If you are on the hunt for a sweet and savory treat that will instantly elevate any meal or snack time, this Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly crispy bacon coated with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crust, kissed by a hint of cayenne spice and glazed with pure maple syrup. Every bite delivers a delightful balance of smoky, nutty, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors that feel just like a comforting hug. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something truly irresistible — a showstopper for brunches, parties, or even just a special everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create incredible texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar or the crunchy contrast of pecans, so having them ready is key to delicious success.
- Light brown sugar: Lightly packed for perfect sweetness and caramelization without overpowering the bacon’s smoky goodness.
- Chopped or whole pecans: Adds buttery crunch and a nutty dimension that complements the bacon beautifully.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Just a pinch to introduce a warming hint of spice that lifts the flavors.
- Pure maple syrup: The sticky glaze that ties everything together with a rich and complex sweet finish.
- Bacon: Half a pound of thick or regular cut — the star ingredient that becomes decadently crisp and flavorful.
How to Make Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for that perfect crisp. Line a jelly roll pan with foil to catch all the sticky goodness, then place a baking rack on top. This rack setup ensures the bacon cooks evenly and the glaze crisps up without sticking.
Step 2: Chop Pecans and Mix Spices
Now, toss the brown sugar and pecans into a food processor and pulse until the pecans are finely chopped, but not ground to dust — you want some texture. Add the cayenne pepper and pulse just to combine, infusing the sugar and nut mixture with a touch of heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon
Cut your bacon slices in half crosswise for manageable pieces that crisp up nicely. Lay them out on the prepared rack, making sure the pieces don’t overlap, so each slice gets plenty of heat and airflow. Pop them in the oven for 5 minutes to start rendering the fat.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Pecan Mixture
Carefully remove the bacon from the oven and evenly sprinkle the pecan-brown sugar mixture over each slice. This step is where your candied magic begins, coating the bacon with sweet, crunchy goodness.
Step 5: Drizzle with Maple Syrup
To complete that perfect glaze, drizzle pure maple syrup over the top of each slice. This adds a luscious, sticky layer that bakes down into an irresistible coating.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Return the bacon to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure the tops brown beautifully without burning. The sugar will caramelize and harden just right, giving you a crisp but tender bite.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Let it cool to room temperature so the glaze can set and the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle a few chopped pecans or a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top just before serving. These small touches enhance texture and flavor layers, making each bite feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This candied bacon pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, creamy scrambled eggs, or atop a bed of fluffy waffles or pancakes. Its sweet and nutty profile cuts through richer dishes, balancing and uplifting your brunch or snack spread beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the candied bacon in a tall glass for a fun appetizer presentation or weave it into a salad for a surprising crunch. You can even chop it up as a decadent topping on baked potatoes or roasted vegetables for a sweet-savory twist that delights every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to help absorb moisture and maintain crispness. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Candied bacon freezes wonderfully. Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It will stay great for up to a month and thaw quickly when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat while keeping the glaze crunchy, place the bacon on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350-degree oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sugar coating sticky and the bacon chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely buttery crunch, walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives. Just be sure to chop them finely for an even coating.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a food processor?
Yes! You can finely chop the pecans by hand and mix them with brown sugar and cayenne pepper. It will take a bit more time but still works beautifully.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?
The cayenne is very subtle, just enough to add warmth and depth without overwhelming the sweet and savory flavors. You can adjust it to your taste or omit it if you prefer no spice.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
You can, but turkey bacon tends to be leaner and may not crisp up in quite the same way. Keep an eye on cooking times and expect a slightly different texture.
What’s the best type of maple syrup to use?
Pure maple syrup is key for rich, authentic flavor. Avoid maple-flavored syrups, which can be overly sweet and lack depth. Grade A amber or dark maple syrup works especially well here.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe is one of those marvelously simple yet show-stopping dishes that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re impressing friends or just treating yourself, the combination of smoky bacon, crunchy pecans, and sticky sweet glaze is pure magic. I encourage you to give it a whirl soon — it’s an addictive blend of flavors that might just become your new favorite! Enjoy every delicious bite.
Print
Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This candied bacon recipe transforms regular bacon into a sweet, spicy, and nutty treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack. Coated with a mixture of brown sugar, chopped pecans, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup, the bacon is baked until perfectly caramelized and crispy. It’s an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that adds a gourmet twist to an everyday favorite.
Ingredients
For the Candied Bacon
- ½ cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- ½ cup chopped or whole pecans
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ pound bacon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking setup: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a baking rack on top of the foil-lined pan and set aside.
- Prepare pecan sugar mixture: Add the brown sugar and pecans to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse them together until the pecans are finely chopped. Add the ground cayenne pepper and pulse once or twice more to evenly combine the spice with the sugar and nuts.
- Arrange bacon: Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise and lay the pieces on the baking rack, ensuring they do not touch to allow even cooking and caramelization. Bake the bacon for 5 minutes to begin rendering the fat.
- Add topping: Remove the bacon from the oven and use a spoon to evenly sprinkle the pecan-brown sugar-cayenne mixture over each slice.
- Drizzle with maple syrup: Lightly drizzle the maple syrup over the bacon slices to add moisture and sweetness, enhancing the caramelization process.
- Bake until caramelized: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the tops of the bacon slices are golden brown but not burnt, achieving a crispy and sticky texture.
- Cool and serve: Remove the candied bacon from the oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Let cool to room temperature before serving to allow the glaze to set properly.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the bacon during the final baking stage as the sugar can burn quickly.
- Use a jelly roll pan with a rack to allow excess fat to drip away and ensure crispy bacon.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level or omit it if you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.
