Sweet & Spicy Candied Bacon

This one is a simple one, but it’s a favorite. An excellent indulgent snack, topping, or addition to your baked deliciousness, candied bacon is always a hit.

I prefer to use my thinner cuts of bacon for this, because the fat tends to be easier to render evenly, providing a perfect texture. Though thick cut bacon will do just fine.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. place a wire cooking rack in a rimmed baking sheet, and lay 6 strips of bacon across the rack.

Mix together:

• 2 TBSP brown sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt (less if the bacon you’re using is saltier than some)

• 1/4 tsp chili powder

• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Drizzle a thin line of maple syrup down the middle of each strip, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on top. evenly dividing it between all 6 strips.

Bake for 10-20 minutes, checking often. The cook time highly depends on the thickness of the bacon and how crunchy you prefer it. I prefer mine juuuuuust on the edge of burning for maximum crunch. But be aware that the sugar makes this one easily burnable, so keep a close eye on it. It goes from Golden Brown Delicious to charcoal in a moment.

Once cool, store in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.