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Candied Brown Sugar Bourbon Bacon Burnt Ends

candied brown sugar bourbon bacon burnt ends - featured image

These candied brown sugar bourbon bacon burnt ends are the perfect sweet, smoky, and boozy snack. Made with just three main ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, they’re impossibly addictive and perfect for parties, game day, or any time you need a treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper, dash of smoked paprika, flaky sea salt, 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil (if using foil, spray with nonstick cooking spray).
  3. Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces (stack 3-4 slices at a time for efficiency).
  4. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and bourbon together until it forms a thick, grainy paste.
  5. Toss the bacon pieces in the sugar-bourbon mixture using your hands to coat evenly.
  6. Arrange the coated bacon pieces on a wire rack set over the baking sheet, or directly on the lined baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each piece.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time.
  8. Remove the pan from the oven and carefully flip each piece using tongs.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, watching closely during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. The bacon should be dark, glossy, and slightly crisp around the edges.
  10. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes. The sugar will harden into a crackly coating.
  11. Transfer to a serving plate using a spatula. If any pieces are stuck, let them cool a minute longer before removing.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon only; thin bacon will burn. Watch the oven closely during the last 5 minutes as sugar can burn quickly. Let cool completely before serving for the best crackly texture. Do not refrigerate leftovers; store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For reheating, use a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied bacon, bourbon bacon, bacon burnt ends, brown sugar bacon, easy appetizer, game day snack, sweet and savory bacon