At its most basic, CandiED Bacon (or “pig candy”) is a dessert, appetizer, or side dish made by coating thick strips of smoked bacon with sugar. Brown sugar is the most popular sweetener used to “candy” the bacon, but some recipes call for maple syrup, granulated sugar, or caramel instead. Additional ingredients such as chopped pecans, cayenne pepper, black pepper, or a coating of chocolate are sometimes included, too. The CandiED Bacon can be served warm or at room temperature and has become a really popular treat in the Southern United States.

Prep Time      15 mins
Cook Time     15 mins
Total Time     30 mins
Servings:        12 slices

Ingredients

• ½ cup SmokED Stuff Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 12 slices Center Cut Bacon (Not extra thick cut)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Cookware

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a rack on top (like a cookie cooling rack).
3. Spray the rack with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare Bacon for Greatness

1. Mix the SmokED Stuff Brown Sugar and Cinnamon in a bowl.
2. Coat both sides of the bacon slices in the Brown Sugar/Cinnamon mixture and place the coated bacon strips on the rack.
3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon appears to be caramelized and somewhat crispy.
   • Watch closely after 15 minutes because the Brown Sugar/Cinnamon mixture can begin to burn if left in too long.
4. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Candied Bacon:
  • Before baking, season the bacon with SmokED Stuff Pitching Wedge Rub.
  • Feel free to add SmokED Stuff Garlic Powder and onion powder for a zesty, flavorful twist.
• Maple Candied Bacon:
  • Brush the bacon with maple syrup before coating with SmokED Stuff Brown Sugar.
• Bourbon Candied Bacon:
  • Brush the bacon with bourbon before coating with SmokED Stuff Brown Sugar, or
  • Stir together a mixture of maple syrup, bourbon, and SmokED Stuff Brown Sugar that you can brush onto the meat.
• SmokED CandiED Bacon:
  • Smoke the bacon in a smoker using the same instructions as the oven.