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Cooking adventures in a small, closet sized, kitchen. - I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.

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Maple Candied Bacon

[heart_this] · Dec 23, 2015 · 89 Comments

Maple Candied Bacon

Crispy maple and brown sugar candied bacon that is the perfect combination of sweet and salty!

Maple candied bacon is the best food ever! It’s crispy, smoky, salty, bacon goodness covered in a crispy and sweet layer of candied maple syrup! What a magical combination of sweet and savoury!
One of my fondest childhood memories is of camping with my dad in boy scouts and for breakfast we often made pancakes and maple syrup with a side of bacon. Quite by accident I discovered that if you pour maple syrup over the bacon as it’s cooking you ended up with a sweet and salty maple-y bacon that was so amazing that it never made it to the plate, I would devour it right from the pan, licking my fingers as I cooked! Yum!
This is the grown up version that is a little less messy to cook and once it’s made you have tasty maple candied bacon treats to snack on whenever you want! That package of bacon you just bought will never make it to the breakfast table again!
I make this maple candied bacon all the time and I enjoy making it to give away as gifts over the holidays! I mean nothing says It’s a Closet Cooking Holiday like maple candied bacon (or maple bacon jam)
This candied bacon is so easy to make! You bake the bacon in the oven, basting it with maple syrup and brown sugar, and as it cooks the bacon gets all nice and crispy and good and the maple syrup and brown sugar melts and caramelizes forming a candied coating around the bacon! The hardest part about making this maple candied bacon will be resisting eating the entire batch just after you pull it out of the oven. My precioussss…
If you are able to resist eating it all right away, store it in a sealed container for up to a week.

Maple Candied Bacon
Sweet and salty!

Maple Candied Bacon
Nice and crispy!

Maple Candied Bacon

Use smoked bacon for smoked candied bacon and smoky goodness!

Maple Candied Bacon

Candied bacon is also known as pig candy

Maple Candied Bacon

Add a pinch of smoked paprika!

Maple Candied Bacon

Maple Candied Bacon
Maple Candied Bacon
Maple Candied Bacon
Maple Candied Bacon
Maple Candied Bacon

Maple Candied Bacon

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 12

Crispy maple and brown sugar candied bacon that is the perfect combination of sweet and salty!

ingredients
  • 1 pound thick cut bacon
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
directions
  1. Place the bacon on a wire rack on a foil lined baking pan, brush the top of the bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle on some brown sugar.
  2. Bake in a preheated 400F/200C oven for 15 minutes, flip the bacon, brush with maple syrup and sprinkle on the brown sugar and bake for another 15 minutes or until it reaches the desired level of crispiness.
Option: Sprinkle on some black pepper or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Option: Replace the maple syrup with honey for honey candied bacon!
Nutrition Facts: Calories 115, Fat 5.3g (Saturated 1.7g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 14mg, Sodium 293mg, Carbs 12g (Fiber 0, Sugars 11.1g), Protein 4.7g

Nutrition by: Nutritional facts powered by Edamam
Similar Recipes:
Candied Orange Peel
Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam
Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Roasted Carrots
Bacon BBQ Chicken Skewers

Appetizer, Bacon, Food, Gluten-free, Low-carb, Recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria says

    December 23, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    My boys would love this! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  2. We Are Not Martha says

    December 23, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    Best gift ever! Seriously, who wouldn't love this?!

    Sues

    Reply
  3. Naomi says

    December 23, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    This looks so good! Candied bacon is a favorite in my home, so it would never make it out of the house for gifting.

    Reply
  4. Heather Christo says

    December 23, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    this looks so good I just made my hubby come look at the picture. I think this has to go on our Xmas morning line up!

    Reply
  5. Maria says

    December 23, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    Josh will go wild for these!

    Reply
  6. daddypedro says

    December 23, 2015 at 11:28 pm

    Maybe a little sriracha whisked with the maple. Just a bit 🙂

    Reply
  7. kevin says

    December 24, 2015 at 1:00 am

    daddypedro: Yes!! I like to sprinkle a little cayenne on it but sriracha is also a great idea!

