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Bacon has carved out an undeniable niche in the culinary world, transcending its traditional role as a breakfast staple to become a sought-after ingredient in a myriad of dishes. From gourmet burgers to savory desserts, bacon’s rich and salty profile appeals to food lovers everywhere. In recent years, the trend has shifted toward creative and innovative bacon recipes that push the boundaries of flavor. One such delightful creation is sweet and spicy candied bacon—a dish that masterfully balances the savory essence of bacon with a sweet and spicy glaze.

Sweet & Spicy Candied Bacon – The Best Snack Ever!

Discover the irresistible taste of sweet and spicy candied bacon, a culinary delight that blends rich, savory bacon with a deliciously sweet and spicy glaze. This recipe features thick-cut bacon coated in a luscious mixture of brown sugar, honey, and cayenne pepper, resulting in a flavor explosion. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or topping for salads, this treat will elevate any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet mouthwatering dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound thick-cut bacon

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.

    Prepare the Bacon: Lay the thick-cut bacon strips on the wire rack, making sure they're not overlapping. This allows the bacon to cook evenly and stay crispy.

      Make the Glaze: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until the mixture becomes a thick, paste-like consistency.

        Coat the Bacon: Using a cooking brush or your hands, generously coat each strip of bacon with the sweet and spicy glaze. Ensure both sides are adequately covered for maximum flavor.

          Bake the Bacon: Place the baking sheet with the glazed bacon in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.

            Cool and Serve: Once done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the candied bacon cool on the wire rack for about 5–10 minutes. The glaze will harden as it cools. After it’s set, you can cut the bacon into smaller pieces if desired.

              Enjoy: Serve your sweet and spicy candied bacon as a snack, appetizer, or topping for salads and burgers – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8