Best 20 Candied Bacon Recipes

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Candied bacon, also known as bacon candy or pig candy, is a sweet and savory treat that combines the crispy, salty goodness of bacon with the sticky, caramelized sweetness of sugar and spices. It's a popular snack, appetizer, or addition to charcuterie boards, and it's also a great way to use up leftover bacon. With so many variations on the classic recipe, there's a candied bacon recipe out there to suit every taste.

Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!

CANDIED BACON



Candied Bacon image

This makes a great party snack.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes     Meat and Seafood     Bacon

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
ground black pepper to taste
1 pound thick-cut bacon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Mix brown sugar, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  • Place bacon slices on cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, turn slices, and bake another 5 minutes.
  • Remove bacon and brush both sides with brown sugar mixture. Return bacon to the oven and bake another 5 minutes. Repeat basting every 5 minutes until bacon is browned and crisp, about 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187 calories, Carbohydrate 13.9 g, Cholesterol 27.3 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 576.9 mg, Sugar 12.9 g

CANDIED BACON



Candied Bacon image

This is a really easy breakfast item because you can put it in the oven, set the timer and forget about it while you make everything else and pull it out just before sitting down so it's piping hot.

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

12 slices bacon, about 1/4-inch thick
Finely ground black pepper
1/3 cup light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Put bacon slices in a bowl, season them with pepper and toss with the brown sugar. Cover a baking sheet with parchment or foil and arrange the bacon in a single layer on top. Sprinkle any sugar left in the bowl over the bacon. Top with another layer of parchment or foil and top it, squarely, with another baking sheet. The baking sheet will flatten the bacon as it cooks.
  • Place the tray in the center of the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Check the bacon by lifting the top tray and parchment. If it is not golden brown and fairly crispy, resist the temptation to turn up the oven temperature, and cook it for 10 to 15 minutes longer. Check it again. Keep in mind that when you remove the tray and transfer the bacon to a serving platter or individual plates, the bacon will "crisp" up a little more. Be patient!

CANDIED BACON STICKS



Candied Bacon Sticks image

Bacon on a bread stick makes this lower calories than bacon on a smokie and it's so good!

Provided by kcs

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork     Bacon     Appetizers

Time 1h10m

Yield 25

Number Of Ingredients 4

cooking spray
2 pounds bacon, cut in half lengthwise
2 (3 ounce) packages thin breadsticks (such as Alessi®)
2 cups brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
  • Wrap 1 bacon strip around each breadstick, leaving about 1 inch uncovered on each end. Place wrapped breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over breadsticks.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bacon is crisp and browned, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool breadsticks on a piece of parchment paper or waxed paper sprayed with cooking spray.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 136.8 calories, Carbohydrate 16.2 g, Cholesterol 13.2 mg, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 324.4 mg, Sugar 11.3 g

MAPLE-CANDIED BACON



Maple-Candied Bacon image

Provided by Claire Robinson

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 pound thick sliced bacon, good quality
1/2 cup maple syrup, Grade B
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Finely ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy foil. Place a baking rack over the lined sheet tray and arrange the bacon slices across the rack next to each other, not overlapping.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the maple syrup and mustard. Generously spoon over the top of the bacon, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Turn the bacon over and baste with syrup mixture. Bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon has reached desired crispiness.
  • Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle hot bacon with a scant pinch of finely ground black pepper. Let the bacon rest on the rack for 5 minutes.

CARAMELIZED MAPLE APPLE PIE WITH CANDIED BACON CRUMBLE



Caramelized Maple Apple Pie with Candied Bacon Crumble image

The holidays deserve a pie worthy of its occasion. This towering pie is piled high with apples that bathe in a deep maple caramel with a slight tang from cider vinegar. It's topped with a buttery crumble studded with crispy candied bacon. A pie that definitely earns its place at the table.

