Candied Bacon (Pig Candy)
Sweet, crispy, and full of flavor, this candied bacon recipe is a simple dish that turns regular bacon into something special. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can make sweet and salty bacon that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or parties.
This recipe is easy enough for beginners and tasty enough to impress guests. If you love bacon with a sweet crunch, this recipe is for you.
What Is Candied Bacon?
Candied bacon is bacon coated with sugar and baked until it becomes crispy and shiny. The sugar melts and sticks to the bacon, creating a sweet outside with a salty bite inside. The result is a perfect balance of flavors.
This sweet bacon recipe is popular for brunch tables, holiday spreads, and party snacks. In New Orleans, dishes like this are loved because they mix bold flavors in a simple way.
Candied Bacon Recipe
5 minutes
30 minutes
4-6
Dessert
Cajun/ Creole
Ingredients You Will Need
To make this easy candied bacon recipe, you only need a few basic items:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 lb bacon, thick-cut bacon
- 1.5 cups brown sugar
- 1.5 cups pecans - chopped
- Optional spices like cayenne pepper or paprika
- Optional maple syrup for extra sweetness
These ingredients are easy to find and work well together. Brown sugar helps create that crispy coating, while bacon brings the salty flavor that makes this dish so good.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 425 Degrees
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit before you begin. A hot oven helps the bacon cook evenly and allows the sugar to melt properly later. Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the bacon inside for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Sheet Pan and Rack
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil to catch grease and make cleanup easier. Place a rack on top of the pan if you have one. Lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray so the bacon does not stick while cooking.
Step 3: Par Cook the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips flat on the rack without overlapping. Place the pan in the oven and cook the bacon for about 18 minutes. This step partially cooks the bacon and helps remove excess fat before adding the sweet topping.
Step 4: Add Brown Sugar and Pecans
Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each bacon strip, then add the chopped pecans on top. The sugar will melt and coat the bacon, while the pecans add a light crunch and extra flavor.
Step 5: Return to Oven and Cook Until Crispy
Place the bacon back in the oven and cook for about 8 more minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. The bacon should turn crispy and caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Printable Candied Bacon Recipe Card
You can also download our easy, ready-to-print recipe card for quick use in your kitchen. It includes all the ingredients and steps in a clean and simple format.
Candied Bacon Variations You Can Try
Even Sweeter Variations
For a sweeter taste, try adding maple syrup or honey over the brown sugar. Maple bacon has a rich flavor and works well for breakfast or brunch. You can also mix white sugar with brown sugar for a lighter coating.
Spicy Variations
If you like heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. Sweet and spicy candied bacon is great for parties and pairs well with drinks. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
These small changes help you create different flavors without changing the main recipe.
What to Serve with Candied Bacon
Candied bacon is very flexible and goes well with many foods.
You can serve it with:
Eggs, pancakes, or waffles
Fresh fruit or yogurt
Salads for a sweet crunch
Burgers or sandwiches
Cheese boards or party platters
This crispy candied bacon also works as a snack on its own or as a topping for other dishes.
About the Mardi Gras School of Cooking
The Mardi Gras School of Cooking is located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. It started in 1988 when Chef Bond began teaching Cajun and Creole cooking from his home kitchen.
Today, the school offers hands-on cooking classes where guests learn real Louisiana recipes, knife skills, seasoning tips, and food history. It is a place where people come together to cook, learn, and enjoy New Orleans culture through food.
Join a Cooking Class and Learn More Recipes
If you enjoyed this candied bacon recipe, there is so much more to discover. At the Mardi Gras School of Cooking, you can learn classic Cajun and Creole dishes in a fun and friendly setting.
Join a public class, book a private event, or plan a team-building cooking experience. You will cook, taste, and learn from skilled instructors while enjoying the true flavors of New Orleans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make candied bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can make candied bacon a few hours ahead. Let it cool fully, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for short periods or refrigerate it. Reheat briefly in the oven before serving.
How do I keep candied bacon from sticking?
Using foil on the pan and spraying the rack with nonstick cooking spray helps prevent sticking. Let the bacon cool slightly before removing it, as the sugar hardens and releases more easily once set.
Can I use regular-cut bacon instead of thick-cut bacon?
Yes, regular-cut bacon works, but it cooks faster and can burn more easily. Watch it closely during the final bake and reduce cooking time to keep the bacon crispy without overcooking.
Can candied bacon be stored in the refrigerator?
Candied bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place it in a sealed container. For best texture and flavor, warm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Is candied bacon sweet or salty?
Candied bacon has a mix of both flavors. The sugar creates a sweet coating, while the bacon adds a salty bite. This balance makes it popular for breakfast, snacks, and party platters.