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Million Dollar Bacon

Move over, regular bacon – there’s a new star of the breakfast table. Million Dollar Bacon, also known as Millionaire’s Bacon, transforms ordinary strips into a mind-blowing combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, making the perfect candied bacon!

Candied bacon placed in a jar on top of a wooden board with one piece of bacon on the board.

Why We Love This Million Dollar Bacon Recipe

My million dollar bacon recipe has the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy flavors! I used a combination of two peppercorns and red chili flakes to add some heat here, which perfectly balances the sweetness from the brown sugar and  maple syrup! While it requires slightly more effort than regular bacon, the result is an unforgettable dish that elevates any breakfast or brunch spread.

 It’s especially perfect for special occasions like holiday mornings, weekend brunches with friends, or when you simply want to make an ordinary morning feel extraordinary.

Ingredients You Need

  • Thick-Cut Bacon: This is essential for this recipe – regular bacon is too thin and won’t hold up to the generous coating!
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar creates the candied coating and adds deep caramel notes. Light or dark both work well.
  • Cracked Black Pepper & Pink Peppercorns: Adds a warm and complex heat to the candied bacon pieces.
  • Red Chili Flakes: For a bit of spice!
  • Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup (not pancake syrup) adds depth and helps create the final glaze!

How to Make Million Dollar Candied Bacon

  1. Preheat & Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This helps the bacon crisp up evenly. Lay the bacon slices on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Raw bacon being lined up on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack.
  1. Combine Sugar & Spices: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, black pepper, pink peppercorns, and red chili flakes.
  1. Coat Bacon: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture generously over the bacon slices, pressing gently to help it adhere.
  1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Million dollar bacon on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack in the oven.
  1. Brush with Maple Syrup: Remove the bacon from the oven and brush each slice with maple syrup. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the bacon is caramelized and crisp to your liking.
  2. Serve: Allow the bacon to cool on the rack for a few minutes before serving. The coating will firm up as it cools, creating a candied texture.

Tips for Success

  • For an easy clean up, be sure to line your baking sheet with foil! Not only does bacon release a lot of fat, but the sugar will also release and caramelize on the bottom of the pan. So a well lined baking sheet will be your friend here.
  • Bake the bacon to your desired crispiness, keeping in mind that the sugar can burn if you cook it for too long.
  • Don’t serve the bacon too soon after pulling it out of the oven. You want to serve it warm, but not too hot since you want the sugar to set a little bit over the bacon!

Serving Suggestions

You can do so many different things with this million dollar bacon. I recommend serving it on special occasions like holiday brunches alongside a whole spread of brunch options like copycat Panera style soufflés, classic crepes, and a caramel croissant bread pudding!

You could also crumble your million dollar candied bacon and serve it on top of sweet and spicy roasted sweet potatoes or a spicy corn chowder salad! Or, for a twist on your next dessert, sprinkle the crumbled candied bacon on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Hand taking a piece of the million dollar bacon from the jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is million dollar bacon?

Million dollar bacon is a type of candied bacon! The name was coined “million dollar bacon” or “millionaire bacon” simply because it tastes like a million bucks. It is seriously that good!

Why is my bacon not crispy?

Make sure you’re using a wire rack, not laying the bacon directly on the baking sheet. Also, remember it continues to crisp as it cools.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover million dollar bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can place wax or parchment paper in between the pieces to keep them from sticking to each other. Then, I would warm the up in the oven again before serving for the best flavor and crispy texture!

Million dollar bacon pieces placed into a jar with one slice on the side.

More Recipes to Try

Candied bacon placed in a jar on top of a wooden board with one piece of bacon on the board.

Million Dollar Bacon Recipe

Move over, regular bacon – there's a new star of the breakfast table. Million Dollar Bacon, also known as Millionaire's Bacon, transforms ordinary strips into a mind-blowing combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, making the perfect candied bacon!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 oz package of thick-cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp pink peppercorns lightly crushed
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup for brushing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This helps the bacon crisp up evenly.
  • Lay the bacon slices on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  • In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, black pepper, pink peppercorns, and red chili flakes.
  • Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture generously over the bacon slices, pressing gently to help it adhere.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the bacon from the oven and brush each slice with maple syrup. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the bacon is caramelized and crisp to your liking.
  • Allow the bacon to cool on the rack for a few minutes before serving. The coating will firm up as it cools, creating a candied texture.

Video

Notes

Store any leftover million dollar bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can place wax or parchment paper in between the pieces to keep them from sticking to each other. Then, I would warm the up in the oven again before serving for the best flavor and crispy texture!
Keyword million dollar bacon
Tried this recipe?Mention @uncomplicatedchef or tag #uncomplicatedchef!

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