If you’re anything like me, bacon is always a good idea, but when it gets all sweet, spicy, and crunchy? Yeah, that’s next-level delicious. I’m excited to share this Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze Recipe that’s quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s gooey caramel meets a fiery kick, all wrapped up in crispy, thick-cut bacon. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it for every brunch, snack, or even to jazz up your sandwiches.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully while the cayenne and pepper flakes give it a bold kick.
Easy to Make at Home: Just a few simple ingredients and minimal equipment – your oven or air fryer does most of the work.
Crispy Every Time: Thick-cut bacon and the right bake time produce that unbeatable crispy texture without burning.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether as a snack, condiment, or salad topper, it elevates everything it touches.

The image shows several strips of cooked bacon laid out close to each other, covering the entire frame. Each strip has a glossy texture from the rendered fat, with a mix of dark brown and reddish-pink colors, showing crispy edges and softer parts. The bacon is speckled with coarse black pepper and small grains of salt, adding texture and detail. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze, spicy candied bacon, sweet and spicy bacon, crispy bacon recipes, bacon appetizer ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients hit the perfect mix of spicy heat and sweet goodness, complementing the smoky richness of bacon. When you shop, look for thick-cut bacon for the best texture and a fresh batch of spices to keep those flavors lively.

Flat lay of thick-cut raw bacon slices arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl containing cracked black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red crushed red pepper flakes, and a small white ceramic bowl holding fine cayenne pepper powder, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze, spicy candied bacon, sweet and spicy bacon, crispy bacon recipes, bacon appetizer ideas

Thick-cut bacon: Thick slices crisp up nicely without drying out or burning too fast.
Brown sugar: This melts and caramelizes, adding that addictive sweet glaze.
Cracked black pepper: Adds a fresh, sharp bite that’s more flavorful than pre-ground pepper.
Cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to warm things up without overpowering.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Boosts spice and adds a nice texture to the glaze.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on the occasion or who’s coming over — it’s super adaptable. You can dial up or down the heat, or even try different sweeteners if you want. Make it your own!

Swap the Brown Sugar for Maple Syrup: I once tried maple syrup instead of brown sugar and it gave the glaze a deeper, woodsy flavor my family raved about.
Mild Version: If you’re not into much spice, reduce cayenne and skip the red pepper flakes, keeping just a touch of black pepper.
Smoky Bacon Variation: Using smoked paprika in the spice mix adds extra smoky depth that pairs so well with the bacon.
Air Fryer Method: Having an air fryer? Use it for a quicker cook that’s just as delicious and extra crispy.

How to Make Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bacon and Glaze

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (or 400°F if using an air fryer). While it warms, lay out your thick-cut bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil — this helps with easy cleanup and keeps the sugar caramel from sticking. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes. This spice mix is the heart of your glaze, so mix it well to evenly disperse the heat and sweetness.

Step 2: Coat and Bake for Crispy Candied Bacon

Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over each bacon slice, then gently pat it down with your fingers so it sticks well. I always get my hands a little messy here — that’s part of the fun! Arrange the slices in a single layer so they don’t touch, which helps them get crispy all over. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Around the 30-minute mark, peek in to check the crispiness. You want them browned and crunchy but not burnt. Let the bacon cool on a wire rack after baking to let the caramelized sugar harden perfectly.

Step 3: Alternate Air Fryer Method

If you’re short on time or just love your air fryer, spray it lightly with olive oil, then add your coated bacon slices in a single layer. Fry for 8 minutes at 400°F, flipping or rearranging halfway through to ensure even crisping. It’s a fabulous shortcut that still gives you that amazing combo of crunchy, sweet, and spicy.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze Recipe

Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thin strips just don’t hold the glaze well and can burn too quickly.
Watch Your Oven Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking at 25 minutes to avoid burning the sugar.
Cool on a Rack: Letting the bacon drain and cool on a wire rack keeps it crispy by preventing sogginess.
Pat Down the Sugar Mix: Pressing the glaze onto bacon helps it stick and caramelize evenly.

