Maple Brown Sugar Bacon has the perfect combination of sweet, savory, crispy and spicy. Easy to make and seriously delicious, this nutty and candied bacon is the most addictive appetizer, snack or brunch!
Whether you call it maple brown sugar bacon, praline bacon, caramelized bacon, bacon crack, pig candy or nutty candied bacon – the truth is, this bacon recipe is beyond delicious!
Just when you thought bacon couldn’t possibly get any better, we top it with a mixture of chopped pecans and pistachios tossed in brown sugar and maple syrup seasoned with fresh rosemary and cayenne pepper. This delicious mixture of sweet, salty and crunchy takes baked bacon to the next level. The glorious level!
Maple Brown Sugar Maple Ingredients
Although this recipe calls for a combination of pecans and pistachios, you can use only one type of nuts. Walnuts are also a great option.
- Bacon – I use thick-cut bacon.
- Brown Sugar – I use light brown sugar.
- Maple Syrup – I use pure maple syrup.
- Pecans – You can use whole or chopped pecans. You can use raw or roasted pecans.
- Pistachios – I get shelled whole pistachios.
- Rosemary – I use fresh rosemary for this bacon recipe.
- Cayenne Pepper – You can omit it if you prefer.
- Salt – I use sea salt or kosher salt but use what you have at home.
How To Make Brown Sugar Bacon
Only six ingredients, 30 minutes and a few simple steps to candied bacon heaven!
Make the Topping:
- Place the pecans, pistachios, brown sugar, rosemary, cayenne pepper and salt in a food processor. Add the maple syrup and process until the nuts are finely ground and the mixture resembles coarse wet sand.
The Bacon:
- Place the bacon on the top of a baking rack.
- Top the bacon with the brown sugar-nut mixture.
- Bake until the topping is golden brown.
What To Do If You Like Your Bacon Well Done?
- In this recipe, the bacon gets crispy, however if you like your bacon well done (my husband likes bacon overly crispy), then cooked the bacon for 6 -8 minutes before adding the topping. Remove the bacon from the oven and top with the brown sugar mixture. Follow the recipe as written.
What is Pig Candy?
- Pig candy is made by glazing thick cut bacon with a sugary mixture, nuts and ground cayenne. Brown sugar, caramel or maple syrup can be used. Sometimes pig candy gets dipped in chocolate.
What is Candied Bacon?
- Candied bacon is simply crispy bacon that has been coated or glazed in a sugar mixture.
Should Brown Sugar Bacon Be Served Hot or Cold?
- Serving this praline bacon hot or cold, comes down to personal preference. I must admit I enjoy this simple bacon dish better served hot or warm.
Can Brown Sugar Bacon Be Made Ahead?
- You can cut the bacon and make the topping a day ahead. Bake when ready to serve.
- You can also place the bacon on a baking rack, top it with the brown sugar mixture and refrigerate it for up to 2 – 3 hours.
Maple Brown Sugar Bacon Recipe Tips
- Baking the candied bacon on a wire rack is a must. Due to the sugar in the ingredients, keeping the bacon elevated (not directly on the baking sheet) prevents the sugar from burning when it melts.
- Line the baking sheet pan with aluminum foil. The caramelized sugar is a bit hard to clean otherwise.
- Use thick cut bacon for this recipe.
- Check my recipe for cooking bacon restaurant style – the way the pros do it Bacon In The Oven.
- This recipe is gluten free.
CHECK THESE OTHER BACON RECIPES:
- Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp (Air fryer and oven)
Maple Brown Sugar Bacon
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped or whole
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped or whole
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons pure Maple syrup
- 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon cut in half crosswise
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire baking rack on top.
- In a food processor combine the brown sugar, nuts, salt, rosemary and cayenne and process until the nuts are finely ground. Add the maple syrup and process to moisten the mixture. It will resemble coarse wet sand.
- Place the bacon pieces on the baking rack. They should be about an inch apart form each other (you don’t want the bacon to touch). With a small spoon spread the nut/sugar mixture evenly on top of each piece of bacon.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is nicely brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes (it is hot, very hot) before transferring to a paper towel lined plate. Transfer to a serving plate and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use 1/2 cup of any pecans if you don’t want to use pistachios.
- Nutrition facts are an estimate and will vary depending on the brand of ingredients used.
- Inspired by a recipe by Ina Garten
Nutrition
This recipe has been updated with new photos and video. Original post was published on 2017
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