Imagine a magical culinary creation that transforms ordinary bacon into an irresistible delicacy that dances between sweet, spicy, and savory. Pig Candy, also known as Brown Sugar Bacon, is not just a recipe - it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance! This simple yet extraordinary dish turns a breakfast staple into a gourmet experience that will make you the star of any gathering, from brunch to game day parties.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier and catch bacon grease.
- Create a preparation station by placing a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet. Lightly spray the wire rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow dish, mix brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined. This will create the sweet and spicy coating for the bacon.
- Take each slice of thick-cut bacon and press it into the brown sugar mixture, coating both sides generously. Make sure each slice is completely covered with the sugar mixture.
- Carefully place the sugar-coated bacon strips onto the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are not overlapping. This allows the bacon to crisp evenly and allows excess grease to drip down.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispness.
- Around the 20-minute mark, start checking the bacon. The sugar will caramelize and the bacon will become dark and crispy. Rotate the baking sheet if needed for even cooking.
- Remove from the oven when the bacon is dark, crisp, and the sugar has created a glossy, candied coating. Be careful, as the sugar will be extremely hot.
- Let the Pig Candy cool on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes. The sugar coating will harden and create a deliciously crisp texture.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Serve warm or at room temperature as a sweet and savory snack or appetizer.
Tips
- Choose thick-cut bacon for the best results - thicker cuts provide a better texture and hold up to the sugar coating.
- Use parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to catch bacon grease.
- A wire rack is crucial for allowing excess fat to drip away and ensuring crispy, evenly cooked bacon.
- Watch the bacon closely in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
- Let the Pig Candy cool slightly before serving to allow the sugar coating to harden and create a perfect crisp texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Experiment with different pepper ratios to find your perfect sweet-to-spicy balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