    Reply
  8. materra says

    December 24, 2015 at 4:49 am

    Stupid question – is this too sticky messy to work as a road trip survival kit?

    Reply
  9. kevin says

    December 24, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    materra: If you cook the bacon until it's crispy the maple syrup and sugar will caramelize and harden rather than remain wet and sticky. Enjoy!

    Reply
  10. Julie Wampler says

    December 28, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    Omg, I would seriously not be able to stop myself if I had an entire batch of these!! They would be so versatile to top on everything, too!

    Reply
  11. kevin says

    December 28, 2015 at 2:59 pm

    Julie Wampler: It is great on top of other things! I have been using it in turkey sandwiches!

    Reply
  12. Krys Stowe says

    February 16, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    I don't have a wire rack. Can I cook it directly on the pan?

    Reply
    • James Hammond says

      November 23, 2020 at 10:50 am

      The wire rack lets “air” circulate around the bacon better and does a better job of crisping the bacon so I would definitely recommend it.

      Reply
    • Stan Quick says

      February 8, 2021 at 2:45 am

      Roll up long strips of foil and lay them across a sheet pan. Lay the bacon to make a grid. The rolls only have to be big enough to keep the bacon off the pan. The foil does not have to be tight rolls.

      Reply
  13. Anonymous says

    April 17, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    I just made this for the first time. It's going in the "keep" pile for sure! Truly delicious. Thank you!

    Lisa

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    September 29, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    How long will these keep?

    Reply
  15. Unknown says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    It looks pretty tasty Kevin. I've made this before, but never ahead of time. Could I make it the night before to take to work in the morning? If so, would it be better kept at room temp or refrigerated?
    Best wishes, Sher

    Reply
  16. kevin says

    October 11, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    Unknown: You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days! Enjoy!

    Reply
  17. Christin Romei says

    October 14, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    I want to make this for a birthday party. Can I make this the night before? How do I store it? Will it still be good if not hot at the party?

    Reply
  18. kevin says

    October 17, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    Christin Romei: You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge overnight. It's great right, from the fridge, room temperature or warmed a bit. Enjoy1

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    October 29, 2016 at 1:01 am

    I love it!

    Reply
  20. melanie mills says

    November 18, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    This will go great with my peanut butter fudge mmmmmmmmmmmmm can taste em now

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    November 27, 2016 at 3:51 am

    Big hit at our Christmas tree day party. Everyone raved. Thanks!

    Reply
  22. Christin Romei says

    December 4, 2016 at 12:06 am

    I keep burning mine. Thinking the timing is too long on this rec

    Reply
    • Deanna says

      June 15, 2019 at 9:12 pm

      Agreed! 30 minutes at 400 degrees sure to burn. I was sad when mine was ruined. It was awful to clean from the wire rack at that point. 🙁

      Reply
  23. Cathy says

    December 4, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    I'm using this for office gifts this year. Using a 8 oz mason jar decorated with ribbon and a bell and putting 8 (half size) pcs of bacon in each jar. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  24. Sylvia Tibbs says

    December 5, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    My first batch is in the oven.Testing it for a Christmas gift. I get to try it first. I can't wait!

    Reply
  25. kevin says

    December 5, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    Christin Romei: Remove the bacon from the oven when it is crispy and before it starts to burn. The bake time will vary depending on the bacon so keep an eye on it near the end.

    Reply
  26. kevin says

    December 5, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    Cathy: What a great way to gift it!

    Reply
  27. kevin says

    December 5, 2016 at 6:59 pm

    Sylvia Tibbs: Enjoy!

    Reply
  28. Mystic Angel says

    December 17, 2016 at 4:35 am

    I'm assuming this has to stay refrigerated?

    Reply
  29. 2cairnterriers says

    December 18, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    so i also wondered about cooking/timing…when i do bacon in the oven, it seems to take forever (yes, at 400°f)…worried about the sugar/syrup burning…can i cook the bacon a little bit first, then brush w/coating? guess i should just experiment. thx!

