If you’re a bacon lover like me, get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride with this irresistible Spicy Candied Bacon recipe. You might think that bacon is already a heavenly indulgence, but when you add a touch of spice and a hint of sweetness, it transforms into a completely unforgettable culinary experience. The combination of the smoky, salty flavors of the bacon with the fiery kick of spice and the caramelized sweetness is truly a match made in food heaven.
Growing up, my family spent a lot of time on the road for small trips, so snacking was a big part of our journey. One of these snacks was a deliciously addictive treat we couldn’t resist – candied bacon. We used to buy them from markets a lot when we were younger, but as we got older, we realized that making our own Spicy Candied Bacon at home was more affordable and allowed us to customize the flavors and spice level to our liking. So, if you’re ready to embark on this flavorful journey, let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to make your very own batch of Spicy Candied Bacon.
To make this mouthwatering treat, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 pound of thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper
- Dry Pepper flakes for Garnish
Now, let me walk you through the step-by-step instructions to create this devilishly delicious Spicy Candied Bacon:
- Heat your pan to a low medium heat
- Lay the bacon strips flat on the pan, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking and crispy edges.
- Mix the brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over each bacon strip, making sure to coat both sides as you flip.
- Prepare a rack so your bacon strips have a place to rest.
- While the bacon is resting, sprinkle some dry pepper flakes on both sides for an extra kick and texture.
- Once the bacon is done resting, if you want them to be more flavorful, you can pop them in the dehydrator.
- Enjoy them, I ate 5 pieces while making them!
Some Tips:
- Do NOT spread too much of the spice mixture on each bacon strip, as it can become overpowering.
- For the wet mixture, do a light coating so as not to overpower the flavors of the bacon itself.
- When you take it out of the pan, sprinkle some dry pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and garnish.
- If you want them to be more crispy, you can opt for thinner-sliced bacon instead of thick-cut bacon.
- If you have a dehydrator, place them inside to crisp them further up and intensify the flavors. I find that they store easier and retain their crispiness better this way.
As you admire the bacon’s perfectly caramelized, spicy goodness, try to resist the temptation to sneak a piece before it cools down. As the bacon cools, the sugar will continue to harden, creating a crispy candied coating that adds a delightful crunch to every bite. The addition of sugar to the bacon results in a sweet taste that perfectly complements the smoky and salty flavors of the meat.
I like making a batch of I am going on a road trip with friends or hosting a game night because this Spicy Candied Bacon is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The combination of spicy and sweet flavors will surely excite your guests’ taste buds, leaving them craving for more. Even to have around when you want to snack or add a sprinkle of it to jazz up a salad or sandwich, this Spicy Candied Bacon is a versatile culinary delight that can elevate any dish.
I hope this treat makes it on your list!
Happy Eating,
<3 Ann