Grilled Candied Bacon Recipe
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Get you some bacon and make this Candied Bacon. That’s an order.
I’m funny when it comes to discovering a favorite food. Every once in a while I’ll encounter a new favorite at a restaurant and know that I must—MUST I tell ya—recreate it at home so I can have it any time I want. But then I don’t. I dawdle. I avoid. I make excuses. The extra calories aren’t necessary, because if I make it then I’ll certainly eat most of it, and my thighs taunt me, so salad it is. Then finally—like after five years—I get around to making it. Like this Grilled Candied Bacon for example. The first bite hit me like a sugar coated Mack truck that many years ago at Grits and Groceries. I knew it was something that I needed to have as a regular part of my life, but then the bacon craze hit, and since I’m averse to going with the normal course of crazes, except for yoga pants, because yoga pants are always in vogue, and of course, necessary, I made things like chili, and pot pie, and baked potatoes. No, not much in the way of bacon.
That is until a couple of weeks ago when I realized it was okay to explore the bacon and all that it embodied, especially when smothered with brown sugar and a bit of black pepper. And man, it was good. Great even. So we made it again. And then again. Thrice. Ya know, to make up for those five years, and such. So now here we are. Candied Bacon done our way. On the grill. Easy peasy. Bacon+brown sugar+black pepper+a grill (or oven). Goodness abounds, y’all. It does. In bacon form.
Enjoy. I mean, how could you not?
A few candied bacon notes:
- When possible try to use thick cut bacon. I like it. I do. Try it.
- The recipe below is written a bit nontraditional, but I wanted you to be able to easily cook the amount of bacon you’d like to. Maybe you’re up for cooking a whole pound (or three), or maybe just few slices for topping a salad?
- Also, use the ingredient measurements as a guide. If you like things sweet add more sugar, or if spicy foods get you going, add more pepper, or vice versa.
- If cooking in an oven, use a baking rack. The point is for the bacon to not sit in the grease. That’s kind of yucky. But save the grease for another recipe. That’s not yucky at all.
Grilled Candied Bacon Recipe
Grilled Candied Bacon Recipe
bacon+brown sugar+black pepper=goodness
Ingredients
- bacon, sliced (thick cut works great!)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar/slice of bacon
- a few pinches of ground black pepper/slice of bacon
Instructions
- Preheat grill/smoker or oven to 375-degrees F.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and pepper on both sides of each bacon, gently pressing if needed.
- Gently place bacon on grill grate or baking rack* with baking sheet/pan beneath to catch grease. Cook about 7 minutes each side, until crispy but not burnt. (Turn over carefully to keep all goodness on.)
Notes
*If cooking in an oven and you don't have a baking rack, you use a broiler pan. Grease needs to be able to drain off as much as possible.
This recipe is written to be able to cook as much or as little bacon as you'd like. Use the ingredient measurements as a guide. If you like things sweet add more sugar, or if spicy foods get you going, add more pepper, or vice versa.
Sounds like the perfect bacon! I’ve been craving bacon since last night’s episode of HIMYM… if only Ted had seen these in that episode! 🙂
Do you know how much I LOVE bacon? This looks so amazing, Amy. We are for sure a “bacon” family! 🙂
One of my favorite combinations is bacon and mayple syrup… almost more than peanut butter and jelly, and that’s saying a lot. I love how the flavor mend together and make that inrresistable sweet-savory combo. This recipe has taken that love of mine to a new level! The sweet flavor caramelizes around the bacon…. I want this ASAP. Awesome recipe!! 🙂
Two words… I. want.
That is an order I shall accept! WOW, this looks absolutely fantastic!!! I need to make some…as in…I’m debating leaving work to go make some lol!
Brush the bacon with Dijon mustard before sprinkling the brown sugar on. Makes more of a caramel and definitely more gooey!
This is a must make. So excited!
This looks too good! I’ve cooked bacon with brown sugar sprinkled on top but haven’t thought to add the black pepper. Yum!!
I need to make this ASAP!
I am in bacon heaven! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have been making a version of this bacon for a while and it has ruined regular bacon for my family. I make mine on a bakers rack on a cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes (give or take) but the two optional ingredients I add are paprika and cayenne pepper, depending on desired heat. Best bacon EVER!!
Love the spice, Stephanie!
HELLO LOVER!!! Candied bacon is so ridiculously good!
We have made this in my family forever (many generations). I live up with the Yanks in Illinois now, but back home (down south), we used a similar recipe. First lightly drizzle some maple syrup onto the bacon, then add your brown sugar, coarse ground black pepper (and any other seasonings). The maple allows it to stick in place and delivers an extra maply goodness to the candied bacon.
If you are feeling super creative and live in a region where you can get a pan full of fresh clean snow, make some snow candy and eat this on the side. It’s a great wintertime activity for the wee ones as well as a treat to boot.