Maple candied bacon recipe: maple-candied & brown sugar

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Ever had one of those days where the craving for something sweet yet savory becomes absolutely overpowering? That's exactly how I stumbled upon the magical world of maple candied bacon, or as some call it, "pig candy." Today, I'll share my favorite maple candied bacon recipe that has become a go-to in my kitchen. With simple ingredients and a splash of love, this is bound to become your new favorite treat.

Why Maple Candied Bacon is a Game Changer

The perfect combination of salty bacon and sweet maple syrup is undeniably hard to resist. It’s more than just a breakfast food, it’s the kind of snack that speaks to your very soul. Think of it as bacon candy. The only thing better? How easy it is to prepare!

Candied Maple Brown Sugar Bacon

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 18-20 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ lbs. bacon
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Dash of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick.
3. Cut the bacon strips in half and place on the baking sheet. Do not overlap them.
4. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and black pepper and mix until well combined.
5. Brush the mixture over the bacon on both sides using a pastry brush.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes in the oven.

Tips for the Perfect Maple Candied Bacon recipe

Bacon Selection: The Meat of the Matter

When choosing bacon for your recipe, always opt for thick-cut bacon. Here's why:

• Texture: Thick-cut bacon provides a meatier bite and a more substantial mouthfeel. It balances perfectly with the sweetness of the maple glaze, giving you a luscious contrast between crispy edges and a tender center.
• Fat Content: The higher fat content in thick-cut bacon means it caramelizes better, blending harmoniously with the brown sugar maple syrup glaze.
• Cooking Consistency: It retains its size and doesn't shrink as much as thinner bacon, ensuring a generous piece of candied bacon every time.

Maple Matters: Syrup Selection is Key

Maple syrup is the star of this dish, so you'll want to get it right:

• Flavor: Real maple syrup offers a deep, rich, and authentic flavor that imitation syrups just can't match. This authentic flavor amplifies the taste of your candied bacon, elevating it from great to unforgettable.
• Natural Goodness: Pure maple syrup is tapped directly from maple trees and doesn’t contain added sugars or artificial flavors. Its natural, unadulterated sweetness pairs beautifully with the salty bacon.

Avoid Overlapping: The Secret to Even Cooking

To achieve that impeccable candied consistency:

• Even Caramelization: Placing bacon strips in a single layer ensures each strip gets an even distribution of heat, leading to a uniformly caramelized surface.
• No Soggy Strips: Overlapping can cause the bacon to steam, making it soggy. Spacing them out ensures every strip crisps up nicely.

Baking Rack vs. Baking Pan: A Heightened Experience

Elevating your bacon can make a world of difference:

• Crispier Bacon: Elevating bacon on a wire rack ensures heat circulates around each strip, giving you crispier results.
• Less Mess: The excess fat drips off the bacon, collecting below on the baking sheet. This not only means less grease on your bacon but also an easier clean-up process. Just ensure your large rimmed baking sheet is under the rack to catch any drips.

Let it Cool: The Patience Pays Off

After taking your bacon out of the oven:

• Setting the Texture: Cooling to room temperature lets the bacon set, transitioning from a slightly soft texture to the perfect crispness.
• Enhanced Flavor: As the bacon cools, the flavors meld and intensify. The sugars harden slightly, giving you that iconic candy bacon crunch.

Remember, each of these details culminate in creating the best maple-candied bacon experience. The love, care, and attention you put into each step will shine through in every delicious bite. Enjoy the process and savor the results!

FAQs on Maple Candied Bacon

1. Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon?

Yes, you can, but there are a few things to consider:

• Cooking Time: Thinner bacon will cook much faster than its thick-cut counterpart. It's crucial to monitor it closely to prevent it from burning. A few minutes could be the difference between perfection and overcooking.
• Texture: Regular bacon might not achieve the same meaty bite that thick-cut offers. Instead, it may crisp up a lot more, which some might prefer, but just know it'll be different from the meaty candy texture of thick-cut.

2. Can I add some spice to my maple bacon?

Spice lovers, rejoice! Here's how:

• Flavor Fusion: While the traditional maple candied bacon is sweet and salty, a touch of heat can elevate the flavor profile. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can introduce a spicy kick.
• Balancing Act: It's essential to balance the heat with the sweetness. Start with a small amount, and you can always add more according to your preference. Remember, a little goes a long way!

3. Is there a difference between pure maple syrup and regular syrup?

Indeed, and the distinction is notable:

• Origin: Real maple syrup is tapped directly from maple trees and is a pure, natural product. On the other hand, many commercial or regular syrups might contain a mix of corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors.
• Taste & Consistency: The depth of flavor in pure maple syrup is unparalleled. It's thicker, richer, and has a distinct maple flavor that regular syrups might lack.

4. How should I store leftover candied bacon?

Storing your delicious leftovers properly ensures they remain a treat:

• Airtight is Right: Use an airtight container to ensure freshness. This also prevents any moisture from softening your bacon.
• Shelf Life: While best consumed fresh, your maple-candied bacon can last up to a week in the refrigerator. Need a snack? Grab a strip or two, and you're good to go!

5. Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

Absolutely, the air fryer is a versatile tool:

• Adapting the Recipe: The air circulation in an air fryer means it can cook your bacon faster than a conventional oven. Typically, you'll need to reduce the cooking time and frequently check for the desired doneness.
• Crispiness Galore: Air fryers are renowned for delivering a crispy finish. Given the nature of our recipe, expect your bacon to come out extra crispy with a beautiful candied layer.
• Space Consideration: Since air fryers are typically smaller than ovens, you might have to cook your bacon in batches. Ensure they lie in a single layer for even cooking.

Using these details will arm you with all the knowledge you need to perfect your maple candied bacon and adapt the recipe to your unique tastes and equipment.

Key Takeaways: maple candied bacon recipe

• Maple-candied bacon is a sweet and salty treat that is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
• Choosing the right type of bacon, particularly thick-cut, can enhance the final result.
• Using pure maple syrup instead of imitation is key.
• Letting your bacon cool after baking is essential for the ideal crispy texture.
• Elevating your bacon on a baking rack can make all the difference in achieving that perfect candied crust.

Maple candied bacon recipe: Conclusion

Bacon, as a breakfast food, has always been iconic. But when paired with the sweet allure of maple and brown sugar, it becomes an epic treat that's tough to top. Whether you call it pig candy, man candy, millionaire’s bacon, or just plain amazing bacon, one thing's for sure – this maple candied bacon recipe is set to become a regular in your culinary repertoire. Dive in and enjoy one of the best ways to enjoy bacon. And remember, life's too short to eat boring bacon. 

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