Follow these steps to make sweet and savory bacon with a perfectly caramelized, sticky brown sugar coating using the oven baking method.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound thick cut bacon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place a wire cooling rack on top of the prepared baking sheet. This allows fat to drip away, helping the bacon crisp.
Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Do not overlap the strips.
In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix these dry ingredients well.
Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top side of the bacon strips. Press the sugar lightly so it adheres.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, flip each bacon strip over.
Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture over the second side of the bacon strips. Press lightly.
Return the bacon to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the glaze is deeply caramelized and the bacon reaches your desired crispness. Watch closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Remove the bacon from the oven and immediately transfer the strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
Let the bacon cool for 5 minutes before serving; the glaze will firm up as it cools.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar.
If you prefer chewier bacon, reduce the total cooking time by 5 to 7 minutes.
This bacon works well crumbled over salads or served alongside eggs for breakfast.