How to Serve Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze Recipe

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface with three large, crispy bacon strips in the front. The bacon is dark brown with shiny glaze and some red chili flakes on it. Behind the bacon are two sunny-side-up eggs with bright yellow yolks and white edges, sprinkled with small green herb pieces and black pepper. The food looks fresh and well-cooked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze, spicy candied bacon, sweet and spicy bacon, crispy bacon recipes, bacon appetizer ideas

Garnishes

I love serving this bacon with a sprinkle of fresh chives or finely chopped green onions—they add a pop of color and fresh flavor that perfectly balances the sweet-spicy glaze. A few flakes of flaky sea salt on top right after baking also take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

This candied bacon pairs wonderfully with fruit salads, creamy avocado toast, or alongside scrambled eggs for brunch. It’s also fantastic crumbled over mac and cheese or baked potatoes for a flavor explosion.

Creative Ways to Present

At holiday parties, I’ve served this candied bacon wrapped around dates or skewered with melon for a sweet-savory snack that disappears fast. You can also chocolate-dip the ends for an indulgent twist if you’re feeling adventurous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I keep leftovers in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Stored this way in the fridge, they stay crispy for up to 4 days — which is perfect for nibbling throughout the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked candied bacon successfully by placing slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just what you need without thawing the whole batch.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the bacon on a baking rack in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This crisps it right back up without sogginess or burning the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use regular thin-sliced bacon for the Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze Recipe?

While you can use thin-sliced bacon, I highly recommend thick-cut for this recipe. Thinner slices tend to burn faster and don’t hold the glaze as well, which can leave the sugar burning or the bacon overly crispy in spots. Thick-cut provides just the right chew and crispiness.
How do I know when the bacon is done?

Look for a deep golden brown color with caramelized edges. The sugar glaze should be bubbly and just starting to harden. The bacon should be crisp but not burnt. If you’re unsure, check around 30 minutes and adjust cooking time based on how your oven runs.
Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to bring more heat. Just be cautious not to overwhelm the sweetness from the brown sugar balance. I usually add a bit more crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick that plays nicely with the candy coating.
Is this recipe suitable for an air fryer?

Yes! The air fryer method is a fantastic shortcut, giving you equally crispy, candied bacon in less time. Just spray your air fryer basket with olive oil and cook at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even results.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze Recipe has been a game changer for me. It’s that perfect snack or brunch addition that feels indulgent but is so simple to make. Whenever I bring this out, my family goes crazy, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’m honestly thrilled to pass it along to you — once you try it, you’ll see why I’m obsessed!

Crispy Candied Bacon with Spicy Glaze Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 127 reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Candied Bacon recipe that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with a blend of spicy peppers, baked or air-fried to crispy perfection. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a savory-sweet garnish for various dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

For Candied Bacon

1 pound thick-cut bacon
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Lay out the uncooked thick-cut bacon slices evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
Mix the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until well blended to create your flavorful sugar-spice coating.
Coat the Bacon: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture generously over the bacon slices, making sure to fully coat each piece. Use your hands to gently press the mixture onto the bacon, ensuring it adheres well.
Bake the Bacon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Begin checking the bacon around 30 minutes for doneness and crispiness, then continue cooking in increments if needed until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Harden: Remove the bacon from the oven and carefully transfer the slices to a cooling rack. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes on the rack, allowing the caramelized sugar coating to harden and the bacon to crisp up fully.
Alternative Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. Coat the bacon with the prepared sugar and spice mixture as before, then arrange the slices in the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 8 minutes, checking halfway through at 4 minutes to rearrange the slices for even cooking and crispiness.
Serve: Once cooled and crisp, serve the candied bacon as a sweet and spicy treat or use as a flavorful topping or ingredient in your favorite dishes.

Notes

Always use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor in this recipe.
If your baking sheet is not large enough to fit all slices in a single layer, use two sheet pans to avoid overcrowding.
Allowing the bacon to cool completely is crucial to let the sugar coating harden and achieve the perfect crunch.
Ovens vary in heat output; check the bacon early if your oven runs hot to prevent burning and adjust cooking time or temperature accordingly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 slices (approx. 56g)
Calories: 230
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg