The Ultimate Candied Bacon Recipe: Sweet, Salty & Crispy Perfection (Pig Candy)

Prepare yourself for an irresistible treat that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors: candied bacon! Often playfully referred to as “pig candy,” this delightful snack is crunchy, sticky, and incredibly addictive. It’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few core ingredients – brown sugar, your favorite bacon, a dash of pepper, and an optional hint of ground cinnamon. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and the results consistently spectacular.

If you’re already a fan of bacon, then you’re truly going to adore this crispy, sweet, and perfectly salty candied version. Candied bacon, or pig candy, is essentially strips of bacon that are oven-baked until crisp, enveloped in a rich, caramelized brown sugar coating. The magic lies in the way the sugar melts and fuses with the bacon fat, creating an irresistible glaze that’s crunchy on the outside and wonderfully savory on the inside. It’s a versatile treat that can elevate any meal or simply be enjoyed on its own.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Candied Bacon Recipe

Beyond its incredible flavor, this candied bacon recipe offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try for any food enthusiast:

• Effortless Oven Baking for Easy Cleanup: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is that it’s baked in the oven. This means no more messy grease splattering all over your stovetop. Baking the bacon on a wire rack allows the fat to drip away cleanly into a lined baking sheet, ensuring even cooking, consistent crispiness, and a significantly easier cleanup process. You get all the deliciousness with minimal fuss!
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: Candied bacon isn’t just for breakfast anymore (though it’s fantastic there!). Its unique sweet and salty profile makes it incredibly adaptable. Serve it as a standout appetizer at parties, where it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. You can also use it to elevate savory dishes; imagine topping a juicy cheeseburger with a couple of these crispy strips for an explosion of flavor and texture!
• A Gourmet Touch with Simple Ingredients: You might have encountered candied bacon in upscale restaurants, sometimes paired unexpectedly, like with a side of luxurious homemade caramel sauce – a combination I highly recommend you try! This recipe brings that gourmet experience directly into your home using common, readily available pantry staples. It’s impressive without being complicated.
• Customizable to Your Taste: While the basic recipe is phenomenal, it’s also a fantastic canvas for experimentation. Want to add a spicy kick? A pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick. Prefer a deeper, warmer flavor? A dash of maple extract or a different spice blend can transform it.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Candied bacon stores well and can be reheated easily, making it an excellent component for meal prepping. Enjoy it throughout the week in various dishes or as a quick, satisfying snack.

What Exactly is Candied Bacon (or Pig Candy)?

At its heart, candied bacon is a culinary innovation that elevates ordinary bacon to a remarkable treat. It’s essentially strips of bacon coated in a sugar mixture, most commonly brown sugar, and then baked until the sugar caramelizes into a glossy, crunchy glaze around each piece. The oven’s heat crisps the bacon while simultaneously melting and browning the sugar, resulting in a firm, satisfyingly crunchy texture that is utterly addictive.

The delightful nickname “pig candy” perfectly captures the essence of this dish – it’s a sweet, indulgent treat that still retains all the smoky, savory goodness of traditional bacon. The magic truly lies in the harmonious interplay between the inherent saltiness of the bacon and the rich sweetness of the caramelized sugar. This creates a complex and balanced flavor profile that hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, umami, and a gratifying crunch with every single bite. It’s more than just bacon; it’s an experience.

Ingredient Notes: Crafting Your Perfect Candied Bacon

The secret to exceptional candied bacon lies in understanding your ingredients and how they contribute to the final product. Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll need:

Bacon: The Foundation of Flavor – While almost any type of bacon will work, your choice can subtly influence the outcome.

• Regular Cut Bacon: This is the most common and reliable choice. It crisps up beautifully and evenly absorbs the sweet coating, providing a classic candied bacon experience.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: For a more substantial, meatier bite with a chewier texture, opt for thick-cut bacon. Be aware that it may require a few extra minutes in the oven to achieve optimal crispiness and thorough caramelization. The added thickness results in a richer, more satisfying mouthfeel.
• Consider the Flavor Profile: Uncured or applewood smoked bacon often provides a fantastic base flavor that complements the brown sugar well. Avoid overly flavored or maple-cured bacon, as it can make the final product excessively sweet when combined with additional sugar.
• Quality Matters: As with any simple recipe, the quality of your primary ingredient makes a noticeable difference. Choosing good quality bacon from a reputable source will yield the best possible flavor.

Brown Sugar: The Sweet Star of the Show – This is key for creating that signature candied glaze.

