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Million Dollar Bacon

This sweet and spicy candied bacon also known as Million Dollar Bacon is sure to up your breakfast game! It is just as easy to make as regular bacon so don’t let the fancy name hold you back.

Million dollar bacon on a white plate next to scrambled eggs

What is Million Dollar Bacon?

This Million Dollar Bacon is a First Watch recipe copycat. Million dollar bacon in candied bacon that is also spicy. It is candied with a mixture of brown sugar and spices then topped with a maple syrup drizzle.

Serve this bacon in place of regular bacon along with your favorite breakfast recipes. Make this delicious bacon with just a few ingredients:

  • thick cut bacon- don’t use regular sliced bacon
  • brown sugar
  • cayenne pepper
  • black pepper
  • maple syrup- use real maple syrup for the best flavor

You will also need a large baking sheet and aluminum foil to line the pan.

How to Make Candied Bacon

To start, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Then, line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make for easy clean up but also keeps the brown sugar from cooking to your pan which is very difficult to get off.

Next, place bacon strips on baking sheet leaving a little bit of space between each piece. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Spread the brown sugar mixture over each piece of bacon and rub into each slice.

Bake bacon in preheated oven for 18-25 minutes or until cooked to your desired crispiness. The more space between each piece of bacon the faster this will cook. Remove bacon from baking sheet and place on a plate or platter. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

bacon on a sheet pan with brown sugar mixture on top ready to be baked

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store candied bacon?

Store million dollar bacon leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat either microwave for 15 seconds at a time until warm or heat in the oven at 400 degrees until warm. Leftover candied bacon can also be eaten cold if desired.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Of course! Up the amount of cayenne pepper used or sprinkle with red pepper flakes after baking.

Can candied bacon be made ahead of time?

I would recommend making it within an hour of serving it. Candied bacon is best warm but can also be served at room temperature. I would not recommend making it and refrigerating it then reheating before serving.

Is million dollar bacon gluten free?

This recipe as written is gluten free as well as dairy free.

Should I use a rack to cook the bacon?

No rack is needed for this recipe. You will want the bacon on the tray so as the brown sugar melts it can stick to the sides of the bacon and get underneath it. If you use a rack a lot of the sugar and spices will melt off the bacon and fall underneath to the tray and you’ll lose a lot of the flavor.

Million dollar bacon on a white plate next to scrambled eggs

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Looking for more breakfast recipes? Try our Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Acai Bowl, Easy French Toast Casserole, Simple White Chocolate Blackberry Scones, Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal, Almond Flour Blackberry Muffins, Bacon Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Muffins.

Million dollar bacon on a white plate next to scrambled eggs

Million Dollar Bacon

Yield: 8-12 slices
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This sweet and spicy candied bacon also known as Million Dollar Bacon is sure to up your breakfast game! It is just as easy to make as regular bacon so don't let the fancy name hold you back.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound thick cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  3. Place bacon strips on baking sheet leaving a little bit of space between each piece.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper and black pepper.
  5. Spread the brown sugar mixture over each piece of bacon and rub into each slice.
  6. Bake bacon in preheated oven for 18-25 minutes or until cooked to your desired crispiness. The more space between each piece of bacon the faster this will cook.
  7. Remove bacon from baking sheet and place on a plate or platter. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Notes

If making a double batch use two baking sheets to spread out the bacon.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 slice of bacon
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 196Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 638mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 13g

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