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Maple pecan candied bacon baked with maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans

Maple Pecan Bacon Crack

Sweet, salty, smoky, and lightly spicy candied bacon baked with maple syrup, brown sugar, pecans, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne. Dangerously addictive and perfect for gatherings, charcuterie boards, or snacking straight off the rack.

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, brunch, holiday, Snack
Keyword bacon, maple, pecans
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (dark or light)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans sift to keep pieces and avoid pecan "dust"
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (a pinch, add to preference)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.

  2. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on the rack without overlapping.

  3. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until bacon has rendered some fat and begun to firm but is not yet crisp.

  4. In a small bowl, stir together maple syrup and brown sugar until smooth.

  5. Remove bacon from oven and brush each strip generously with the maple mixture.

  6. Sprinkle evenly with chopped pecans, black pepper, and cayenne.

  7. Return to oven and bake 8–12 minutes, watching carefully as the sugar caramelizes.

  8. Remove from oven and let cool on the rack for 5–7 minutes to set before serving.

Recipe Notes

  • Watch closely during the final bake because they can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.

  • For extra crispness, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes (do not leave unattended).

  • Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to re-crisp.