1 lb. package bacon (My favorite is the Oscar Mayer Maple Bacon, but I’ll buy off brand and this still turns out great!)
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil.
Spread your bacon evenly on the pan. Bacon shrinks quite a bit so it’s okay to overlap the pieces a little. (Sometimes I don’t need to use the full package before my pan is full, so save the remaining pieces to use later).
Sprinkle half the black pepper and half the brown sugar over the bacon.
Place the bacon in the pre-heated oven and set the timer for 13-15 mins.
After 15 mins the bacon should be halfway cooked. Take out of the oven and using tongs or a fork, flip each piece of bacon over.
Sprinkle the remaining black pepper and brown sugar over the other side of the bacon.
Now for the Maple Syrup! Pour the maple syrup evenly over the partially cooked bacon. Put back in the oven for 10-15 mins.
Depending on the thickness of your bacon, it will take longer to cook. Keep an eye on the bacon at this point because it can easily burn!
Before it gets too crisp, take out of the oven. Immediately transfer the bacon to a plate to remove from the grease.
I prefer a nice crisp to my bacon, and that’s what makes this bacon so satisfying as the sugars caramelize. Don’t undercook or overcook the bacon or you’ll be disappointed!
Eat immediately or save for breakfast dishes, soups, appetizers or really anything because, well... it’s BACON!
I use this candied bacon in several of my recipes. It's usually pretty rare for me to not have some made up and ready to use for salads, soups, or a garnish for dinner tonight!