Name: Dr. Pepper Candied Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 LB Bacon (Thick Cut); 1 C Dr. Pepper (8 fluid oz); 1/2 C Brown Sugar (light or dark); 2 TBSP Maple Syrup; 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (ground); Black Pepper (to garnish); 1 TBSP Cornstarch (+1 TBSP water for thickening slurry)

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If you’ve never had candied bacon, buckle up because you’re about to meet your new obsession. This isn’t just any candied bacon—we’re talking Dr. Pepper candied bacon. Sweet, savory, a little spicy, and totally addictive. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you’re craving something epic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Package of sliced bacon on a wooden surface, surrounded by a can of Dr Pepper, a small bowl of red liquid, a cup of brown sugar, and a container with seasoning. A rustic wooden background completes the setup.

Unbeatable Flavor: The caramelized Dr. Pepper glaze gives the bacon a sweet, slightly spiced kick that’s out of this world.
Simple to Make: You don’t need any fancy gadgets. Just a few basic ingredients and your oven.
Total Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it with breakfast or as a snack, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

1 lb thick-cut bacon
1 cup Dr. Pepper (about 8 ounces)
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark works fine)
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Black pepper (optional, for garnish)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening the glaze)

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How to Make It

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil (hello, easy cleanup!) and place a wire rack on top. Lay your bacon strips out in a single layer—no overlapping. They need their space to get crispy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dr. Pepper Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Stir it all together and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You want it to reduce by half and get a little syrupy.

A metal spoon scooping caramelized sugar from a frying pan. The sugar mixture is brown and bubbling, with a glossy appearance. The spoon reflects some light, adding a golden hue to the scene.

Now, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir that into your simmering glaze and cook for another minute or two. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake

Brush the glaze generously over one side of the bacon strips. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for that deep amber, glossy perfection. If it starts to char, pull it out ASAP.

Slices of uncooked bacon arranged on a wire rack, coated with a glossy brown marinade, placed over foil-lined baking sheets. The background features a wooden surface.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

While the bacon’s still warm, sprinkle on some freshly cracked black pepper if you’re feeling fancy. Let it cool on the rack for a few minutes so the glaze can set. Then, try not to eat it all at once. (No judgment though.)

Tips for the Best Candied Bacon

Go Thick: Thick-cut bacon holds up best to the glaze and delivers the perfect balance of crispy and chewy.
Don’t Walk Away: Candied bacon can go from perfect to burnt in a blink. Start checking it at the 20-minute mark.
Customize the Heat: Not into spicy? Skip the cayenne. Want a little more kick? Add an extra pinch.

Slices of bacon coated in a brown glaze are arranged on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet, placed inside an oven.

Serving Ideas

This Dr. Pepper candied bacon is good with just about everything. A few ideas to get you started:

Breakfast Upgrade: Pair it with eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet and salty combo.
Appetizer Win: Add it to a charcuterie board or wrap it around little smokies for a killer party snack.
Dessert Twist: Crumble it over ice cream or use it to top brownies for a wild sweet-and-savory dessert.

Close-up of crispy, glazed bacon strips resting on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking tray. The bacon is evenly spaced, with a shiny texture, indicating a sweet or savory coating.

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Storing Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

If you somehow manage to save some, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it on a wire rack in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to get it crispy again.

Final Thoughts

That’s it—Dr. Pepper candied bacon, your new favorite recipe. It’s sticky, sweet, a little spicy, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just for yourself (no shame), it’s always a hit. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!

Five strips of crispy candied bacon on a blue and white plate, placed on a wooden surface. A can of Dr Pepper is visible in the background.

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