Provided by Ashley Baron Rodriguez

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork

Time 2h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 slices bacon
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 pastry for a 9-inch double-crust pie
10 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
½ lemon, juiced
¼ cup butter
½ cup maple syrup
⅓ cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon white sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place bacon on a baking sheet and sprinkle 1 tablespoon brown sugar over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until crisp, 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Line a 9-inch springform pan with pie crust pastry; refrigerate.
  • Combine apples and lemon juice in a bowl and toss to coat.
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat; add maple syrup and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer until mixture is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Carefully add apples and stir well to coat. Cook until apples just start to soften and get a bit of color on them, about 5 minutes. Return the apples to the bowl leaving behind the sweet syrup.
  • Stir vinegar into sweet syrup; simmer until syrup is reduced and consistency of maple syrup, about 5 minutes. Carefully pour syrup over the apples. Cool for 10 minutes.
  • Combine flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor; pulse until crumbly. Break bacon into pieces, add to food processor, and pulse until combined with the crumble.
  • Tip apples into the pie crust in the springform pan. Fold dough over part of the apple filling to form an edge. Crimp the edges between your fingers. Top the apple filling with the crumble. Brush crust with cream and top with white sugar.
  • Bake pie in the preheated oven until the juices bubble and the crust is deeply golden, about 1 hour. If the crust starts to brown too quickly turn the oven down to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 558.1 calories, Carbohydrate 74.3 g, Cholesterol 36.8 mg, Fat 28.6 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 11.9 g, Sodium 411.8 mg, Sugar 45.3 g

CANDIED BACON-WRAPPED FIGS



Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs image

I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that's sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. -Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 bacon strips
24 dried figs
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa chile blend powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Cut bacon strips in half crosswise. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain., Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of each fig; fill with 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chile blend powder and cinnamon. Dip one side of each bacon piece in brown sugar mixture; wrap each fig with a bacon piece, sugar side out. Secure with a toothpick., Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 12-15 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 55 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 81mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

SPICY CANDIED BACON



Spicy Candied Bacon image

From the blog Serious Eats. It looks so yummy. I like bacon and this is something I want to try very soon.

Provided by Boomette

Categories     Pork

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 tablespoons mild red chili powder
3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
12 thickly-sliced pieces applewood-smoked bacon

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Mix the chili powder and brown sugar in a shallow bowl.
  • Fit a sheet of parchment paper onto a jelly-roll pan.
  • Bury each slice of bacon in the chili and sugar mixture; rub both sides to assure the mixture adheres.
  • Lay the bacon strips on the prepared pan.
  • The bacon strips may be left flat or twisted two or three times by holding each end to make a candied "stick".
  • Bake for 30 minutes without turning.
  • Always transfer candied bacon using tongs; the hot sugar can easily burn your fingers.

BOURBON CANDIED BACON DEVILED EGGS



Bourbon Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs image

At our house, it doesn't get any better than deviled eggs with bacon-bourbon candied bacon, that is. See if you can resist them. We can't. -Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 45m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons bourbon, optional
4 thick-sliced bacon strips
EGGS:
12 hard-boiled large eggs
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
Minced fresh chives

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon syrup and salt. If desired, stir in bourbon. Coat bacon with brown sugar mixture. Place on a rack in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until crisp. Cool completely. , Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks, reserving whites. In a small bowl, mash yolks. Add mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon syrup, 1 tablespoon mustard and both types of pepper; stir until smooth. Chop bacon finely; fold half into egg yolk mixture. Spoon or pipe into egg whites. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and the chives. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 107 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 97mg cholesterol, Sodium 142mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.

CANDIED BACON BROWN SUGAR BACON



Candied Bacon Brown Sugar Bacon image

My family was introduced to this delightful treat on New Years Eve 1973. We've been making it every year since!

Provided by Marg CaymanDesigns

Categories     Dessert

Time 50m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 2

1 lb bacon
1/2-2/3 cup brown sugar

Steps:

  • Line a baking sheet with foil. (Use non-stick foil or spray the foil with cooking spray if you want to make your life a lot easier!).
  • Preheat oven to 275°F.
  • Put brown sugar on a plate. (I don't really measure the brown sugar.) Place a slice of bacon on the brown sugar, patting to help the brown sugar adhere to the bacon, coating both sides. Place on baking sheet. Repeat with rest of the pound of bacon. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar over the bacon.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Carefully pour off grease. Bake for 10 more minutes. Pour off grease again. Check bacon every 5-7 minutes until browned to your desired crispness, pouring off grease as necessary.
  • Let cool slightly and remove to a lightly buttered plate to cool completely. (If it you let it cool completely on the baking sheet, it can be very difficult to remove.)
  • We prefer to chill ours for a few hours before eating it. It enhances the flavors vs. eating it room temperature.

