Sweet, spicy, salty…..this is bacon like you’ve never tasted before.  Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon, also known as Millionaire’s Bacon, is a decadent treat you won’t be able to put down. Hands down, the best bacon ever with it’s crispy, sweet and slightly spicy coating…it’s a wonderful surprise at any dinner party and makes a great holiday gift.

Sweet and Spicy candied bacon in a mason jar with charcuterie tray.

 

Note: This post was originally published on December 7, 2015 and updated with improved recipe and photos on November 20, 2018.

It’s no secret that I love pork products…especially bacon.  We eat bacon almost everyday here…besides coffee, it’s the only way to start the day…in my opinion (see above disclaimer). Ham comes in at a close second with eggs, bagels and pancakes a very distant tie for third place.

I can find just about any occasion to add bacon to the menu for any meal….breakfast, lunch, dinner and now snacks….this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon recipe is on repeat most of the month.

Sweet and spicy candied bacon on a charcuterie tray.

A few years go I visited the bacon capital of the world in Smithfield, Virginia, I was immediately sucked into the small town vibe.  Imagine all the movies you’ve ever seen in your life that have a “Main Street, USA” feel (Helloooooo Hallmark Channel Christmas movies!!!)…..then infuse with the smell of bacon and a hint of salty air….that’s Smithfield.

Everything about this town is quaint, quiet and totally where you would want to raise your gaggle of children.  I decided to take a historic walking tour of the town and learned about how the town was founded, the dirty little secrets hidden behind all the gorgeous homes (lots of gossip back in the day….lucky for them, social media didn’t exist!) and how the waterfront location helped to shape the industry allowing the town to become what it is today.  I was moving here….totally…I found a house, looked it up and sent it to my husband.

Smithfield Foods Tour | The Suburban Soapbox

 

Let’s get to the bacon…because that’s why you’re all here.  I always wanted to try my hand at candied bacon, I saw it on a travel show or the Food Network once and have been dreaming of it ever since.  The version I saw was spicy, sweet and salty.  My idea of the perfect food.

It turns out…it’s sooooo easy to make, you just need to make sure you use a thick cut bacon.  The thicker cut will take longer to cook giving the sugar time to melt down and caramelize before the bacon burns.

What is Millionaire’s Bacon?

Millionaire’s Bacon is a sweet and spicy caramelized bacon that originated at San Francisco’s Sweet Maple restaurant. Coated in a brown sugar/cayenne pepper coating before being baked, this sweet and spicy treat is a fabulous addition to any party.

Close up of sweet and spicy candied bacon in a mason jar.

How do you make Spicy Candied Bacon?

Making this easy sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon is so easy to do, simply follow these steps for pure bacon nirvana:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place a wire rack on a foil lined baking sheet. Arrange the bacon on the wire rack and sprinkle with the cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper and black pepper. Lightly pat the brown sugar on top of the bacon to create a thin layer.
  3. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the brown sugar has melted and the bacon is crisp.
  4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
  5. Using tongs, transfer the bacon to a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to cool to room temperature.
  6. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Overhead shot of sweet and spicy candied bacon.

 

 

What do you serve Millionaire’s Bacon with?

We like to serve our sweet and spicy candied bacon as an appetizer with beer and cocktails but here are our other favorite ways to use this addicting bacon treat:

  • Top your favorite Wedge Salad to take it totally next level
  • Add to THIS Soup for a burst of savory flavor
  • This Pear Salad is so totally extra with a sprinkle of candied bacon.
  • Layer it on your favorite BLT for an updated twist!

Sweet and spicy candied bacon in two mason jars.

 

 

This Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon (Millionaire’s Bacon) is the best thing since…well, bacon.  I, really, didn’t think bacon could get any better but it can…and it did.

It makes gift giving totally easy when you skip the cookies and fill a cookie tin with Millionaire’s Bacon. Your host or hostess won’t want you to leave….like EVER.

If you just want bacon….just pure and simple bacon…..make sure to try this method for the most perfect, crispy bacon you’ll ever sink your teeth into!

Oven Baked Bacon on a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon (Millionaire’s Bacon)

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Lovingly known as Millionaire's Bacon, this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon is a cinch to make!
5 from 22 votes
Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound thick cut bacon
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place a wire rack on a foil lined baking sheet. Arrange the bacon on the wire rack and sprinkle with the cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper and black pepper. Lightly pat the brown sugar on top of the bacon to create a thin layer.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the brown sugar has melted and the bacon is crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the bacon to a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Video

Serving: 1g, Calories: 347kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 37mg, Sodium: 399mg, Potassium: 188mg, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 525IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 32mg, Iron: 0.7mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Appetizer, Candy, Snack
Cuisine: American