out the flavors.
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Hungry For More Delicious Recipes
- Mixed Spring Greens Salad with Candied Pecans, Goat Cheese and Pear
- Carrot Pie in a Pecan Crust
- Bacon & Egg Spaghetti: Creamy One-Pan Dinner
- Easy Bacon No Knead Bread
- Torn Peach Cake with Candied Almonds and Rosemary Needles
- Black Sesame Chocolate Loaf
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6 responses to “How to Make Spicy Candied Bacon with Brown Sugar & Pecans”
This looks delicious! I hope you and your husband have a very special Valentine’s celebration!
Thank you for your lovely wishes, Rachel! My husband loved the bacon, and there was plenty to freeze for his bacon stash!
You had me at bacon 🥓 😋
Hee hee!
Bacon topped with brown sugar and pecans..oh my!
Java Bean: “So close, James T. So close!”