Million Dollar Bacon Recipe You’ll Love

Who doesn’t love bacon? Now, imagine that smoky, crispy goodness elevated to a whole new level with a touch of sweetness, spice, and irresistible richness. That’s what Million Dollar Bacon is all about. This indulgent treat has gained a cult following at brunch hotspots and is sure to wow your taste buds in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Welcome, foodies, brunch aficionados, and devoted bacon enthusiasts! If you’re on a quest to create the ultimate addition to your brunch table, this recipe is your golden ticket. You’ll learn how to make Million Dollar Bacon step-by-step while unlocking tips to make it just right.

Get ready to impress your guests (or yourself)—this recipe guarantees that you’ll never look at bacon the same way again.

What Is Million Dollar Bacon?

Million Dollar Bacon—also called “candied bacon” by some—is a sweet, smoky, spicy, and savory twist on classic bacon. It’s typically made with thick-cut bacon glazed with a combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and a secret ingredient or two, then baked to crispy caramelized perfection.

Why is it called “Million Dollar Bacon”? Quite simply, with its incredible flavor profile, it tastes like a million bucks! It’s perfect as a side dish, a stand-alone snack, or even crumbled over salads or ice cream (yes, really!).

Here’s a breakdown of why it’s adored by brunch lovers everywhere:

Sweet and Salty Balance – The perfect interplay of salty bacon and caramelized sugar.
Heat and Smoke – Just the right kick of spice elevates the flavor without overwhelming it.
Gourmet Feel – Simple kitchen staples come together to create an upscale dish.

Now that you know what all the hype is about, it’s time to jump into the kitchen.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Bacon

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you might already have on hand, making it easy for anyone to create this brunch masterpiece.

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Thick-Cut Bacon (8 slices): Opt for high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best results. Skinny slices just won’t hold up to the glaze.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a rich caramel sweetness.
Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): For a sticky glaze with depth. Choose pure maple syrup—trust us, it’s worth it.
Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle heat.
Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives it that spicy kick.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, 1/2 teaspoon): For the spice connoisseurs out there.
Optional Toppings (like chopped pecans): Add an extra layer of crunch if desired.

That’s it! No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Million Dollar Bacon

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Then, place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined sheet. The rack allows air to circulate around the bacon, giving you evenly crisp results without greasy pooling.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

While your oven preheats, mix up your glaze. Combine brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Stir until well combined to create a thick paste that clings to the bacon.

Step 3: Coat the Bacon

Lay each slice of bacon flat on the wire rack, making sure none are overlapping. Using a brush or spoon, evenly spread the glaze over the top of each slice. Pro tip: Flip the bacon halfway through glazing for maximum coverage.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bacon in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness and how crispy you like it. Keep an eye on it towards the end—brown sugar can caramelize quickly and go from perfect to burnt in no time.

Step 5: Cool and Relish

Once the bacon is beautifully caramelized and crispy, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes (if you can wait that long). This step helps the glaze firm up for that irresistible, candy-like finish.

And voila! You now have Million Dollar Bacon ready to steal the show at your next brunch.

Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Bacon

Want to make your bacon even better? Follow these expert tips:

Don’t Skip the Rack – A wire rack ensures evenly cooked bacon and keeps it from getting soggy.
Customize the Spice – Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance.
Add a Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans over the glaze for a nutty, buttery texture.
Make Extra – Trust us, it’s too good to make just one batch!

How to Serve Million Dollar Bacon

There’s no wrong way to enjoy Million Dollar Bacon, but here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Brunch Sidekick – Pair it with fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, or avocado toast.
Snacking Staple – Serve it as a sweet-and-savory treat during get-togethers.
Creative Toppings – Crumble it over salads, baked potatoes, or even desserts like chocolate mousse.

The Verdict? Worth Every Penny.

Million Dollar Bacon lives up to its name and then some. Smoky, crispy, spicy, and sweet, it’s a drool-worthy addition to any brunch spread. Even better, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting brunch for friends or treating yourself to an indulgent morning, this recipe is guaranteed to delight.

Want to take your brunch game to the next level? Bookmark this recipe and give it a try! Better yet, share your bacon creations with us—you know we’re dying to see how you style it.