    Reply
  30. kevin says

    December 18, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    2cairnterriers: The sugar that drips to the bottom of the pan sometimes starts to burn but the sugar on the bacon does not burn before the bacon gets crispy. (I like to line the baking pan with foil for easier cleanup because of this!) Yes, you can cook the bacon a bit first and then add the sugar! Enjoy!

    Reply
  31. kevin says

    December 20, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Mystic Angel: That is correct!

    Reply
  32. Sumi says

    January 1, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    What about a toaster oven? I find it cooks faster than normal ovens and really do not want to burn it. :c

    Reply
  33. kevin says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    Sumi: I have not tried in a toaster oven; I would keep an eye on it and it it looks like it is going to burn, loosely place some foil on top to prevent it from burning. Enjoy!

    Reply
  34. Tanya Lowry says

    January 22, 2017 at 2:56 am

    This was the best thing I have ever tasted!! We burned our mouths causes we could not wait long enough for it to cool all the way. Only thing I have to say is really watch it closely during the last 15 mins of cooking cause it goes from crispy perfection to a burnt mess really quickly. Also I found out you cannot crowd the bacon on the pan if pieces over lap they don't cook all they way.

    Reply
  35. Rachael says

    April 29, 2017 at 12:01 am

    I LOVE this recipe. I changed things up this year for Valentine's Day and made my boyfriend a bouquet of bacon roses using this recipe. It was a huge hit!! I'm also planning on using this recipe for some candied bacon chocolate chip cookies ��

    Reply
    • Toni says

      September 1, 2019 at 9:23 am

      How do you make “bacon roses”? I would love to see a photo of that.

      Reply
  36. Unknown says

    July 24, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    Is it pure maple syrup you use?

    Reply
  37. kevin says

    July 25, 2017 at 9:26 pm

    Unknown: Yes, pure maple syrup.

    Reply
  38. Anonymous says

    August 7, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    Followed your recipe to a tee. Had to add a little time to try to achieve crispness as pictured. Never got that. Enjoyed and all eaten at brunch that it was cooked and served for. It smoked up my kitchen something terrible from the maple syrup that dripped onto the foil lined pan.
    I think next time I will just buy maple flavored bacon and call it a day.

    Reply
  39. Ashley Bourgeois says

    October 26, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    Any tips for not getting the bacon to stick to the wire rack? Mine always likes to be stubborn

    Reply
    • Esther Lord says

      July 13, 2021 at 8:22 pm

      I started with a non stick pan and I sprayed mine with Bakers Joy. Hope this helps 😉✌

      Reply
  40. Anonymous says

    November 5, 2017 at 6:29 pm

    we loved this one

    Reply
  41. Daniel Warren says

    November 29, 2017 at 11:43 am

    If I had words, to make a day for you…

    Reply
  42. Anonymous says

    December 2, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    I thought you said it was good at room temp. maybe put in the fridge over night then can be left out on a buffet

    Reply
  43. Unknown says

    December 9, 2017 at 5:28 pm

    Nitrate free bacon, organic maple syrup, organic brown sugar…sounds healthy enough to me LOL Yum

    Reply
  44. Dan P says

    December 13, 2017 at 8:00 pm

    BLT gotta try it

    Reply
  45. Brian Coburn says

    December 16, 2017 at 7:47 pm

    If I make these ahead of time, how do you suggest I reheat it for serving?

    Reply
  46. kevin says

    December 17, 2017 at 4:26 am

    Brian Coburn: I like it warmed up or at room temp! Enjoy!

    Reply
  47. Unknown says

    December 21, 2017 at 12:45 am

    OK, I made it, wrapped it in cello bags, now does it have to sore in the frig or counter top???

    Reply
  48. Donna J. Messner says

    December 24, 2017 at 3:34 am

    Hi Kevin,
    Update on my attempt at making these. My bacon was suppose to be thick. How thick was the kind you used?
    It wasn't thick and had to make two batches. What kind of bacon did you use? It was good but they didn't stand up like yours. Was afraid I would burn them. Was limpy. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  49. kevin says

    December 24, 2017 at 12:53 pm

    Unknown: Store it in the fridge.

