This incredibly easy, absolutely delicious Baked Brown Sugar Candied Bacon is a recipe you’ll soon become obsessed with! It’s the perfect snack for the holiday season – with the perfect combination of sweet and salty goodness.

This salty snack is a must-have for a holiday gathering, a fancy Sunday brunch, or simply just a delicious treat for yourself!

I’ve heard this snack called SO many different names—pig candy, millionaire’s bacon, man candy, cowboy candy, million-dollar bacon, the list goes on!! No matter what you call it, one thing is for sure: it’s absolutely delicious and downright addictive!

Why I Love This Recipe

This dish is a go-to for me for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly easy to make— can you believe you only need 3 ingredients for this snack?! You read that right, all you need are a few simple ingredients; bacon slices, light brown sugar, and black pepper, that’s it! However, I’ve seen this recipe enhanced with flavors like chili powder, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, bourbon, and more. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started on this delicious recipe:

1 package of center-cut bacon (no sugar added for a healthier option)
Light brown sugar
Fresh cracked black pepper

How to Make Baked Brown Sugar Candied Bacon

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a metal cooling rack on top of the foil. If your rack is not non-stick, lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Lay the bacon slices side by side on the rack in a single layer.
Sprinkle each slice of bacon with freshly cracked black pepper.
Generously sprinkle the light brown sugar over each slice of bacon.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Enjoy the bacon warm, or crumble it over a salad for added flavor!

Best Way to Eat Brown Sugar Candied Bacon

This sweet and salty bacon pairs beautifully with so many dishes! You can serve it as a snack all on its own, crumble it over salads for added crunch, include it in a charcuterie board, or as a topping for a bloody Mary. My personal favorite way to enjoy this snack is by using it on top of a salad, such as my Italian Chopped Salad!

Tips for the Best Results

Let the bacon cool on the rack. Though it may be tempting to eat the bacon right out of the oven, allowing it to cool slightly first will help the sugar harden and keep the bacon crispy.
Use a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup, as the sugar can get a little messy.
Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your bacon, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning the sugar.

More Bacon Recipes!

FAQs

You can use any type of bacon you like! Thick-cut bacon works well for more of a chewy texture, while regular bacon is great for crispier strips of bacon.

Leftover candied bacon is fantastic! Crumble it into salads, use it in sandwiches, or even add it on top of your favorite desserts.

Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste. You can also experiment with using maple syrup for a different flavor profile!

Place the bacon strips in an airtight container and store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and enjoy crispy bacon again, simply pop it in the oven for a few minutes!

I hope you absolutely love this recipe! It makes the perfect addition atop salads, as a snack on its own, or as a garnish for cocktails—the best part is its versatility! I hope this baked brown sugar candied bacon becomes a staple in your kitchen. If you try this easy candied bacon recipe, I’d love to hear all about it.

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you loved this post, I would so appreciate you rating it below and/or leaving a comment! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more recipes, twin mom and healthy lifestyle content!