Prepare to elevate your breakfast, brunch, or even your burger game with this incredible **Million Dollar Bacon recipe**. Also famously known as **Millionaire’s Bacon**, this isn’t just any ordinary side dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece featuring a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy glaze that transforms humble bacon into an irresistible, crispy, and flavorful delight.

Imagine thin strips of savory bacon, coated in a glistening, caramelized sugar and spice mixture, baked to a shattering crispness. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, followed by an explosion of sweet brown sugar, a hint of smoky black pepper, and a satisfying kick from cayenne and red pepper flakes. This **sweet and spicy candied bacon** is guaranteed to add a pop of unique flavor, luxurious texture, and a touch of exciting heat to any meal or simply enjoyed as a standalone snack.

For years, this gourmet **candied bacon** has been a highly sought-after feature at popular restaurants, often appearing on upscale brunch menus and as a standout ingredient in creative dishes. Its ability to add a vibrant zip of both sweet and savory heat makes it a versatile ingredient, perfect for enhancing everything from gourmet burgers and savory wraps to crisp salads. Beyond savory applications, it also pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast and brunch items like fluffy scrambled eggs, golden hash browns, and juicy sausages, adding an unexpected layer of indulgence.

The fame of this distinctive **spicy candied bacon** soared thanks to renowned establishments like First Watch and Twin Peaks, which introduced countless diners across North America to its addictive qualities. Since then, it has cultivated an avid fan following, with many attempting to recreate its magic in their own kitchens. Now, you can join the ranks of homemade culinary enthusiasts and master this coveted recipe with ease.

Making Million Dollar Bacon at Home

Ingredients You Will Need for Candied Bacon:

Crafting perfect **Million Dollar Bacon** starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to achieve that ideal balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy:

• Bacon: The foundation of our delicious treat! Opt for a good quality bacon that you enjoy both the taste and texture of. While thick-cut bacon can be used, our tests consistently show that a regular cut (standard thickness) generally yields the crispiest texture and most even coating, creating the perfect **crispy candied bacon**.
• Brown sugar: This is the key to that irresistible sweet glaze. I typically reach for light brown sugar for a milder molasses flavor that perfectly complements the bacon. However, if you prefer a richer, more robust caramel note, dark brown sugar can be substituted to achieve a deeper flavor.
• Crushed red pepper: Essential for adding that signature heat and a touch of vibrant color. Sometimes labeled as crushed chilies, this is a common pantry staple that delivers a straightforward, piquant spice to your **spicy bacon**. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your desired level of heat.
• Cayenne pepper: For an extra layer of warmth and a more intense kick! Cayenne adds a fine, even heat throughout the glaze. If you prefer your bacon less spicy, or are serving it to a diverse group, feel free to skip it entirely or significantly scale back the amount. It’s all about personalizing your **millionaire’s bacon**.
• Black pepper: A classic pairing with bacon, black pepper adds a foundational peppery bite and aromatic depth that beautifully rounds out the sweet and spicy elements. Freshly ground black pepper offers the most potent flavor, but pre-ground pepper works perfectly for convenience.

Essential Equipment for Success

Having the right tools makes all the difference in achieving perfectly crispy and evenly cooked **Million Dollar Bacon**. These items will ensure your bacon bakes beautifully:

• Rimmed baking sheet: Crucial for catching any bacon grease and melted sugar, keeping your oven clean.
• Oven-safe wire rack: While optional, it’s highly recommended. A wire rack allows air to circulate around all sides of the bacon, promoting even cooking and superior crispiness by letting grease drip away. This is key for truly **crispy candied bacon**.
• Parchment paper (or aluminum foil): For an effortless cleanup. Lining your baking sheet (even under the wire rack) will prevent the sticky glaze from adhering directly to the pan.

How to Make Million Dollar Bacon: Step-by-Step Instructions

Sometimes affectionately called “pig candy,” this spicy and sweet bacon is surprisingly simple to create at home, requiring just a few common ingredients and minimal effort. The result is a perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and salty flavors that will utterly captivate your taste buds. Get ready to fall in love with homemade **millionaire’s bacon**!

1. Begin by combining the brown sugar, crushed chilies (red pepper flakes), black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it for extra heat) in a small mixing bowl.

2. Stir the brown sugar and spices thoroughly until they are perfectly combined and evenly distributed. This ensures every piece of bacon gets that delicious, consistent sweet and spicy flavor.

3. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then place an oven-safe wire rack on top of the parchment. This setup is crucial for achieving truly **crispy bacon**.
4. Carefully arrange the bacon slices on the wire rack in a single layer. It’s important to ensure that the pieces do not overlap, as this allows them to cook evenly and get optimally crisp.

5. Evenly sprinkle about two-thirds (⅔) of the prepared brown sugar mixture over the top side of the bacon slices.
6. Bake the bacon in a preheated **425ºF (218ºC) oven** for 15 minutes. During this initial baking phase, the brown sugar and spice mixture will melt and begin to caramelize, creating that signature “candied” effect on the bacon.

7. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, flip each bacon slice over. Then, sprinkle the remaining one-third (⅓) of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the other side of the bacon.

8. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until your **million dollar bacon** reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on it during this stage to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
9. Once cooked to perfection, remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking rack for at least 5 minutes before serving. This cooling time is crucial for the glaze to set and for the bacon to achieve maximum crispness.

Making Candied Bacon Without a Wire Rack

While an oven-safe wire rack is highly recommended for achieving the crispiest **Million Dollar Bacon**, you can still make this delicious recipe if you don’t have one. Simply line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spread your bacon slices directly on top. Then, sprinkle the entire brown sugar mixture over the bacon before baking.

It’s important to note that without the elevation of a wire rack, the bacon will cook directly in its rendered fat and the melting brown sugar. This means it won’t crisp up quite as much as the rack-baked version, resulting in a softer, more pliable texture. However, the flavors will still be incredibly delicious, offering a wonderfully glazed and chewy alternative to the crispy standard. Many still enjoy this version for its rich, sticky glaze and tender bacon.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Million Dollar Bacon

If you happen to have any leftover **Million Dollar Bacon** – a rare occurrence, we know! – here’s how to properly store and reheat it to maintain its deliciousness:

• Always allow the **candied bacon** to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the bacon soggy.
• Store the cooled bacon in an airtight storage container. This protects it from air exposure and helps retain its flavor and texture.
• Place the airtight container in the refrigerator, where the bacon will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.
• For the absolute best results and to restore its delightful crispiness, re-crisp the bacon in a preheated oven at **350ºF (177ºC)** for 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as the sugar can burn quickly during reheating.
• Alternatively, for a quicker reheat, you can use the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Be aware that microwave reheating will yield a softer texture rather than a crispy one, but it will still be warm and flavorful.

Expert Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Bacon

Achieving perfectly crisp, sweet, and spicy **Million Dollar Bacon** every time is easy with a few insider tricks:

• Skip the paper towels for draining. Most traditional bacon recipes call for draining cooked bacon on paper towels to absorb excess grease. However, for recipes like this one that feature a sticky glaze made with brown sugar (or maple syrup), paper towels are not your friend. The glaze will stick to the paper, making a messy situation and potentially pulling off the delicious coating. Instead, I highly recommend allowing your **candied bacon** to drain and cool directly on the baking rack for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven. I’ve found this method effectively allows any excess grease to drip away without affecting the perfect glaze.
• Adjust the spice to your preference. This recipe includes both crushed chilies (red pepper flakes) and cayenne pepper for a noticeable kick. If you prefer your **millionaire’s bacon** to be less spicy, you have complete control. Feel free to significantly scale down or even omit one or both of these ingredients to match your taste buds. For those who lean more towards sweet than spicy, my dedicated recipe for candied bacon offers a fantastic alternative with a milder heat profile.
• No overlapping for even crispiness. For bacon that cooks uniformly and achieves that coveted crisp texture, it is absolutely essential to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on your wire rack. Ideally, the pieces shouldn’t touch at all, allowing optimal air circulation around each strip. Under no circumstances should the bacon overlap, as this will lead to uneven cooking, steaming rather than crisping, and inconsistent results for your **sweet and spicy bacon**.
• Parchment paper is your friend. Don’t skip lining your baking sheet with parchment paper! The caramelized brown sugar glaze can become incredibly sticky and adhere firmly to your pan, making cleanup a chore. Parchment paper ensures that cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to easily lift the entire batch of bacon off the pan once cooled.

Exciting Variations of Candied Bacon

While the classic **Million Dollar Bacon** is fantastic, there are several exciting ways to customize and expand on this beloved recipe:

• Billionaire Bacon: This elevated variation, famously introduced by Snoop Dogg in his cookbook, takes the heat up a notch. It typically excludes cayenne pepper but features a more generous amount of crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper, creating a spicier and bolder flavor profile. It delivers quite a bit more heat, perfect for chili enthusiasts, but can always be adjusted to suit your personal tolerance for spice.
• Millionaire Bacon Twists: For a fun and elegant presentation, transform your bacon into delicious twists! To do this, coat your bacon strips with about three-quarters (¾) of the brown sugar mixture on one side. Then, carefully use both hands to gently twist each strip into a spiral shape. Sprinkle the remaining rub over the twisted bacon, then bake at 400ºF (204ºC) for approximately 20 minutes. Flip the twists over and cook for another 15 minutes, or until they are delightfully crisp and the glaze is deeply caramelized.
• Thick-cut Millionaire Bacon: If you prefer the hearty bite of thick-cut bacon, you can certainly use it for this recipe. Just be aware that thicker slices will require a slightly longer cooking time. Expect to add about 2-3 minutes per side during the baking process to ensure it cooks through and crisps up beautifully. Adjust cooking times based on your oven and desired crispness.
• Maple Pecan Candied Bacon: For an extra layer of sweetness and crunch, incorporate chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup into your glaze. Mix a tablespoon or two of pure maple syrup into your brown sugar mixture, along with a handful of finely chopped pecans, before coating the bacon. The pecans will toast in the oven, adding a wonderful nutty flavor and texture.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Million Dollar Bacon

