Millionaire Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon (Use BLACK LABEL® thick-cut bacon or another thick-cut variety.)
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar (Packed firmly into the measuring cup.)
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, then place a wire rack on top. The rack allows excess bacon fat to drain while the sugar coating caramelizes.

2. 2

   On a flat work surface or shallow dish, combine the packed brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar.

3. 3

   Add the bacon strips to the sugar mixture, one at a time, and press the mixture generously onto both sides of each strip. Arrange the coated bacon in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving a little space between pieces.

4. 4

   Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the bacon is deeply golden and the sugar coating is glossy and caramelized. Watch closely during the final 10 minutes because the sugar can burn quickly; remove the bacon when the coating is richly browned but not blackened.

5. 5

   Let the bacon cool on the rack for 5–10 minutes. The caramelized coating will firm and become crisper as it sets. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve alongside eggs, use in a BLT, or enjoy as a snack. The bacon crisps as it cools, so allow the full resting time before serving.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• brunch
• side dish
• snack
• baked
• candied bacon
• sweet and spicy