Brown Sugar Bacon is the ultimate budget-friendly trick to upgrade any morning. With just 2 simple ingredients, it bakes up sweet, crispy, and delicious with practically zero fuss.

Serve with an easy egg frittata or some breakfast sliders and a side of fruit for a crowd-pleasing breakfast spread everyone will love.

closeup of brown sugar bacon draining on paper towels.

Recipe Highlights: Brown Sugar Bacon

  • Flavor: Caramelized edges with sweet and smoky bacon flavor that melts in your mouth.
  • Why Make It: It’s an easy way to add a standout breakfast or brunch dish without much effort.
  • Serving: Pair it up with savory main dishes like a sausage and egg breakfast casserole, omelets, or some scrambled eggs and toast.

Total Time: 23 Mins Servings: 8 Cooking Method: Oven

Ingredient Notes

a pound of bacon, unprepared, to make brown sugar bacon.
  • Bacon: Regular, unflavored bacon is best with this recipe. Use regular cut for the 18-minute cook time. If using thicker bacon, you will need to cook for longer.
  • Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work. Dark brown has a deeper molasses flavor. Use extra for a thick, candied coating, or less if you like just a touch of sweetness.

Variations

  • Sweet: Brush the bacon lightly with maple syrup before adding the brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
  • Smoky: Stir smoked paprika into the brown sugar to add a warm, smoky note.
  • Spicy: Sprinkle on a little cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper for a sweet kick of heat.

How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon

brown sugar bacon draining on paper towels.
  1. Place bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet, leaving room between each piece.
  2. Sprinkle with your desired amount of brown sugar.
  3. Cook until crispy and caramelized (full recipe below).

Secrets for Crispy Bacon

  • Check the bacon early, especially thin slices, since the sugar can darken quickly.
  • Use a rimmed baking sheet to safely catch bacon grease as it cooks.
  • Leave space between slices so the bacon cooks evenly and crisps properly.
  • Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup of the sticky sugar and grease.
  • Move cooked bacon to a clean paper towel-lined plate while warm to prevent sticking.
a hand holding a piece of crispy brown sugar bacon.

Storing Brown Sugar Bacon

  • Let the bacon cool fully, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
  • For best results, we recommend refrigerating, but leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat at 350°F in the oven (5 for 8 minutes) or the air fryer (2 to 3 minutes) for the best crisp texture. You can use the microwave, but slices won’t be as crisp.

Easy Brunch Favorites

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closeup of cooked brown sugar bacon.
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Brown Sugar Bacon

Turn ordinary bacon into irresistible candied bacon with brown sugar and a quick oven bake. It's crispy, caramelized, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 8
Author The Shortcut Kitchen

Ingredients  

  • 1 pound Bacon
  • ¼ cup Brown Sugar or more to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with heavy duty aluminum foil.
  • Place the bacon side by side on the tray, leaving space between each piece, and sprinkle liberally with brown sugar.
  • Place the tray in the oven and cook the bacon for 18 to 20 minutes or until it reaches your desired crispness.
  • Remove the tray from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.

Notes

All ovens cook slightly differently. After about 10 minutes, start checking the bacon to make sure it cooks to the doneness you prefer and does not burn.
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 954mg | Potassium: 292mg | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine American

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