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This recipe is inspired by my good friend Tone from TFTI.BBQ. There’s a good chance you already follow him on social media – but if not, check out the inspiration video for this recipe on Instagram.
If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, you’re going to love this recipe for spicy candied bacon. This delightful treat combines the crispy texture of bacon with a sweet and spicy glaze that’s perfect for snacking, breakfast, or adding a surprising twist to your favorite dishes. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
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Let’s Prep
Before we get into cooking, let’s gather our ingredients and get everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need for this spicy candied bacon:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
To start, preheat your smoker (or oven) to 350°F. While preheating, if you’re using your oven to cook, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows the bacon to cook evenly and the excess fat to drip away, ensuring your candied bacon becomes perfectly crispy.
Next, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well until you have a smooth, thick glaze. The combination of sweet brown sugar and spicy cayenne will give the bacon an irresistible flavor that balances perfectly between sweet and heat.
Let’s Cook
With your glaze ready and your smoker (or oven) preheated, it’s time to start cooking the bacon. Lay the bacon slices out in a single layer on the wire rack. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each slice of bacon with the spicy glaze, making sure to cover both sides. The glaze will caramelize as it cooks, creating that delicious candied effect.
Place the soon-to-be candied bacon in the preheated smoker (or oven) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn’t burn – you’re looking for a deep, caramelized color.
As the bacon cooks, your kitchen or patio will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sweet and spicy goodness. The brown sugar and maple syrup will melt and caramelize, creating a sticky, delicious coating on the bacon, while the spices add a kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
Let’s Eat
Once your bacon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the smoker (or oven) and let it cool slightly on the wire rack. The glaze will harden as it cools, giving the bacon a lovely candied texture. Be patient – it’s worth the wait!
Spicy candied bacon is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it as a stand-alone snack or appetizer at your next gathering – it’s sure to be a hit. It also makes a fantastic addition to breakfast or brunch, pairing wonderfully with eggs, pancakes, or waffles.
For a fun twist, try crumbling the candied bacon over a fresh salad, adding it to a burger for an extra layer of flavor, or even using it as a topping for baked potatoes or mac and cheese. The possibilities are endless, and the combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors will enhance any dish.
For a unique dessert, you can even dip pieces of the candied bacon in dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt. The contrast between the smoky, spicy bacon and the rich, slightly bitter chocolate is out of this world. Additionally, you can chop the candied bacon and incorporate it into cookie or brownie batter for a surprising and delightful twist. The rich, caramelized sweetness of the candied bacon, combined with the smoky heat from the spices, creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Each piece of bacon is crispy, sticky, and bursting with flavor, making it a truly addictive treat.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb Bacon Thick cut
- 1/3 C Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 400F
- In a bowl, mix Brown Sugar, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper flakes, mix well
- Lay out bacon on wire rack and liberally sprinkle on seasoning mix
- Add a thin layer of hot honey on each slice of bacon
- Slice jalapenos and add 4-5 slices to each slice of bacon
- Place in smoker or oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bacon is an amber color, but not burnt.
- Remove and rest for 10 minutes before serving
