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Millionaire Bacon is an amazing combination of sweet and savory flavors that will make you fall in love with bacon all over again. Thick bacon slices combined with brown sugar, and hot spices like crushed red pepper flakes, will leave friends and family wanting more!
Easy Millionaire Bacon Recipe
This easy millionaire bacon recipe, also sometimes called pig candy, is perfect for your brunch table or breakfast charcuterie board. The sweet brown sugar crystalizes on the top of the bacon, making every bite just melt in your mouth.
The sugar crunch enhances the bacon’s flavor, so every bite is sweet and slightly salty. And this bacon is not just for breakfast. It makes a great snack, or addition to salads, or pastas. or make a holiday morning tradition!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Thick-cut bacon: The star of the show! Choose a high-quality bacon for the best results.
- Light Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and creates that delightful caramelized crust.
- Black pepper: For a hint of spice.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat to the bacon that is perfect when combined with the sweetness.
How to Make Millionaire Bacon
STEP 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
STEP 2. In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, until well combined.
STEP 3. Add the slices of bacon to the bowl, and then toss them in the brown sugar mixture until each slice is coated.
STEP 4. Once coated, lay the bacon strips on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.
STEP 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
STEP 6. Once done, remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a perfect sweet and crunchy texture.
Tips
- Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: It holds up better during cooking and provides a more satisfying crunch.
- Arrange Bacon Evenly: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping them. This ensures even cooking and allows the glaze to caramelize properly.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the bacon as it bakes. The sugars can burn quickly, so start checking around the 15-minute mark. Remove it once it’s crispy and caramelized. Drain the bacon grease from the sheet pan into a small bowl.
- Let it Cool: Allow the bacon to cool for just a minute or two, then use a fork to transfer to a wire rack.
Variations
- On a Breakfast Sandwich: Layer it in a breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese for an indulgent start to your day.
- On Salads: Crumble it over salads for a flavorful crunch.
- As a Snack: Serve it as a fancy appetizer at parties, paired with cocktails for an elevated touch.
- Chocolate-Covered Millionaire Bacon: After baking the bacon, dip it in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Flavored Bacon: Hickory, Smoked, or like this Hormel Limited Edition Cinnamon Toast Crunch Flavored Bacon.
- Use as a garnish: Place a stick of bacon in a bloody Mary cocktail for a deliciously sweet garnish.
FAQ’S
Store leftover this candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-3 minutes.
Yes, you can prepare the bacon in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you start with chilled bacon.
Yes, you can freeze Millionaire Bacon. After baking, let it cool completely, then separate pieces with parchment paper so they won’t stick together. Place bacon in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Yes, you can use turkey bacon with this candied bacon recipe, but the texture and flavor will be different than traditional pork bacon. And don’t forget to adjust the cooking time as needed since turkey bacon may not need as long to cook.
More Breakfast Recipes
Millionaire Bacon
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Large Bowl
- Tongs or fork
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
- In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Add the slices of bacon to the bowl, and then toss them in the brown sugar mixture until each slice is coated. Once coated, lay the bacon strips on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
- Once done, remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a perfect sweet and crunchy texture.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is delicious, I love this bacon
So glad you like it!