• Light Brown Sugar: This is highly recommended for its balanced flavor and molasses content. The molasses helps create a rich, complex caramelization that is both sweet and slightly tangy, yielding the perfect texture and color.
• Dark Brown Sugar: You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper, more robust molasses flavor. However, it can sometimes result in a slightly chewier texture rather than a crisp snap.
• Ensure Freshness: Always use fresh, soft light brown sugar. Hard, clumpy brown sugar that has dried out won’t melt evenly and won’t adhere properly to the bacon, potentially leading to an inconsistent glaze. If your brown sugar is hard, you can easily soften it before use by microwaving it briefly with a damp paper towel.

Black Pepper: The Essential Balancer – Don’t skip the pepper! It’s more than just a seasoning; it’s a critical flavor counterpoint.

• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: For the best results and most vibrant flavor, use freshly cracked black pepper. Its pungent, earthy, and slightly spicy notes provide a crucial balance to the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the bacon, preventing the dish from becoming cloyingly sweet.
• Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of pepper to your preference. Some enjoy a subtle hint, while others prefer a more pronounced peppery kick to truly highlight the sweet and savory contrast.

Ground Cinnamon (Optional): A Hint of Warmth – A small pinch of cinnamon adds a wonderful layer of warmth and aromatic complexity to the candied bacon, harmonizing beautifully with both the smoky bacon and the sweet sugar.

• Subtlety is Key: Start with a small amount, as cinnamon can be quite potent. You’re aiming for a subtle background note, not an overpowering flavor.
• Alternative Spices: For those who love a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even smoked paprika can add an exciting dimension to the sweet-savory profile. Nutmeg can also provide a similar warm, comforting spice note.

How To Make the Best Candied Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this delightful pig candy is incredibly simple and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly crispy, sweet, and salty bacon every single time.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup:

   Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Allowing the oven to reach the correct temperature beforehand is crucial for even cooking and optimal caramelization. Next, prepare a sturdy baking sheet by lining it generously with either parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step is absolutely essential for easy cleanup, as the melted and caramelized sugar can become quite sticky. On top of the lined baking sheet, carefully place an oven-safe wire rack. Cooking the bacon on a wire rack is key to achieving maximum crispiness, as it allows hot air to circulate freely around each strip and lets excess fat drip away, preventing the bacon from becoming soggy.

2. Create Your Sweet and Aromatic Coating:

   In a small, clean bowl, combine the light brown sugar with your optional pinch of ground cinnamon. Use a fork or a small whisk to thoroughly mix these ingredients together, making sure to break up any lumps in the brown sugar. This ensures that you’ll have a uniform coating that adheres well to the bacon. This sweet and subtly spiced mixture will form the irresistible glaze on your pig candy.

3. Arrange and Season the Bacon Strips:

   Carefully place the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. It is critically important to ensure that no strips overlap, as overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking and prevent the bacon from crisping up properly. Give each strip a little breathing room. Once arranged, generously season the bacon with fresh cracked black pepper. The pepper is vital for cutting through the sweetness and richness, adding a delightful savory counterpoint. Finally, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over one side of each bacon strip, ensuring a good, even coating. You don’t need to coat both sides; the melting sugar will spread and envelop the bacon as it cooks.

4. Bake to Perfection and Allow to Rest:

   Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your bacon and the specifics of your oven. It’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on the bacon, especially during the last few minutes, as the sugar can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt. The bacon should emerge beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy, with the sugar mixture bubbling and adhering to the strips. Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. This next step is crucial: let the candied bacon rest on the wire rack for at least 10 to 15 minutes before attempting to move or enjoy it. As the bacon cools, the melted and caramelized sugar will harden into a wonderfully crunchy glaze, and the bacon will firm up to its ultimate crispiness. Removing it too soon will result in soft, sticky bacon and a potentially messy situation.

Expert Tips for the Ultimate Candied Bacon Experience

To ensure your candied bacon is nothing short of perfection every time, consider these expert tips and tricks:

