Million-Dollar Bacon

Million-Dollar Bacon

1 dozen

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 1 pound thick-sliced bacon strips
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch pan with foil. A different size is fine, as long as the bacon isn't too crowded together, which will prevent it from crisping well. A rimmed sheet is essential, as the bacon will let off some fat.

  2. 2

    In a bowl or baking dish, combine the brown sugar, pepper flakes, cayenne and ground pepper. Mix together with a fork. It's easiest to use a dish large enough to dip the full slice of bacon.

  3. 3

    One at a time, dip bacon slices in the sugar mixture. Make sure to get both sides. Place on the prepared pan.

  4. 4

    Bake until the bacon is browned and crisp, about 20 to 25 minutes. If your bacon is on the thinner side, check on it a bit earlier to make sure it's not browning too quickly.

  5. 5

    Remove the pan from the oven (but don't turn it off). Drizzle maple syrup over the bacon.

  6. 6

    Return the pan to the oven and bake until bacon looks glossy but dry, about 5 minutes longer.

  7. 7

    Transfer the bacon to a cooling rack. Do not use paper towels, as they will stick to the bacon. Serve while still warm for the tastiest experience.