Sweet & Spicy Pig Candy (Candied Bacon)
A delicious blend of thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, maple syrup, and a hint of cayenne creates this irresistible candied bacon treat. Perfect for snacking, entertaining, or garnishing your favorite dishes.
Equipment
- Grill or Oven maintain steady 300-350°F temperature
- Wire Rack elevated for proper air circulation
- Broiler Pan or Baking Sheet to catch drippings
- Mixing Bowl for sugar mixture
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut peppered bacon high-quality, well-marbled
- ½ cup dark brown sugar packed
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- ¼ cup maple syrup pure, not pancake syrup
Instructions
- Arrange bacon strips on a wire rack set over a broiler pan, ensuring strips don't overlap.
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix brown sugar and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Preheat grill or oven to 300-350°F.
- Place pan with bacon on grill or in oven and cook for 15 minutes.
- Flip bacon carefully and coat generously with brown sugar mixture.
- Continue cooking for another 15 minutes until sugar begins to caramelize.
- Brush both sides with maple syrup and cook 5-10 minutes more until desired crispness.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely on the rack before serving.
Notes
Watch carefully during final cooking stage to prevent burning. Bacon will crisp up more as it cools. For spicier version, increase cayenne to ½ teaspoon.