Million Dollar Bacon

Name: Million Dollar Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ½ cup light brown sugar, (packed); 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, (or you can substitute chipotle powder); 1 pound thick-cut bacon; ¼ cup maple syrup

Million dollar bacon is a mouthwatering candied bacon recipe featuring a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, spicy black and cayenne pepper, and a luscious maple glaze.

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Servings slices

Table of Contents

Let’s Dish: About This Recipe
Million Dollar Bacon Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions For A Bacon Recipe
How To Make This Million Dollar Bacon
How To Serve Million Dollar Bacon
Candied Bacon Recipe Storage Tips
Why This Million Dollar Bacon is the Best
Frequently Asked Questions
More Favorite Breakfast Dishes
JUMP TO RECIPE

Our million dollar bacon recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Thick-cut bacon is coated in real maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper, creating a caramelized, candied bacon. Indulgent and unforgettable, this dish is sure to elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.

Let’s Dish: About This Recipe

Main Ingredients: Thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, maple syrup.
Quick Steps: Coat bacon with a brown sugar-spice mix, bake, drizzle with maple syrup.
Total Time & Yield: 45 minutes, makes 12 slices.

Why This Recipe

This Million Dollar Bacon recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy.

Unlike other versions that may only focus on one flavor, this recipe brings all three together with a careful blend of maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.

Other recipes tend to either go heavy on the sweetness or don’t offer the same depth of spice, but this one ensures a robust flavor in every bite.

Additionally, while some versions use a cooling rack to prevent bacon from sitting in its grease, this recipe intentionally cooks the bacon directly on parchment paper.

This method allows the bacon to caramelize beautifully in its own juices, enhancing its crispy, rich flavor profile. The result is bacon that’s both indulgent and well-balanced, perfect for a brunch or as an irresistible snack.

Million Dollar Bacon Ingredients

Million Dollar Bacon raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

½ cup of light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder
1 pound of thick-cut bacon
¼ cup of maple syrup

Substitutions and Additions For A Bacon Recipe

BLACK PEPPER: Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your spice preference. If you love a spicier kick, increase the quantity slightly.

CAYENNE PEPPER: Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or experimenting with different chili powders for a smoky twist. Red pepper flakes will add a hint of spice for those that like a little extra heat.

How To Make This Million Dollar Bacon

It’s easy to make this billionaire bacon recipe, and you may not ever go back to classic bacon again. Here’s how to prepare it:

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Generously spray a cooling rack with nonstick cooking spray.

For best results, you’ll want to be sure to use a rimmed baking sheet so nothing spills into your oven.

STEP TWO: Add the brown sugar, fresh cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a small bowl and stir to combine completely.

STEP THREE: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on top of the prepared wire rack.

brown sugar mixture spooned on top of the bacon

STEP FOUR: Spoon the brown sugar mixture over one side of the bacon. Aim for an even coating. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and sweetness.

STEP FIVE: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then rotate the pan and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the bacon is browned to your liking.

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your bacon as the suggested cooking time approaches.

STEP SIX: Remove the bacon from the oven. Immediately drizzle the maple syrup over the slices of bacon.

Allow the bacon to rest on the baking rack for ten minutes before transferring to a serving plate and serving.

We do not recommend placing the bacon on paper towels, as it will stick to the towels.

How To Serve Million Dollar Bacon

Enjoy million dollar bacon as a decadent breakfast treat with soft scrambled eggs or sheet pan eggs, fresh tomatoes, and buttered toast.

Elevate your brunch game by serving this candied bacon alongside a fluffy Dutch baby or waffles drizzled with additional maple syrup. A bloody Mary would be the perfect addition as well!

Create a delightful appetizer by wrapping million dollar bacon around chunks of melon for a sweet and savory flavor contrast.

Use the crispy bacon as a unique topping for salads, adding a burst of flavor and texture to your greens.

MORE BREAKFAST RECIPES

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You can never go wrong with recipes that include bacon. Check out our cheese wrapped in bacon and bacon dip, too.

Candied Bacon Recipe Storage Tips

We have a few handy tips for storing your leftover bacon for later.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the brown sugar mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to use, simply coat the bacon and bake.

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover millionaire’s bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, place individual cooked bacon slices on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months.

Reheat in the oven or microwave.

REHEATING: To reheat, place bacon in a 350°F oven for five to seven minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and crispy.

Why This Million Dollar Bacon is the Best

PERFECT BALANCE: This recipe strikes an impeccable balance between sweet and savory, creating an explosion of flavors with each bite.

CROWD PLEASER: Whether you’re serving it to your family or at a gathering, million dollar bacon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone craving more.

UNIQUE TWIST: It introduces a unique twist to traditional bacon, making it a conversation starter at any meal.

Million dollar bacon combines the sweet allure of brown sugar with the subtle heat of black pepper and cayenne. Take your dining experience to the next level with this easy yet elegant candied bacon recipe, and prepare to be amazed by its irresistible flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick cut bacon?

Thick-cut bacon works best for this millionaire bacon recipe, but you can use regular bacon; just keep an eye on the baking time.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Light brown sugar is recommended for a milder flavor, but you can use dark brown sugar if you prefer a stronger molasses taste.

Can I use turkey bacon for this recipe?

While it won’t have the same texture, you can use turkey bacon for a leaner option with a slightly different flavor.

Can I make this recipe without the cayenne or chipotle powder?

Absolutely! You can omit the spicy element for a sweeter, milder version of million dollar bacon.

More Favorite Breakfast Dishes

Million Dollar Bacon

5 from 2 votes

Million dollar bacon is a mouthwatering candied bacon recipe featuring a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, spicy black and cayenne pepper, and a luscious maple glaze.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings slices

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or you can substitute chipotle powder
1 pound thick-cut bacon
¼ cup maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil. I used heavy-duty foil and parchment paper. Generously spray a cooling rack with nonstick cooking spray.
Add the brown sugar, fresh cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a small mixing bowl (three to four cups) and stir to combine completely.
Lay the strips of bacon in a single layer on top of the prepared cooling rack.
Spoon the brown sugar mixture over one side of the bacon.
Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is browned to your liking.
Remove the bacon from the oven. Immediately drizzle the maple syrup over the bacon. Allow the bacon to rest on the rack for ten minutes before transferring to a serving plate and serving. I do not recommend placing the bacon on paper towels, as it will stick to the towels.

Notes

When spooning the brown sugar mixture onto the bacon, aim for an even coating. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and sweetness.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your bacon as the suggested cooking time approaches.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Layne Kangas Marketing
Lenore Ortyl Editorial Director
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Million Dollar Bacon