CANDIED BACON



Candied Bacon image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 1 pound (about 16 slices)

Number Of Ingredients 2

1 pound bacon
1 cup packed light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment.
  • Separate the bacon into strips and blot each dry. Spread the sugar on a large plate. Press both sides of each bacon strip in the sugar. Arrange the coated bacon on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with any remaining sugar.
  • Bake the bacon for 15 minutes, turn the strips over and continue to bake until golden and glazed, 15 to 20 minutes more (it will still be pliable). Remove to a rack and let cool; the bacon will harden but it won't be super crispy.

BOURBON CANDIED BACON



BOURBON CANDIED BACON image

Categories     Appetizer     Breakfast     Side     Bacon     Edible Gift

Yield 12 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 3

12 thick-cut hickory- or applewood-smoked bacon slices
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Arrange bacon in a single layer on a wire rack in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes or just until bacon begins to curl at ends. 2. Meanwhile, combine brown sugar and bourbon in a small bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves. 3. Remove bacon from oven. Brush both sides of bacon with brown sugar mixture. Bake at 375° for 42 more minutes or until bacon is crisp around edges and browned, brushing both sides of bacon with brown sugar mixture every 10 minutes. 4. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes). Bacon will become crisp as it cools.

MAPLE-CANDIED BACON



Maple-Candied Bacon image

Maple syrup is baked onto these thickly cut slices of bacon, creating a candy-like coating. It's a sweet and savory match that's ideal for a weekend breakfast or brunch.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 2

5 slices thick-cut bacon
2/3 cup Grade A dark amber pure maple syrup

Steps:

  • Arrange bacon in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven; drain fat. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Pour maple syrup over bacon; flip to coat. Bake, flipping bacon and rotating pan halfway through, until bacon is golden brown and syrup is thick, about 35 minutes. (Keep a close eye on it for the last 10 minutes.) Transfer bacon to parchment using tongs. Let cool to harden.

CANDIED SPAM® WITH BACON



Candied SPAM® with Bacon image

SPAM® with bacon is thinly sliced, coated in brown sugar, black pepper, and baked in the oven. This recipe makes a great side for breakfast or brunch but can also be crumbled and used as a topping. Pairing possibilities are nearly endless.

Provided by Love2CookMommy

Categories     Side Dish

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 3

¼ cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (12 ounce) can fully cooked luncheon meat with bacon (such as SPAM® with Bacon), sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Mix dark brown sugar and pepper together in a shallow bowl.
  • Coat both sides of luncheon meat slices with brown sugar mixture; arrange in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, turning halfway, until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126.8 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Cholesterol 23.8 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 467.1 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

CANDIED CHIPOTLE BACON



Candied Chipotle Bacon image

Make and share this Candied Chipotle Bacon recipe from Food.com.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     Pork

Time 25m

Yield 6 slices

Number Of Ingredients 4

6 slices thick-cut hickory smoked bacon
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 tablespoon southwest chipotle seasoning, mix (Mrs. Dash, Tones, Konriko or homemade)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange slices on baking sheet; bake until almost crisp (8-9 minutes). Drain the drippings from baking sheet and discard.
  • In small bowl, combine agave nectar, chipotle seasoning and pepper. Brush bacon with the chipotle mixture; bake until glazed (8-10 minutes).
  • Cool.

CANDIED BACON



Candied Bacon image

Provided by Charlie Palmer

Yield Makes 10 slices

Number Of Ingredients 4

1/2 pound bacon slices (10 slices)
1/2 cup Demerara sugar
Special Equipment
brown paper such as a grocery bag or butcher paper

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in 2 batches in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, turning over once, until bacon is lightly browned on edges but still flexible, 5 to 6 minutes total per batch. Transfer bacon as cooked to paper towels to drain.
  • Pour off fat from skillet and arrange bacon in skillet in 1 layer. Sprinkle Demerara sugar over bacon and cook over low heat, turning occasionally with tongs, until sugar is dissolved, caramelized (sugar melts very slowly and burns easily; reduce heat if necessary after sugar begins to caramelize), and coats bacon, 8 to 10 minutes. (Bacon will be dark and look lacquered.) Transfer bacon with tongs to brown paper to cool.

