There’s regular bacon… and then there’s Million Dollar Bacon. Also known as “bacon candy” in my house. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never say no to a crispy strip fresh out of the pan, but once I tried this sticky, sweet and spicy version, plain bacon just felt, well, basic.
I first tasted something like this at a local brunch spot (First Watch) and remember thinking, “Ohhh, so this is what bacon wants to be when it grows up.” It had that perfect balance of caramelized sweetness, a little kick of heat, and just enough savory edge to keep me reaching for another piece (and another).
A few pantry staples, a wire rack, and some thick-cut bacon, and you’re in business. It’s brunch magic with zero fuss.
Now I make candied bacon for everything from Sunday pancakes to special-occasion breakfasts, and sometimes just because life is too short for boring bacon. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s earned that “million dollar” name.
Grab some scrambled eggs, toast and orange juice, and let’s go! Got extra time? Make a savory breakfast Casserole or a sweet Blueberry Breakfast Casserole.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
Millionaire bacon is turned all the way up. Maple syrup and brown sugar caramelize over salty strips, with black pepper and cayenne adding just the right kick. Oven-baked for no mess, it’s easy enough for Tuesdays and fancy enough for brunch.
If you’re doing a brunch board, Cranberry Brie Bites add a festive, buttery little bite next to the bacon.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Bacon. I use thick cut bacon strips. This holds up best in the oven and gets that chewy-meets-crispy texture. Regular bacon works, but keep a close eye on cook time.
- Maple syrup. Adds sweetness and helps the sugar stick. Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Brown sugar. Caramelizes as it bakes for that classic sticky finish. Light or dark brown sugar both work.
- Black pepper. Balances the sweetness with a little bite.
- Cayenne pepper. Brings subtle heat. Use more or less depending on your spice preference. If you opt to leave it out, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
How to make Million Dollar Bacon
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Mix the topping: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne.
Brush the bacon: Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the baking rack. Brush both sides of each slice with maple syrup.
Sprinkle: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the bacon strip.
Cook the bacon: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes.
Cool: Let the bacon cool on the rack for a few minutes. It will crisp up more as it cools.
This brunch bacon is even better with something fresh on the side – try my Apple Walnut Salad!
Troubleshooting Guide – Common Problems and Solutions
- Bacon burns too quickly. This usually means your oven runs hot or the bacon is thinner than thick-cut. Check at the 15-minute mark and lower the oven temperature to 350°F if needed.
- Sugar mixture falls off. Make sure to brush both sides of the bacon with maple syrup so the sugar has something sticky to cling to. Press it lightly onto the bacon before baking.
- Bacon sticks to the rack. Spray the rack with nonstick spray before laying out the slices, or line directly on foil and flip halfway through.
- Too chewy, not crispy enough. Let the bacon cool on the rack for a few minutes after baking. It will crisp more as it cools. If it’s still too chewy, bake for a few extra minutes.
- Too sweet or too spicy. Adjust the sugar or cayenne levels to your taste before baking. Start with less and add more the next time if you want it sweeter or spicier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with regular bacon?
Yes, but it’ll cook faster – start checking around the 15-minute mark.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Sure! It’ll be a little different in flavor, but still delicious.
Will it get crispier as it cools?
Yes! Let it cool on the rack before moving it – that’s when the magic happens.
Do I need a wire rack?
It helps the bacon crisp evenly and keeps it out of the grease, but if you don’t have one, lay the bacon right on the foil and flip halfway through.
Kylee’s Notes
- Use a wire rack to let air circulate and help the bacon crisp up.
- Line your baking sheet with foil for super easy cleanup.
- Don’t skip the cooling step – the bacon crisps up more as it sits.
- Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup. Want it spicier? Increase the cayenne.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerator
Store cooled bacon in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezing
Freeze slices in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
More recipes to love:
- Bacon Sausage Breakfast Sliders. Breakfast YOUR way with bacon, sausage, egg and cheese in a soft bun, brushed with garlic-butter… yes please!
- Cinnamon Rolls. Warm, gooey, soft homemade cinnamon rolls with a sweet and creamy frosting that melts deliciously into them… oh my.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes. A childhood favorite and a sure-fire way to get your family excited to eat breakfast, these Chocolate Chip Pancakes fit the bill!
- Apple Cinnamon Waffles. Warmth, comfort and so much yum! The whole family will enjoy these!
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Million Dollar Bacon
Ingredients
- 10 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Brush the bacon: Arrange 10 slices thick-cut bacon in a single layer on the rack. Brush both sides of each slice with the 1/4 cup maple syrup.10 slices thick-cut bacon, 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Mix the topping: In a small bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Sprinkle: Evenly sprinkle the sugar mixture over the top side of each bacon strip.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes.
- Cool: Let the bacon cool on the rack for a few minutes. It will crisp up more as it cools.
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Notes
- Use a wire rack to let air circulate and help the bacon crisp up.
- Line your baking sheet with foil for super easy cleanup.
- Don’t skip the cooling step – the bacon crisps up more as it sits.
- Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup. Want it spicier? Increase the cayenne.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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