• The Wire Rack is Essential: Do not skip using an oven-safe wire rack placed over a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. This setup is crucial for several reasons: it allows hot air to circulate evenly around each bacon strip for consistent crisping, and it lets excess fat and melted sugar drip away, preventing the bacon from becoming greasy or soggy. This is the secret to true “pig candy” crunch!
• Achieve Your Desired Crispiness: Bacon crispiness is a matter of personal preference. While 25 minutes is a great starting point, feel free to cook the bacon for a few minutes longer if you prefer it extra crispy. Keep a very close eye on it during the final minutes, as the sugar can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt. You’re looking for a deep golden-brown color and a firm texture.
• Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Patience is key when it comes to candied bacon. Allow the bacon to cool and rest on the wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes, or even longer, after taking it out of the oven. As it cools, the melted brown sugar will harden into that delightful, brittle, crunchy glaze. Trying to move it too soon will result in soft, sticky bacon that’s difficult to handle and less enjoyable.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Always arrange your bacon strips in a single layer with a little space between each one on the wire rack. Overcrowding the pan will trap moisture, causing the bacon to steam rather than crisp, and preventing the sugar from caramelizing properly. If you’re making a large batch, it’s always better to work in multiple batches or use additional baking sheets to ensure optimal results.
• Customize with Exciting Spices: While the classic black pepper and cinnamon offer a wonderful flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other spices to suit your palate!
  • For a Spicy Kick: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a pinch of chili powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even some red pepper flakes along with the brown sugar. This creates an exciting sweet and spicy dynamic that’s incredibly popular.
  • Smoky Undertones: A hint of smoked paprika can deepen the savory, smoky notes of the bacon.
  • Herbaceous Twist: For an unexpected gourmet touch, a very subtle sprinkle of dried rosemary or thyme can be delightful.
• Storage and Reheating Best Practices: Store any leftover candied bacon strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To best preserve its crispiness, place parchment paper between layers. To reheat and restore its delicious crunch, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp again, or pop it back into a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for 5-7 minutes. The air fryer is also a fantastic option for reheating, crisping it up in just a couple of minutes.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Great with Candied Bacon?

The true magic of candied bacon lies in its incredible versatility. Its unique blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors means it genuinely complements “literally everything!” Here are some fantastic and creative ways to incorporate your delicious pig candy into various meals and occasions:

• Breakfast and Brunch Superstar:
  • Pancakes, Waffles, and French Toast: Chop the candied bacon into small bits and sprinkle generously over your favorite breakfast carbs for an amazing explosion of flavor and texture.
  • Eggs Benedict & Omelets: Add a gourmet and unexpected twist by crumbling candied bacon on top of classic Eggs Benedict or mixing it into your morning omelet for a delightful crunch.
  • Breakfast Boards: It’s an absolute essential and a standout component for any epic breakfast or brunch charcuterie board, pairing beautifully with fruits, cheeses, and pastries.
  • Savory Oatmeal: For the adventurous palate, a surprising but utterly delightful addition to savory oatmeal bowls.
• Unforgettable Appetizer:
  • Stand-Alone Snack: Serve it as is, piled high on a plate. It’s a guaranteed showstopper that disappears remarkably fast at any gathering.
  • Wrapped Delights: For a sophisticated appetizer, wrap strips of candied bacon around dates, figs, or even asparagus spears before baking.
  • Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: A fantastic addition to any cheese and charcuterie spread, its sweet and salty notes pair wonderfully with sharp cheeses, fresh fruit, and nuts.
• Main Course Enhancer:
  • Burgers and Sandwiches: As mentioned, it’s incredible on cheeseburgers, adding a complex flavor and texture. It also brilliantly elevates simple turkey or chicken sandwiches and wraps.
  • Salad Topping: Chop it into bite-sized pieces and scatter generously over green salads, spinach salads, or even fruit salads for a delightful sweet and savory crunch.
  • Soups: Use crumbled candied bacon as a gourmet garnish for creamy soups, such as butternut squash, sweet potato, or tomato soup, adding depth and texture.
  • Pasta Dishes: Introduce a unique twist to pasta dishes, perhaps as a surprising and welcome element in a carbonara, mac and cheese, or a creamy chicken pasta.
• Sweet Endings & Desserts:
  • Ice Cream Topping: Crumble candied bacon over vanilla, caramel, or even chocolate ice cream for an irresistible salty-sweet crunch.
  • Chocolate Dipped: For an indulgent dessert, dip half the candied bacon strip in melted dark chocolate and let it set.
  • Cupcakes & Donuts: A surprising but absolutely delightful garnish for sweet baked goods like maple-glazed donuts or vanilla cupcakes.
• Cocktail Garnish:
  • Bloody Mary: A perfectly crisp strip of candied bacon makes a fancy, flavorful, and incredibly popular garnish for a Bloody Mary or other savory cocktails, taking your drink to the next level.

Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to any meal where you crave that perfect pop of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination!

Air Fryer Candied Bacon: A Quick & Convenient Method

Absolutely! The air fryer is an excellent tool for making candied bacon, offering a quicker cooking time and often producing even crispier results. It’s an ideal method for smaller batches or when you need a fast, delicious snack.