CAYENNE-CANDIED BACON



Cayenne-Candied Bacon image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 1 pound

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound thinly sliced bacon
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil, and position broiler rack on top of pan. Lightly coat the rack with the vegetable oil.
  • Combine the brown sugar and cayenne in a shallow dish, stirring to mix well. Press 1 side of each slice of bacon firmly into the spiced sugar to coat well. Arrange the slices of bacon on top of the broiler rack in a single layer, sugared-side up. If there is any sugar remaining in the dish, sprinkle it on top of the bacon slices evenly. Bake until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain briefly, then to a plate or serving dish to cool. (Can be made several hours ahead) Serve warm or at room temperature.

PEAR SALAD WITH AND BACON, GORGONZOLA AND CANDIED WALNUTS



Pear Salad With and Bacon, Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts image

Make and share this Pear Salad With and Bacon, Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts recipe from Food.com.

Provided by dicentra

Categories     Pears

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pears (cored and sliced)
1 green onion (sliced)
2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1/4 cup gorgonzola (crumbled)
1/4 cup candied walnuts
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon walnut oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Assemble salad.
  • Mix the lemon juice, oil, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Toss the salad with the dressing to coat.

GRILLED CHEESE & CANDIED MAPLE BACON SKEWERS RECIPE BY TASTY



Grilled Cheese & Candied Maple Bacon Skewers Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: sourdough bread slices, unsalted butter, cheddar cheese slices, bacon strips, maple syrup, brown sugar, black pepper

Provided by SpongeTowels

Categories     Breakfast

Time 40m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 sourdough bread slices
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cheddar cheese slices
8 bacon strips
½ cup maple syrup
⅓ cup brown sugar
black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and double line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil fitted with a wired rack; set aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl add maple syrup and brown sugar, then mix until combined with no lumps.
  • Place bacon strips evenly on the wired rack and generously brush maple syrup mixture over the top of the bacon and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip each strip and brush on the remaining mixture. Return to the oven and continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness, then garnish with coarse black pepper.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the buttered side down on the skillet, add 2 slices of cheddar cheese then top with the remaining slice of bread, buttered side out.
  • Cook until bread is toasted and golden and cheese starts to melt, about 2 minutes. Flip, and cook until cheese melty and bread toasted and golden. Remove from heat, and set aside for 5 mins.
  • Cut each grilled cheese sandwich into even 1.5x1.5-inch squares, set aside.
  • Assemble each skewer starting with a grilled cheese square, then bacon strip, alternating until the end by spiralling the bacon strip in-between each square until finished. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1274 calories, Carbohydrate 89 grams, Fat 67 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 53 grams, Sugar 62 grams

CANDIED BACON PIGS



Candied Bacon Pigs image

If you have seen recipes for little smokies wrapped in bacon, this recipe takes it a couple steps further. It's totally worth the extra work and always gobbled up quickly!

Provided by lobstah_luva

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork     Bacon     Appetizers

Time 5h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (14 ounce) package little smokie sausages
1 pound bacon slices, cut into thirds crosswise
1 ½ cups brown sugar, divided
½ (12 fluid ounce) can cola-flavored carbonated beverage
½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 dash hot pepper sauce, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Wrap each little sausage with 1/3 slice of bacon, and secure them with toothpicks.
  • Place the appetizers on a large baking sheet and sprinkle with 3/4 cup of brown sugar.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the sugar is melted and bubbling, about 40 minutes; turn the appetizers after 20 minutes.
  • Remove the appetizers from the baking sheet with a slotted spoon, and place into a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of brown sugar and the five-spice powder over the smokies, and drizzle with the cola. If desired, add hot sauce to taste.
  • Set the cooker to High, and cook 4 hours. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290.9 calories, Carbohydrate 24.3 g, Cholesterol 41.3 mg, Fat 17.1 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 752.4 mg, Sugar 23.7 g

TOMATO SOUP WITH CANDIED BACON



Tomato Soup with Candied Bacon image

The whole point of tomato soup is to make one as an adult that tastes as good as when you were a kid. This one-a velouté with smoky paprika and a maple-sugar-dusted strip of bacon-is that soup. Now all you need is a grilled-cheese sandwich...

