Candied bacon is a quick and easy way to transform everyone's favorite salty cured meat into a sweet and smoky treat. Perfect as a party snack, a breakfast side or crumbled on top of your dessert!
Preheat oven to 375ºF. For easy clean-up, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top foil. Spray rack with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl (you’ll be adding bacon slices to this bowl so don’t choose one that’s too small), combine sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, cayenne, and pepper.
If desired, cut bacon in half if you would like smaller pieces. Dip bacon slices in spice mixture, coating both sides and rubbing it to make sure it sticks to the bacon.
Place bacon in a single layer on the sprayed wire rack. Sprinkle remaining sugar and spices over the top of bacon.
Bake for 30-35 minutes (see notes!) or until crispy. Keep in mind that bacon will continue to crisp up a bit as it cools.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Do NOT cool this bacon on paper towel lined plates, it will stick!
Cooking time refers to “butcher” thick cut bacon, which is quite thick. If you use regular thick cut bacon, or a thinner cut, decrease the cooking time and watch closely to prevent burning.