Million Dollar Bacon with Maple and Pepper (Print version)
Thick-cut bacon baked with maple, brown sugar, cracked pepper, and chili until glossy, crisp, and caramelized.
# Ingredients:
For the bacon
01 -
1 lb (450 g) thick-cut bacon, about 12 slices
02 -
Nonstick cooking spray, for the rack
For the maple pepper glaze
03 -
1/3 cup (70 g) packed light brown sugar
04 -
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
05 -
1 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
06 -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
07 -
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or up to 1/4 teaspoon for more heat
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, set a wire rack on top, and coat the rack lightly with nonstick spray.
02 -
Stir the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cayenne in a small bowl until the mixture is thick and evenly moistened.
03 -
Arrange the bacon slices on the rack in a single layer with no overlap. Brush or spoon about two thirds of the glaze over the top of the bacon and press it on gently.
04 -
Bake for 15 minutes. Carefully flip each strip with tongs, brush with the remaining glaze, and return the pan to the oven.
05 -
Bake 12-16 minutes longer, until the bacon is browned at the edges, the fat has rendered, and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. Watch closely near the end so the sugar does not burn.
06 -
Transfer the bacon to clean parchment while it is still warm. Let it cool for 8-10 minutes so the glaze firms and the bacon crisps before serving.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and timing.
02 -
The bacon crisps more as it cools, so do not skip the resting time.
03 -
For milder heat, omit the cayenne and keep the black pepper.