    Reply
  50. Paula Richard says

    March 8, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    This stuff is addictive. Good on EVERYTHING!

    Reply
  51. Carolina says

    August 16, 2018 at 6:03 pm

    This may be dumb to ask but can you use turkey bacon?

    Reply
    • kevin says

      August 17, 2018 at 10:01 am

      I have not tried with turkey bacon; I will need to try it some time soon!

      Reply
  52. Jamie Mullendore says

    October 16, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    I just made this for cupcake toppers and it is wonderful! Only thing is you might want to check your nutritional info. One slice of bacon doesn’t have 47 grams of protein, lol. One strip of bacon is between 3 grams. Thnks for the recipe! I’ll be back. 🙂

    Reply
    • Unknown says

      May 12, 2019 at 8:29 am

      4.7, not 47

      Reply
  53. Colette Leyva says

    November 25, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    I’m making this for appetizers before a delayed-Thanksgiving dinner! What do I put he bacon on when I take it out of the oven? Leave on the rack to cool or put on a dish or ??? Thank you! Can’t wait! 🥓

    Reply
    • kevin says

      November 26, 2018 at 9:01 am

      Leave them on the rack to cool; enjoy!

      Reply
      • Marti says

        June 20, 2022 at 11:51 pm

        Can this be made 2-3 days in advance? If yes, what’s the best way to store it?

        Reply
        • kevin says

          June 27, 2022 at 10:52 am

          You can! Store it in the fridge.

          Reply
  54. BethAnn Roshetko says

    January 20, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    This recipe sounds delicious! I know you answered the question several time “can it be made ahead”. Your response was server room temp or heated/warmed. How?!! Low oven?? I am afraid to overcook the bacon and burn the yumminess of the maple syrup and brown sugar. (plan to make with my husband’s house-made maple syrup from our trees!) Thank you!

    Reply
  55. Michelle says

    December 14, 2020 at 3:56 pm

    How to best store so they don’t get moist…
    I made them and am going to send for Christmas gifts…
    Thanks!

    Reply
  56. Pissed says

    December 31, 2020 at 1:14 pm

    15 minutes is wayyyyy too long for this cook time. I burnt everything to a blackened crisp and nothing was salvageable at all.

    Reply
  57. Tammy says

    December 3, 2021 at 6:28 pm

    break into pieces and place one on top a deviled egg half. YUM

    Reply
  58. Shelly says

    January 10, 2022 at 10:29 pm

    Delicious, I did sub out the black pepper for cayenne. Seemed the right thing to do . May add some smoked paprika next time too.

    Reply
  59. Sue W says

    February 13, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    Do you think you could make this with pork belly strips or would it not crisp up enough?

    Reply
    • kevin says

      February 14, 2022 at 10:45 am

      I have not tried this with pork belly strips… I am now curious to see how it would work!

      Reply
  60. Heidi says

    June 13, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    I’m not a fan of maple. I see you suggested honey. Have you made it with honey with same outcome?

    Reply
    • kevin says

      June 20, 2022 at 7:55 am

      Yes! Honey works well on this!

      Reply
  61. Jennifer says

    October 29, 2022 at 11:55 am

    hey there, I’m not sure if you’ll get this in time but I’m making this for a party tonight super excited but I have to do it in three separate batches because I only have one wire rack and I’m doing 3 lb.. how far in advance can I make it party is at 7:00

    Reply
    • kevin says

      October 31, 2022 at 9:33 am

      This is best the fresher it is. You can make it a few hours ahead of time or a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

      Reply
  62. Anne says

    November 21, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    This recipe looks mouthwatering! My family is big on bacon, and I think this would be the perfect treat, snack, or breath this item. It also could go as a side dish for a meal. I’ll have to make this! I never made bacon in oven as it easier than frying that up on the skillet? Also do you have any tips for making your bacon straighter. Mine always curls up and I can never get the perfect slice. Thank you for this fantastic recipe and i hope you have a fantastic day!

    Reply

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