"Ridin Dirty" Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon

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If you're looking for a delicious and unique snack that combines sweet and savory flavors, look no further than candied bacon. This is what they call million dollar bacon!

This recipe takes crispy, salty bacon and coats it in a layer of caramelized sugar, creating a decadent treat that's perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite dishes.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this irresistible candied bacon at home and impress your friends and family.

Our delectable dish combines two of life's great indulgences: savory bacon and deliciously rich brown sugar. Whether served as an appetizer or even as part of a main course, this delicacy is sure to thrill both the eyes and taste buds! Keep reading to learn how you can quickly whip up this unforgettable feast in no time at all.

Baked bacon is great, but this candied bacon recipe is even better! Sweet, smoky, spicy yet still bacon, what's not to love! Breakfast or brunch won't be the same after this!

The bacon is sweetened with a combination of maple syrup and piloncillo aka Mexican brown sugar but balanced against the heat from Piri Piri seasoning.

Beats and Eats (Music to pair with candied bacon)

Sweet and salty bacon with crispy edges and tender texture is a wonderful thing and deserves to be paired with a hard hitting song like UGK's "Ridin Dirty." It's a Southern classic with so much history. It's an absolutely delicious snack item. The molten sugar and spicy heat are as perfect a combination as Pimp C and Bun B.

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Candied Bacon

• Thick Cut Bacon
• Maple Syrup
• Piloncillo aka Mexican Brown Sugar. If using brown sugar use dark brown sugar
• Piri Piri Spice - Cayenne, though not as complex in flavor to Piri Piri, is a good substitute

How To Make Sweet and Spicy Bacon (step by step)

This is a simple recipe that's mainly technique-driven without any real work. With baked bacon, it's pretty much set it and forget it. While it cooks you're free to multi-task.

Though most people fry bacon in a pan/skillet baking is actually the more effective method that results in consistent texture and great results. I like baking personally because one - allows you to add your own seasoning and two - you can cook large quantities at one time.

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and then place a wire rack above. Lay the bacon on the rack. Be sure to leave enough room between the bacon slices.

Brush the maple syrup onto the bacon. Then add the piloncillo and Piri Piri seasoning. Use a grater to get the piloncillo to the consistency of brown sugar.

Bake the bacon about 15 minutes until the piloncillo is fully melted and the bacon has reached desired crispiness. Let the bacon cool and settle for about 5 minutes before serving.

This is a great recipe for your next Sunday brunch. It's definitely a crowd pleaser that will have guests at your next party falling in love. Serve candied bacon as is on a serving platter or directly from the foil lined baking sheet or cooling rack. Maybe add some freshly ground black pepper to the bacon slices.

Cooking Tips, Considerations, and Substitutions for Making Candied Bacon

Here are some cooking tips for making candied bacon:

1. Use thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for candied bacon because it can hold up to the sugar coating without becoming too crispy or burnt.
2. Line your baking sheet: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line your baking sheet to prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan and making cleanup easier.
3. Use a rack: If you have a baking rack, place it on top of the lined baking sheet and arrange the bacon on the rack. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too greasy.
4. Mix in spices: To add some extra flavor, you can mix in spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika with the brown sugar mixture. Don't fret over the ingredients. Work with what you have. Brown sugar and cayenne are easy substitutes for piloncillo and Piri Piri respectively.
5. Keep an eye on the bacon: Candied bacon can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly, so it's important to keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it's done.
6. Let the bacon cool: Let the bacon cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring it to a plate or paper towels to absorb any excess grease. This gives it time to firm up.
7. Eat solo as is or drop in the mix of your next homemade bloody mary.

By following these tips, you can create perfectly crispy and delicious candied bacon that will be a hit with everyone who tries it.

