Candied Bacon, what is there not to love? Sweet, salty, savory, goodness in a strip. Bacon coated in brown sugar and freshly ground black pepper, and cooked until it was deliciously chewy or crisp depending on your preference, is an addictive addition to many fantastic things. If you know me at all, you know I am a complete Disney Nerd. This past week Disneyland Resort opened a brand-new land called Avengers Campus in California Adventure. There is a new Spiderman ride and a restaurant with amazing fun and adventuresome food, all with hints of various Marvel references. They have come up with a banana, peanut butter, and candied bacon sandwich that looks so good. It is reminiscent of a favorite sandwich of a famous Idol from days gone by. I’m not sure where the reference for the peanut butter with banana and candied bacon comes from. I couldn’t find anything except for the Black Widow who used to eat plain peanut butter sandwiches. I’m sure there is more of a meaning than that. However, it still piqued my interest.
According to his mother, Elvis absolutely loved grilled peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches. Now I get that some of you will go eeew! Bacon with banana and peanut butter! But if the King can adore them, it is worth a try. Besides, to me, Bacon goes with many things besides a BLT and pancakes. Bacon, especially candied Bacon, can add that extra something to any recipe. Maple glazed doughnuts topped with Bacon are a prime example. If you never tried one of those delicacies, you are truly missing out. Candied Bacon is also an absolutely fabulous addition to any crudité plate. It’s sweet and salty with a bite from the pepper and goes well with many a cocktail. Chunks of Candied Bacon added to a coffee cake would be tasty too. I may need to work on some recipes soon!
It turns out making candied Bacon could not be easier. It only takes three ingredients, and it is baked in the oven, so there is almost no fussing over anything. Brown sugar, coarsely ground black pepper, and thickly sliced bacon, that is all. The pepper is important in making Candied Bacon. It brings in that spice to the party that balances out the brown sugar and the salty Bacon. There is no extra equipment needed. If you need a great pepper grinder, this grinder by Perfex from France is one of the best grinders out there. I have had mine for more than 30 years, and for a kitchen pepper grinder, you couldn’t find a better one. It is pricey but worth every penny. You can find it on Amazon (I get a small commission for every sale through a link on this site at no cost to you. Please consider using one of the links to purchase anything on Amazon to help fund this blog)
Life is slowly getting back to normal. There are signs of hope and optimism everywhere. Please consider others in your actions and what you do. Be kind to your fellow humans!
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon cut in half or left long
- 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
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Preheat oven to 375°.
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Place a wire rack on a foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
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Arrange the bacon on the wire rack and sprinkle generously with the black pepper.
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Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top of the bacon to create a thin layer, pressing it down to coat the surface.
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Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes or until the brown sugar has caramelized and the bacon is cooked through and nice and chewy or cook longer for completely crisp.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
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Using tongs, transfer the Bacon to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow it to cool to room temperature.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
