Perfect Million Dollar Bacon

This luxurious Million Dollar Bacon turns regular breakfast into an unforgettable meal. The ideal mix of sugary, fiery, and umami notes creates a tempting treat that takes any brunch gathering to new heights.

I came across this dish when throwing a holiday breakfast and wanted something fancy to wow my spouse's parents. It lives up to its fancy name whenever I make it, with people actually competing for the final bits.

Ingredients

• Thick cut bacon: Go for high-end thick slices for better bite and to stand up to the sweet coating
• Brown sugar: Gives a deep golden finish and richer sweetness than regular sugar can provide
• Pure maple syrup: The genuine stuff lends natural flavor and helps form that perfect sticky coating
• Cracked black pepper: Just-cracked peppercorns pack more punch than pre-ground and bring mild warmth
• Red pepper flakes: Brings that trademark fiery element that counteracts the sweetness
• Cayenne pepper: Not required but worth adding if you want more kick and flavor depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Turn your oven to 350°F as you get everything ready. Cover a baking tray with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, then put a wire rack on it. Lifting the bacon this way lets hot air flow around it, cooking it evenly and making it crispy.

Arrange the Bacon:

Spread out each bacon strip on the rack without any overlap. This helps them get properly glazed and crisp. Take your time to place them nicely with small spaces between for good air movement.

Prepare the Glaze:

Mix together brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cayenne if you want it in a small bowl. Mix well until you get a thick, spreadable paste. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more maple syrup.

Glaze the Bacon:

Use a brush or spoon back to spread lots of the sweet mix on every bacon strip. Make sure to cover the whole surface for even flavor. The glaze will spread as it cooks, but good coverage at the start matters.

Bake to Perfection:

Put the tray in the middle of your hot oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Time will change based on how thick your bacon is and how crispy you want it. Keep an eye on it after 20 minutes since sugar burns fast. Look for deep caramelization with a shiny finish.

Cool and Serve:

Take it out and let the bacon rest on the rack for 5 to 10 minutes. This cooling step matters because it lets the glaze set up and the bacon reach its final crispy state. It'll get less sticky and easier to pick up as it cools.

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The initial time I made this bacon, my brother who barely ever praises food almost tumbled from his seat. He said it topped any restaurant version and now asks for it at all family get-togethers. The cayenne pepper is my hidden ingredient that most people leave out but it adds that perfect heat complexity.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can fix this bacon up to 2 days before and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container with parchment sheets between layers. When you're ready to eat, put it on a baking sheet and warm it in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. It won't be quite as amazing as fresh-made, but when you're busy hosting brunch, the time saved is often worth this tiny compromise.

Flavor Variations

For a bourbon kick, mix in 1 tablespoon of your go-to bourbon with the glaze before you brush it on. The booze will cook away in the oven, leaving just a rich smoky caramel taste. You can also try adding different spices like cinnamon, smoked paprika, or even a spoonful of sriracha instead of red pepper flakes for a different kind of heat. For something less sweet, throw in 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze mix.

Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Bacon goes great with lighter breakfast foods to balance out how rich it is. Put it next to fluffy scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a nice contrast. It also makes breakfast sandwiches taste amazing or can be broken up over salads for lunch. For a standout starter, cut the finished bacon into smaller pieces and serve with wooden toothpicks alongside a morning cocktail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does this bacon taste so unique?

A mix of sweet syrup, brown sugar, and a touch of spice gives the bacon a rich caramel layer that stands out.

→ Can I tone down the spice?

Of course! You can simply reduce or skip the cayenne pepper and chili flakes if you don’t like heat.

→ What’s a good way to eat this bacon?

It’s perfect on its own or as a side with eggs, pancakes, or any of your favorite breakfast foods.

→ Can I prepare it in advance?

Sure thing. Once it’s cooled, put it in a container to store. Heat it in the oven for a couple of minutes when you’re ready to eat.

→ Which bacon should I use?

Go for thick-sliced bacon. It holds the glaze better and gives you a good balance of crunch and chew.