Prepare to transform your ordinary bacon into an extraordinary culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight! This Bourbon Maple Candied Bacon is not just a side dish—it's a decadent masterpiece that blends the rich smokiness of bacon with the warm sweetness of maple and the bold complexity of bourbon. Whether you're looking to impress brunch guests, elevate your breakfast game, or create an irresistible appetizer, this recipe promises to be a game-changer that will have everyone begging for your secret.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound of thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of bourbon
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow bacon to crisp evenly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Carefully lay each bacon slice flat on the wire rack, ensuring the slices do not overlap. This allows for even cooking and caramelization.
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon slice with the bourbon maple mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, periodically brushing additional bourbon maple mixture onto the bacon.
- Watch closely during the last 5-10 minutes to prevent burning, as the sugars can caramelize quickly. The bacon should become dark, crispy, and glossy.
- Remove from oven and let the candied bacon cool on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes. The bacon will continue to crisp as it cools.
- Once cooled, carefully transfer the bacon to a serving plate or parchment paper. The bacon can be served warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for the best results. Thicker slices will hold up better to the glazing process and provide a more satisfying texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Ensure bacon slices are not overlapping on the wire rack to allow proper air circulation and even caramelization.
- Watch Carefully in Final Minutes: The sugar can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on the bacon during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Let It Cool Properly: Allowing the candied bacon to cool on the wire rack helps it crisp up and prevents sogginess.
- Storage Tip: If not serving immediately, you can store the candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy as a standalone appetizer, crumble over salads, use as a cocktail garnish, or even chop and sprinkle over desserts for a sweet-savory twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