The versatility of **Million Dollar Bacon** is truly one of its greatest assets. Beyond simply eating it straight off the rack (which is highly recommended!), here are numerous creative and delicious ways to incorporate this sweet and spicy treat into your meals:

• Burgers: Add a slice or two to your favorite burger for an elevated, gourmet experience. The sweet heat cuts through the richness of the patty perfectly.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Transform ordinary sandwiches or wraps into something extraordinary. Think BLTs with a twist!
• Salads: Crumble it over a fresh spinach salad with goat cheese and candied pecans for a burst of flavor and texture.
• Breakfast & Brunch: Serve it alongside classic breakfast items like fluffy scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, or omelettes. It also complements waffles and pancakes beautifully.
• Bloody Mary Garnish: Impress your guests by using a crispy strip of **millionaire’s bacon** as a sophisticated and flavorful garnish for a Bloody Mary cocktail.
• Brunch Buffet: A guaranteed showstopper on any brunch buffet table. It’s often the first item to disappear!
• Game Day Snack: Serve it as an addictive snack for entertaining. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a gourmet twist on a classic.
• Eggs and Toast: A simple yet satisfying upgrade to a traditional breakfast plate.
• Bacon Bits: Crumble cooled **candied bacon** into small pieces to use as a topping for baked potatoes, soups, or salads, adding a sweet and spicy crunch.
• Deviled Eggs: Garnish your deviled eggs with finely chopped Million Dollar Bacon for an unexpected savory-sweet crunch.
• Soups & Potatoes: Elevate comforting dishes like loaded baked potato soup or twice-baked potatoes with a sprinkle of this delicious bacon.
• Desserts: Feeling adventurous? Chop it up and add it to chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or even ice cream for a surprisingly delightful sweet and salty combination.

Recipe FAQs for Million Dollar Bacon

Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying **Million Dollar Bacon**:

More Delicious Bacon Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with **Million Dollar Bacon**, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic bacon-centric recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:

If you thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic recipe for Million Dollar Bacon, please let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card below or by sharing your thoughts in the comments section! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner to show off your delicious creations.

Million Dollar Bacon (Millionaire Bacon)

This irresistible Million Dollar Bacon recipe creates the perfect sweet and spicy candied bacon with a crispy texture. It’s fantastic for breakfast, brunch, burgers, and so much more!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Breakfast, Condiments, Snacks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 slices

Calories: 91kcal

Author: Dorothy Bigelow

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Wire baking rack

Ingredients

• ▢ 8 slices bacon
• ▢ ½ cup brown sugar
• ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ▢ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to **425ºF (218ºC)**. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper, and then place an oven-safe baking rack securely on top of the parchment paper.
• Carefully arrange the bacon slices on the prepared baking rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced and do not overlap. This step is key for optimal crispiness.
  
• In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed and uniform.
  
• Evenly sprinkle approximately two-thirds (⅔) of the brown sugar mixture over the top side of the arranged bacon slices. Ensure a good, consistent coating on each piece.
  
• Place the baking sheet with the bacon into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The sugar will begin to melt and caramelize, creating a delicious glaze.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a fork or tongs, carefully flip each bacon slice over. Then, gently sprinkle the remaining one-third (⅓) of the brown sugar mixture onto the newly exposed side of the bacon.
  
• Return the bacon to the oven and continue baking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispiness and the glaze is deeply caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
• Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the **Million Dollar Bacon** slices to cool on the baking rack for 4-5 minutes. This cooling period is important for the glaze to set and for the bacon to become perfectly crisp.
  
• Serve your irresistible **Million Dollar Bacon** immediately and enjoy every sweet, spicy, and crispy bite!

Did you try this recipe?Tag me at @dashfordinner and share your photos!

Notes

*For thick cut bacon, add an additional 2-3 minutes per side to achieve desired crispiness. For thin bacon, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side to prevent overcooking.

Storage: To store, allow the Million Dollar Bacon to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For the best crisp texture, reheat in the oven, or for a quick warm-up, use the microwave (note: it will be softer).

Air fryer method: If using an air fryer, work in half batches (about 4 slices at a time). Apply all of the brown sugar mixture to the top of the slices before cooking. Do not flip the bacon during cooking. Air fry at **350ºF (177ºC)** for 8-10 minutes, checking for desired crispness.

Without a wire rack: You can bake the bacon directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. However, please note that it will not crisp up as much as when cooked on a raised baking rack. This method yields softer, more pliable, and heavily glazed bacon. In our tests, the wire baking rack consistently provided superior crispness.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg