Spicy Candied Bacon is thick-cut bacon glazed with hot honey, seasoned with a sweet, spicy, and peppery mixture, and topped with jalapenos. Each bite will surely wake up your taste buds, for sure! And, it will take your bacon to a whole new level of deliciousness! Serve the bacon as an appetizer or spice up (literally) your breakfast or brunch! And, you can also grill the bacon–perfect for your next barbecue. If this sounds good to you, give my Jalapeno Bacon Jam a try, too!
Spicy Candied Bacon Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
- Bacon: I prefer thick-cut bacon, perfect for carrying all of the flavorful toppings. If using regular bacon, adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Hot Honey: Hot honey is a sweet and spicy condiment that can be used to kick up the flavor of lots of recipes (like this one)! Once you taste it, you will want to make more to use in other dishes, too!
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds to the sweetness of the bacon and is mixed with black pepper and red pepper flakes. It also helps in the caramelization of the bacon. Yum!
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes, also called crushed red pepper, add some extra spice to the bacon. They are used in making hot honey, so a few more will give more of a kick!
- Jalapeno Peppers: Slice up a few jalapeno peppers to top each strip of bacon! If the bacon is hot enough without the jalapenos, you can leave them off. The spicy candied bacon will still be super flavorful!
Adjusting Heat Levels: Your Guide to Customizing Spicy Candied Bacon
You can adjust the level of spiciness (and the bacon IS spicy) according to your preference. Here are a few ways you can do that:
Red Pepper Flakes: Increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes used in the recipe to control the heat level.
Jalapenos: Adjust the quantity of jalapenos or remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat. You can also substitute with a milder pepper variety if preferred.
Hot Honey: Depending on the brand or type of hot honey you use, the spiciness can vary. You can opt for a milder or hotter hot honey to suit your taste.
Cooking Time: Cooking the bacon for a shorter or longer time can also affect the spiciness. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can cook the bacon for less time to reduce the intensity of the spice.
Spicy Candied Bacon Pairing Ideas
Spicy Candied Bacon pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet and savory breakfast treat.
- Crumble candied bacon over a salad for added crunch and flavor.
- Use candied bacon as a topping for appetizers like deviled eggs or stuffed mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor.
- Add slices of candied bacon to sandwiches and burgers for a delicious twist.
- Include candied bacon on charcuterie boards for a unique and flavorful addition.
- Use candied bacon as a garnish for cocktails like Bloody Marys or bourbon-based drinks for a savory-sweet touch. Cheers!
Storing & Reheating Spicy Candied Bacon
To store leftover spicy candied bacon, first, let it cool completely. Next, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the bacon in a preheated oven, skillet, or air fryer. I do not recommend using a microwave; that can make the bacon soggy.
Spicy Candied Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 6 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 medium jalapenos, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F* (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the bacon strips on the lined baking sheet, spacing each about 1 inch apart.
- Brush or drizzle the tops of each strip of bacon with about 1 tablespoon of hot honey.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the top of the bacon slices.
- Top each slice of bacon with 3-5 slices of jalapeno.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Let bacon cool for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- Preheat your grill to 400°F.
- Prepare the bacon as instructed.
- Place a wire cooling rack on top of the baking sheet. (This is for crispy bacon on the grill.)
- Grill bacon for 8-12 minutes, or until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love all things spicy, so these were right up my alley! And yes, they are spicy!!!! I want to try the bacon on a BLT.
Elizabeth
Okay, the heat is still lingering after a couple strips of this bacon. But, I am not complaining! I absolutely loved this recipe! But, be aware that they ARE spicy!
Bella
I don't even like hot honey, and I could handle the flavor of this bacon! Not too bad, actually! But, yes, they are spicy.
Annabelle
This bacon wasn't for me, but I can certainly see how others would like it, especially if you like a lot of spice.
Selena
This recipe takes bacon to a whole new SPICY level! I loved it!
