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Candied Bacon

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READY IN 55 mins

Candied Bacon

Read Reviews (22)

"This makes a great party snack." — Chef John

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Original recipe makes 6 servings Change Servings

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup

ground black pepper to taste
1 pound thick-cut bacon

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Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix brown sugar, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Place bacon slices on cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, turn slices, and bake another 5 minutes.
Remove bacon and brush both sides with brown sugar mixture. Return bacon to the oven and bake another 5 minutes. Repeat basting every 5 minutes until bacon is browned and crisp, about 35 minutes.

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PREP 5 mins
COOK 50 mins
READY IN 55 mins

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Candied bacon is exactly right! It took an hour to get to the point of doneness in my photo, and that was turning it up for the last 15 minutes. I did everything that was listed in the recipe, and the results were worth it. Interesting. I had a package of bacon that weighed 1.25 pounds, and half I used for this and half I fried as usual. The ingredients for the candied part was just right for that amount of bacon. The saltiness of the regularly fried bacon was so pronounced after tasting the candied bacon! We had friends over for brunch, and the guys preferred the regular, but we gals loved the candied. We were thinking of cutting the bacon in half, skewering it on pretty little sticks, and serving it for a party. Trust me, it would be a hit! Thanks again, as usual, Chef John!

—Marianne

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Apr 14, 2012

Double the maple syrup mixture and use the bacon Chef John uses because it lays flat nicely and you won't run out of the mixture when you coat the bacon every 5 minutes; Other wise, not bad.

—Sheryl Grunert

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29 Ratings

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May 29, 2012

Double this recipe or you will cry because you run out of delicious candied bacon and you will want MORE! Any thick cut bacon works great. I followed another reviewer's tip of doubling the maple syrup the second time I made this recipe. Very good.

—sonjagroset

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Aug 02, 2012

I've done this without the liquids, just with the bacon, brown sugar and black pepper. In that instance, known as PIG CANDY! Great warm, or if you have any left over, cold. YUMMMMMM....

—B.E.

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Aug 02, 2012

This is great and I like it a lot better if it is done on a smoker with hickory smoke.

—peculiarmike

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Jul 08, 2012

This was so delicious! Sweet (not too sweet), and full of bacon-y goodness!! I used about half a pound of bacon, and it disappeared (between me and my fiance) within 30 minutes.

—alyssa719

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Oct 06, 2012

I rated this recipe already, but wanted to clarify: I originally gave it 3 stars as stated in my review. However I reevaluated my decision and changed it to 4 stars which I think was more fair for my experience with this recipe. I liked the outcome of it-the candy bacon comes out tasty- it was just a lot of work to do, as you have to constantly baste the bacon. I may experiment with this recipe some more, but I am also interested in looking at others.

—ChaoticBlu

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Oct 07, 2012

Wanted to make it easier, quicker, and less mess so tried with precooked bacon - hormel from costco. Placed aluminum foil on baking sheet for easy cleanup. Basted bacon immediately then baked and basted every five minutes until desired crispness - it does crisp up more as rests. May baste less often if don't want it too sweet. Turned out great even though thinner than original recipe. Husband and boys loved it. Will stick to rack if leave on too long.

—lwerth

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Nutrition

Calories
187 kcal
9%

Carbohydrates
13.9 g
4%

Cholesterol
27 mg
9%

Fat
10.4 g
16%

Fiber
0 g
< 1%

Protein
9.2 g
18%

Sodium
577 mg
23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Candied Bacon

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 187
Calories from Fat: 94

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10.4g 16 %
Saturated Fat 3.4g 17 %
Cholesterol 27mg 9 %
Sodium 577mg 23 %
** Potassium 168mg 5 %
Total Carbohydrates 13.9g 4 %
Dietary Fiber 0g < 1 %
Protein 9.2g 18 %
Sugars 12.9g
Vitamin A < 1 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 2 %
Iron 6 %
** Thiamin 17 %
** Niacin 31 %
** Vitamin B6 6 %
** Magnesium 4 %
** Folate < 1 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.