Here’s how to make perfect candied bacon in your air fryer:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C). Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature from the start, which is essential for even cooking and proper caramelization.
2. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the bacon and caramelized sugar from sticking to the basket. Avoid using parchment paper or aluminum foil directly in the basket unless it’s specifically designed for air fryers and has perforations for proper air circulation.
3. Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the greased basket. It is vital that you do not overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook in multiple batches. Overlapping strips will prevent them from crisping up evenly and will hinder the caramelization process.
4. Season Generously: Once the bacon is arranged, season the strips with fresh black pepper, and then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over each bacon strip. Ensure a good coating on one side.
5. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the bacon for approximately 4 minutes. Then, carefully open the air fryer, use tongs to flip each bacon strip, and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Keep a very close eye on the bacon during this second phase, as air fryers can cook quite rapidly, and cooking times can vary depending on your specific model and bacon thickness. Cook until the bacon is wonderfully crispy and the sugar has caramelized to your desired preference.
6. Rest and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the candied bacon from the air fryer and transfer it to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. This cooling period is just as important as with the oven method, as it allows the caramelized sugar to harden and the bacon to achieve its perfect, irresistible crispiness.

Air fryer candied bacon is an excellent, quick, and convenient option for a delectable snack or a flavorful addition to any meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Candied Bacon

Got more questions about mastering this sweet and savory delight? Here are answers to some common inquiries about making the perfect pig candy:

Q: Can I use thin-cut bacon instead of thick-cut bacon?

A: Yes, absolutely! Thin-cut bacon works wonderfully for candied bacon. It will generally cook faster and become crispier more quickly than thick-cut bacon. Just be sure to adjust your baking or air frying time accordingly, usually by a few minutes less, and keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Q: My candied bacon isn’t crispy enough. What might have gone wrong?

A: Several factors could contribute to less-than-crispy candied bacon:

• Overcrowding the Pan: If bacon strips overlap, they tend to steam rather than crisp. Always ensure a single layer with space between each strip.
• Skipping the Wire Rack: Bacon needs to be elevated on a wire rack to allow fat to drip away and air to circulate for proper crisping.
• Insufficient Cooking Time: It might simply need a few more minutes in the oven or air fryer. Continue cooking until it reaches your desired crispiness.
• Not Resting Long Enough: The sugar hardens and the bacon firms up as it cools. Be patient and allow it to rest on the rack for at least 10-15 minutes.

Q: Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?

A: While technically possible, brown sugar is highly recommended for candied bacon. The molasses in brown sugar gives it its distinct deep flavor, richer color, and a more complex, slightly chewier caramelization. Granulated sugar tends to melt and harden quickly, sometimes leading to a brittle, plain sweet coating rather than a rich, nuanced glaze.

Q: How do I store leftover candied bacon?

A: Once completely cooled, store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. For best results and to prevent sticking, you can place layers of parchment paper between the bacon strips.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat candied bacon to restore its crispiness?

A: For best results, reheat candied bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and re-crisped. Alternatively, you can warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 2-3 minutes. This will bring back its delicious crunch.

Q: Can I make candied bacon ahead of time for a party or event?

A: Yes! Candied bacon is an excellent make-ahead appetizer or snack. You can prepare it up to 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator as directed. Reheat it just before serving for optimal crispiness, or serve it at room temperature if you prefer a slightly chewier texture.

Q: Is this candied bacon recipe gluten-free?

A: Generally, yes, as bacon and brown sugar are typically gluten-free ingredients. However, it’s always important to check the labels of your specific bacon brand and any other ingredients (like spices) to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination warnings if you or your guests have strict dietary requirements.

Explore More Delicious Bacon Recipes

If you’ve discovered a new love for bacon through this candied treat, don’t stop here! Bacon’s versatility knows no bounds, extending far beyond just breakfast and sweet snacks. Dive into more incredible ways to incorporate this beloved ingredient into your everyday cooking:

• Bacon and Corn Pancakes – Discover the ultimate sweet and savory breakfast fusion, offering a delightful combination of fluffy pancakes, sweet corn, and crispy bacon – perfect for a hearty and memorable start to your day.
• Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich – Enjoy a lighter, yet equally satisfying, sandwich packed with fresh avocado, savory turkey bacon, and crisp veggies. It’s absolutely delicious and perfect for busy weeknights or a refreshing lunch!
• Bacon Garlic Aioli – Elevate your condiment game with this rich, smoky, and intensely garlicky aioli. It’s the perfect accompaniment for sandwiches, juicy burgers, crispy fries, and so much more, adding a burst of flavor to anything you pair it with.
• Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta – Indulge in a comforting, super creamy, and incredibly filling pasta dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Featuring tender chicken and savory bacon, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner!

We truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this ultimate candied bacon recipe! It’s a treat that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy even the most intense cravings. If you’ve tried this recipe, please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or share your thoughts with a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps other home cooks! And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!