Here are some cooking considerations to keep in mind when making candied bacon:

1. Temperature: Candied bacon should be cooked at a lower temperature, around 375°F (190°C), to allow the sugar to caramelize and create a crispy coating.
2. Timing: The timing for cooking candied bacon can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your bacon. It's important to keep an eye on the bacon and remove it from the oven as soon as it's done to prevent burning.
3. Sugar mixture: The brown sugar mixture can be adjusted to your liking, adding more or less brown sugar or adding spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
4. Bacon thickness: Thick-cut bacon works best for candied bacon because it can hold up to the sugar coating without becoming too crispy or burnt. Thicker slices also equal longer cook time so more coating is needed from the maple and piloncillo mix.
5. Baking rack: Using a baking rack is recommended as it allows air to circulate around the bacon, ensuring it cooks evenly and preventing it from becoming too greasy. I like to line my baking sheet pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
6. Let it cool: Let the candied bacon cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring it to a plate or paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Here are some potential substitutions you could make in a candied bacon recipe:

1. Piloncillo or Brown sugar: If you don't have brown sugar on hand, you could use maple syrup or honey instead. Keep in mind that the sweetness and texture of the candied bacon may be slightly different.
2. Spices: You can adjust the spices in the brown sugar mixture to your liking. For example, you could use smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for a spicy kick.
3. Bacon: If you don't have thick-cut bacon, you could use regular bacon or turkey bacon. However, keep in mind that the texture of the finished product may be slightly different.
4. Cooking method: Instead of baking the bacon in the oven, you could cook it on the stovetop in a skillet or on a griddle. Keep in mind that the cooking time and method may need to be adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Candied Bacon

Is spicy candied bacon shelf stable?

This dish is not "shelf-stable" so if not consuming immediately refrigerate it until you plan to eat it.

How do you keep candied bacon crispy?

To keep candied bacon crispy, it's important to store it properly. Here are some tips to help you keep your candied bacon crispy:

1. Let the bacon cool completely before storing it. This will help prevent steam from forming inside the container and making the bacon soft.
2. Store the bacon in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will help keep the moisture out and prevent the bacon from getting soggy.
3. Do not stack the bacon slices on top of each other, as this can cause them to stick together and lose their crispiness.
4. If you need to reheat the bacon, do so in the oven or on a stovetop griddle rather than in the microwave. This will help preserve its crispiness.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your candied bacon stays crispy and delicious.

How long does bacon cook in the oven at 350?

The cooking time for bacon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) depends on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you want it to be. As a general guideline, thin bacon may take around 12-15 minutes, while thick-cut bacon may take 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven at this temperature.

It's best to start checking on the bacon after 10-12 minutes and continue cooking it until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep in mind that candied bacon may take a few minutes longer to cook than regular bacon, as the sugar caramelizes and can make the bacon a bit more chewy.

How do you make bacon taste better?

Bacon is already delicious on its own, but there are a few ways to make it taste even better. Here are some tips for enhancing the flavor of your bacon:

1. Choose high-quality bacon. Look for bacon that is thick-cut and made from high-quality pork.
2. Season the bacon with spices or herbs. You can sprinkle the bacon with black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or other seasonings before cooking to add extra flavor.
3. Use a marinade. You can marinate the bacon in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, or other flavorful ingredients for a few hours before cooking to add a sweet or savory flavor.
4. Add a glaze. You can brush the bacon with a mixture of maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey during the last few minutes of cooking to create a sweet and sticky glaze.
5. Cook the bacon in the oven. Baking the bacon in the oven can help it cook evenly and become extra crispy, which can enhance the flavor.

How Do You Store Candy Bacon?

Candied bacon can also be frozen easily and eaten later. Allow the bacon to cool to room temps then wrap each piece individually with wax paper. Once wrapped place in a freezer-safe bag and store in your freezer. To reheat frozen bacon, bake in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350 degrees.

MORE RECIPES THAT CONTAIN PILONCILLO

Instant Pot Baked Beans

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal

MAKE THIS SWEET AND SPICY BACON

Candied bacon is delicious and easy to make your own salty candied bacon at home with this recipe. Follow the steps below to create your own candied bacon masterpiece. You'll be glad you did! So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

If you make this easy candied bacon recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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