Provided by Naomi Pomeroy

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

8 ounces thick-sliced bacon, about 8 slices
1/4 cup maple sugar, or light brown sugar
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 medium yellow onions, diced
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 1/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar, plus more to taste
2 1/2 cups water
Zest of ½ lemon
1 2/3 cups whole milk, divided
1/2 cup heavy cream, divided
6 dashes Tabasco sauce, divided
1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bacon, part 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and arrange bacon slices on the rack in an even layer. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of maple sugar on each slice, lightly pressing to help it adhere. Flip bacon and repeat so both sides are coated. Bake until almost crisp, 8 minutes, checking after 5 to ensure it's not burning.
  • Soup: In a pot over medium-high heat, add 4 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is rippling, add the onions. Stir and cook until they're soft and translucent, 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, add garlic and half the salt, and cook 2-3 more minutes. Add remaining olive oil and the tomato paste. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring, 2-3 minutes. This is called "frying out": the tomato paste will caramelize and stick to the pan, making a great soup base. Add chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, fish sauce, remaining salt, and sugar. Stir, scraping to deglaze the pot. Add water, stir again, cover, and simmer, 20 minutes.
  • Bacon, part 2: Finish crisping the bacon by flipping it again and sprinkling the remaining sugar on top. Return to oven to render out the remaining fat, 4 minutes. Bacon will look glassy when it's done. Remove to cool. (Note: Bacon will not be crisp until it has completely cooled.)
  • Soup, part 2: Stir lemon zest into soup. Blend in two batches: for the first, ladle half the soup into a blender, along with ⅔ cup milk and ¼ cup cream. Fill blender no more than halfway, remove lid plug, and cover with a kitchen towel to catch spatters. Blend on low to start, then switch to high until smooth and puréed. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Add a pinch of sugar, 4 dashes Tabasco, pepper, and ¼ cup milk. Cover and blend on high to purée. Ladle the soup into a clean pot to rewarm and set aside. Repeat for the second batch with remaining soup and Tabasco, pinch of sugar, ¾ cup milk, and ¼ cup cream. Then add second batch to the pot.
  • Assembly: Reheat soup over low heat, 2 minutes. Ladle into bowls, and garnish with candied bacon. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Choose the right bacon: Select thick-cut bacon with even marbling for the best flavor and texture.
  • Preheat your oven: To ensure the bacon cooks evenly, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before baking.
  • Line your baking sheet: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Bake the bacon until crispy: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. Bake until the bacon is browned and crispy around the edges.
  • Drain the bacon on paper towels: After baking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
  • Cool the bacon before coating: Allow the bacon to cool slightly before coating it with the sugar mixture. This will help the sugar adhere better.
  • Coat the bacon evenly: Use a fork or tongs to evenly coat the bacon with the sugar mixture. Make sure to get all sides of the bacon.
  • Bake the bacon again: Return the coated bacon to the oven and bake until the sugar has melted and caramelized. This will take a few minutes.
  • Let the bacon cool completely: Allow the bacon to cool completely before storing or serving.
  • Store the bacon properly: Store the candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Candied bacon is a sweet and savory treat that is perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding to sandwiches and burgers. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can easily make candied bacon at home. Follow these tips to ensure your candied bacon turns out perfectly:

  • Choose the right bacon.
  • Preheat your oven.
  • Line your baking sheet.
  • Bake the bacon until crispy.
  • Drain the bacon on paper towels.
  • Cool the bacon before coating.
  • Coat the bacon evenly.
  • Bake the bacon again.
  • Let the bacon cool completely.
  • Store the bacon properly.

Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment with different flavor variations. Try adding spices like chili powder or garlic powder to the sugar mixture, or drizzle the bacon with maple syrup or honey before baking. With a little creativity, you can create your own unique candied bacon recipe that everyone will love.

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