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Snacks

Easy Root Beer Candied Bacon Recipe

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If you’ve never had root beer candied bacon before, buckle up—this might just change the way you look at bacon forever. This recipe brings together the rich, smoky flavor of the bacon with a sticky, caramelized glaze made from one of my favorite childhood drinks.

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It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and savory—all in one decadent treat that’ll make you want to eat the whole batch in a single day. This recipe is inspired by the hundreds of people that commented in my Dr. Pepper Candied Bacon and Coca Cola Candied Bacon recipes that you wanted to see this one!

A bottle of A&W Root Beer lies on its side next to a green measuring cup filled with brown sugar. In front are small containers with red liquid, a spice blend, black pepper, and another dark spice on a wooden surface.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This root beer candied bacon recipe uses a homemade glaze that starts with classic soda shop vibes thanks to the root beer. Each slice of bacon crisps up beautifully on a wire rack while the syrupy glaze transforms into candy on top of the rack. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for a holiday treat, brunch spread, or even tailgating with a bourbon pair.

Root Beer Candied Bacon Ingredients / Tools

  • 1 lb thick cut bacon slices
  • 1 cup root beer
  • ½ cup brown sugar (light brown sugar, or dark)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Wire rack
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper
  • Small bowl for glazing
A red spatula stirs a dark brown sauce with floating sesame seeds in a nonstick frying pan on a stovetop.

Instructions

Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Lay out the bacon strips on a wire rack in a single layer—make sure none of the pieces of bacon overlap. This step is key for getting that crispy, caramelized finish across every slice of bacon.

Strips of uncooked bacon lined up on a foil-covered baking sheet, ready for cooking. The bacon shows distinct layers of pink meat and white fat.

Cooking:
In a small pan over medium heat, combine root beer and brown sugar. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until it reduces into a thin syrup. Stir in the maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper once the root beer syrup coats the back of a spoon, or just mix it all in as it’s cooking.

Close-up of raw ribs covered in a rich barbecue sauce, placed on a foil-lined surface. The ribs appear well-seasoned and ready for cooking. The sauce glistens under the light, enhancing the texture and color of the meat.

Using a brush or spoon, glaze each side of the bacon with the warm root beer mixture. Don’t skimp—make sure each piece is fully coated. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the bacon is dark amber, but not burned. We want the root beer candied bacon to have a sweet, smokey flavor, not burnt!

Strips of root beer candied bacon lined up on a foil-covered baking tray in an oven, with the bacon glistening as it cooks.

Let the root beer candied bacon cool completely on the rack before serving. As it cools, the glaze will firm up and create that irresistible candy-like texture. It might be hard to wait, but trust me—the bacon cool time is worth it.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

I love serving root beer candied bacon alongside a root beer float for the ultimate nostalgic combo.
Or chop it up and sprinkle over ice cream, waffles, or even baked sweet potatoes.
It also pairs beautifully with a bourbon cocktail for a next-level brunch recipe or beer-candied bacon board.

Close-up of three crispy, caramelized bacon strips on a bright blue plate, showcasing a glossy, slightly glazed surface with a hint of pepper and spices. The bacon appears freshly cooked and appetizing.

Recipe Notes & Pro Tips

  • Always use a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet for the best texture—this lets the bacon cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
  • Make sure your glaze has reduced enough into a thin syrup before brushing, or it won’t stick to the side of the bacon as well.
  • And let the bacon strips cool completely before moving them—this is when the real magic happens.

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Variations

If you want a smoky kick, try using smoked maple syrup in the glaze for even more depth.
For a fiery version, double the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder to the small bowl of glaze.
Feeling adventurous? Try substituting part of the root beer with Dr Pepper or cola for a twist on the classic soda shop flavor.

You can also use this glaze on different cuts like pork belly or even turkey bacon if you’re feeling wild.
And if you’re making this for a crowd, double the recipe—but still bake in a single layer so the slices of bacon crisp up perfectly. Store any leftovers (if that ever happens) in an airtight container, but honestly, this stuff rarely lasts more than a single day.

Crispy candied bacon strips arranged on a vibrant blue and white plate, with an A&W root beer bottle lying nearby on a wooden surface. The bacon appears glazed and caramelized, contrasting with the rustic background.

Other Recipes You’ll Love:

Four strips of candied bacon are neatly arranged on a blue and white plate. In the background, theres a bottle of A&W root beer lying on its side on a wooden surface.

Root Beer Candied Bacon

Bacon Made Better!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 246kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 LB Bacon Thick Cut
  • 1 C Root Beer
  • 1/2 C Brown Sugar
  • 1 TBSP Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne optional, but recommended

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375F
  • Prepare bacon by removing from packaging, and place side-by-side on a wire rack. Make sure the bacon doesn't overlap at all. Set aside
  • In a small pan over medium heat, combine the root beer and brown sugar – bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. When done it'll be syrupy and will coat the back of a spoon. At this point, stir in maple syrup, black pepper and cayenne.
  • Brush each strip of bacon with the root beer glaze so that the bacon is covered.
  • Place bacon in oven for 15-20 minutes until a dark amber brown, but not charring at all. Remove from oven and let cool on the rack. It'll firm and crisp up at this time as the bacon cools and the sugars crystalize.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 110mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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