If you’re looking to elevate your bacon game to a whole new level of irresistible, this Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe is absolutely the way to do it. Combining the smoky, savory crunch of bacon with the sweet, nutty crunch of pecans and the rich warmth of maple syrup glaze, every bite feels like a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you want a show-stopping brunch treat, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just a decadent snack, this recipe delivers pure joy with every crispy, caramelized slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating that perfect sweet-savory balance. The blend of brown sugar and pecans brings a delightful crunch and warmth, while the cayenne pepper adds just the right touch of subtle heat. Maple syrup ties everything together with its signature smooth sweetness, and of course, bacon is the base that makes this creation utterly crave-worthy.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, lightly packed): Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized coating on the bacon.
- Chopped or whole pecans (½ cup): Provides a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the bacon perfectly.
- Ground cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon): A tiny kick of heat to balance the sweetness without overpowering.
- Pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Infuses the glaze with rich sweetness and depth.
- Bacon (½ pound): The star ingredient that crisps up beautifully and holds all those flavors together.
How to Make Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a jelly roll pan lined with foil—that’s your best friend for easy cleanup—and place a baking rack on top. The rack lets the bacon cook evenly and crisp up while allowing excess fat to drip away.
Step 2: Make the Pecan and Brown Sugar Mixture
In a food processor, combine the brown sugar and pecans. Pulse just until the pecans are finely chopped to create a lovely crumbly texture. Add the ground cayenne pepper and pulse a couple more times to blend everything together. This mixture packs the perfect combo of crunch and gentle heat into your glaze.
Step 3: Partially Bake the Bacon
Cut your bacon slices in half crosswise for manageable, bite-sized pieces. Arrange them on the baking rack, making sure none of the slices overlap or touch. Bake for 5 minutes to get the bacon started, creating a base that will crisp up perfectly with the glaze added later.
Step 4: Add the Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully sprinkle the pecan and brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon pieces. This step is crucial because the sugar melts and caramelizes while the nuts toast, building layers of wonderful flavor.
Step 5: Drizzle with Maple Syrup
Once the topping is in place, drizzle each slice lightly with pure maple syrup. The syrup adds moisture and helps the topping adhere while contributing that warm, sweet maple flavor that balances the savory bacon perfectly.
Step 6: Finish Baking Until Gooey and Crisp
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon—you want the glaze to brown and caramelize but avoid burning. When done, transfer the slices onto a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess grease.
Step 7: Serve at Room Temperature
Let the candied bacon cool slightly. Serving it at room temperature allows the glaze to firm up just enough while keeping the bacon tender and crunchy—a perfect texture combo that everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing candied bacon with fresh herbs like chopped thyme or rosemary adds a lovely herbal brightness to counterbalance the rich sweetness. For a fun presentation, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving to heighten all those amazing flavors.
Side Dishes
This candied bacon is a stellar companion for classic breakfast staples like fluffy pancakes, creamy scrambled eggs, or buttery biscuits. It also partners beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for an elevated brunch or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading pieces of candied bacon onto small skewers with cubes of cheese and grapes for an irresistible party snack. Or crumble it over creamy mac and cheese to add unexpected crunch and flavor. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the glaze intact is key, so layering pieces between sheets of parchment paper helps prevent sticking and preserves that crispy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze candied bacon for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to one month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving.
Reheating
To reheat without losing crispness, warm the leftover candied bacon in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the glaze and bacon texture.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts for the pecan in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans offer a buttery richness, walnuts or almonds can work well too, giving slightly different but equally delicious textures and flavors to your candied bacon.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar slightly or swap half of the maple syrup for a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to add tangy complexity that balances the sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Since these ingredients are naturally gluten-free, this recipe is safe for gluten intolerance as long as your bacon and maple syrup are certified gluten-free products.
What is the best type of bacon to use?
Thick-cut bacon works best for this Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe because it holds up to the caramelizing process without getting too crunchy or burning quickly.
How spicy will the cayenne pepper make the bacon?
The cayenne is just a gentle background note that enhances flavor and balances sweetness—it won’t make the bacon significantly spicy, so feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves exciting, layered flavors with that perfect crispy-sweet finish. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for breakfasts, snacks, or party treats. Don’t wait to give it a go—you’ll fall in love with every glorious bite!
Print
Candied Bacon with Pecan and Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Candied Bacon Recipe features crispy bacon coated with a sweet and spicy pecan, brown sugar, and maple syrup glaze. The combination of crunchy pecans, warm cayenne heat, and rich maple syrup creates an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or as a savory snack.
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, cut in half cross-wise
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and place a baking rack on top to allow even cooking and fat drainage. Set aside.
- Prepare Pecans and Sugar Mixture: In the bowl of a food processor, add the brown sugar and pecans. Pulse until the pecans are finely chopped. Then add the ground cayenne pepper and pulse a few more times to evenly incorporate the spice.
- Partially Bake Bacon: Arrange the bacon halves on the prepared rack in a single layer, ensuring the slices do not touch. Bake for 5 minutes to render some fat and begin crisping.
- Add Sugar and Pecans: Remove the bacon from the oven and evenly spoon the pecan-brown sugar mixture over each slice of bacon.
- Drizzle Maple Syrup: Drizzle the top of the sugar-coated bacon slices with pure maple syrup for added sweetness and moisture.
- Bake Until Caramelized: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is browned, caramelized, and crispy but not burnt.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the candied bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Let cool to room temperature and serve.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the bacon in the final baking stage to prevent burning from the sugar.
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best chewy, crispy texture.
- The cayenne pepper can be adjusted or omitted depending on your preferred spice level.
- Allow bacon to cool slightly; the sugar coating will harden as it cools, creating a crunchy texture.
- Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
