Sweet and Spicy Bacon

If you want to add a little excitement to your breakfast or brunch, you need to make Sweet and Spicy Bacon! This mouthwatering twist on a classic breakfast staple is a flavor party in your mouth! With the perfect combination of sweetness and heat, this tasty side dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Whether you pair it with eggs or waffles or enjoy it on its own, sweet and spicy bacon is a simple yet delicious way to elevate any meal. Crumble it up and add it to salads or even top deviled eggs with it, too! You’ll love taking salty bacon, sprinkling it with some brown sugar, and adding some spicy Ranch dressing mix for an unexpected kick.

So, why settle for plain old bacon when you can spice things up with this irresistible treat?

Why Sweet and Spicy Bacon is a Delicious Twist on a Classic

I’m never going to turn down good ol’ simple bacon if you offer it to me. But it’s fun to mix it up once in a while. Eat it alone, use it crumbled over salads, and just imagine how great your next BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich) will be with THIS kind of bacon on it!!! Don’t tell anyone, just make it for them and watch their eyes light up after that first bite!

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Ranch Bacon

You can make this simple recipe with just a few easy ingredients:

1 pound of bacon (regular or thick-cut bacon)

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons (1 1-ounce packet) of ranch dressing mix

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Now, you can add some other things in there if you want to (we’ll get to some ideas later), but the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity!

How to make Sweet and Spicy Bacon

Making this easy ranch bacon at home is easy!

Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and then place a piece of parchment paper on top of each.

You might also try placing a wire rack on the sheet pan to help the bacon cook evenly.

Place bacon slices onto prepared sheets in a single layer.

Alternate sprinkling the bacon with brown sugar and dressing mix.

Place the prepared baking sheet into a cold oven and set the temperature to 400 degrees F.

Bake for 8 minutes, rotate pans, and bake an additional 12-17 minutes (or longer for thick cut bacon slices).

The total time depends on how you like your bacon. If you prefer chewy bacon, pull it out sooner. I love crispy bacon, so I let it cook longer.

Be sure to check at the total 10-minute mark as oven temps. vary and you do not want the bacon strips to burn.

Remove the bacon from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes, then move to a cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels before serving. 

Variations on Sweet and Spicy Bacon Recipes

There are many variations of sweet and spicy bacon recipes that you can try. Some people like to add honey or maple syrup to their sweet and spicy bacon mixture for an even sweeter flavor.

Others like to use different types of spices, like black pepper, chili powder, or cayenne, to add an extra spicy flavor. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile.

Can I make sweet and spicy bacon in the microwave?

While it is possible to make regular bacon in the microwave, I don’t recommend it for making sweet and spicy bacon. The microwave won’t allow the bacon to crisp up properly and may result in a soggy texture.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes, you can make spicy brown sugar bacon with turkey bacon. However, keep in mind that turkey bacon has a different texture and flavor than traditional pork bacon, so the end result may be slightly different.

Can I make this bacon recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this easy recipe ahead of time. Let the bacon cool to room temperature, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. To reheat, simply place the bacon in the oven or microwave until it is heated through.

This is how you should store any leftovers, as well. We never have bacon leftovers in our house, though!

Bacon, Bacon, and More Bacon

Try my Pecan Candied Bacon recipe.

Another fun twist is this Cajun Candied Bacon.

Bacon is the perfect ingredient for Bacon Pancakes, Bacon Caramel Apple Crisp, or Bacon and Tortellini Zuppa Toscana!

Check out these bacon recipes from my blogging friends too!

Oven Baked Candied Whiskey Bacon from The Cookie Rookie

Maple Candied Bacon from Closet Cooking

Chocolate Covered Bacon from Raining Hot Coupons

Elvis Bacon Bites from Bread, Booze, Bacon

Maple and Coffee-Glazed Bacon from The Worktop

Sweet and spicy bacon is a delicious twist on a classic breakfast food that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with other breakfast foods like eggs and waffles, sweet and spicy bacon is a great addition to any meal. So go ahead and indulge in this irresistible treat – your taste buds will thank you!

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This post was originally published on December 30, 2016. It has been updated in format and with pictures on April 10, 2024.

The post Sweet and Spicy Bacon appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.