Bourbon Maple Bacon with Sweet Glaze (Print version)
Thick-cut bacon baked with a bourbon maple sweet glaze until sticky, caramelized, and crisp. A bold brunch side or party snack in about 40 minutes.
# Ingredients:
For the bacon
01 -
1 lb (450 g) thick-cut bacon, about 12 strips
For the sweet glaze
02 -
1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
03 -
3 tbsp bourbon
04 -
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
05 -
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
06 -
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
07 -
Pinch of kosher salt
# Instructions:
01 -
Whisk the brown sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, pepper, paprika, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not boil.
02 -
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set an oven-safe wire rack on top. Lightly oil the rack to prevent sticking.
03 -
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the rack, leaving a little space between each one so air can circulate.
04 -
Brush the tops of the bacon with about half the glaze. Bake at 375°F for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges begin to curl.
05 -
Use tongs to flip each strip. Brush the second side with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, watching closely near the end, until the bacon is dark amber and crisp.
06 -
Transfer the bacon to a clean wire rack or parchment-lined plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the glaze hardens before serving.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served the day it is made, but reheats well in the oven.
02 -
Use thick-cut bacon to prevent burning under the sugar glaze.