Crunchy, smoky, sweet, and with just a touch of heat—candied bacon is the kind of treat that’s almost too good to share. It’s easy to make and just as easy to eat—whether you serve it straight up or use it as an ingredient in other dishes. Candied bacon comes together by coating thick slices of bacon in brown sugar and cooking them until caramelized. But we take it to another galaxy with a rich chocolate bourbon drizzle and a generous dusting of our Florida Gulf BBQ rub. Serve it at barbecues, tailgates, brunches, or alongside dinner—we’ve even gifted it to our neighbors during the holidays! It’ll keep in an airtight container for up to a week (but good luck making it last that long). Make this bourbon candied bacon once, and you’ll be hooked.
Yields: 12–16 Strips | Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Total Time: 1 Hour
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb thick-cut bacon
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
2–3 tbsp Gulf BBQ
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp bourbon
Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra heat
🔥 PROCESS:
1 | Preheat oven to **350°F** and line a baking sheet with **foil + a wire rack** (or use parchment directly on pan if needed).
2 | In a bowl, mix **brown sugar, black pepper, and 1–2 tbsp of Florida Gulf BBQ**. Optionally, add a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
3 | Press bacon strips into the sugar mixture on both sides and lay them flat on the wire rack, spaced evenly.
4 | Bake for **35–45 minutes**, rotating the tray halfway through, until bacon is caramelized and crisp but not burnt.
5 | While bacon cools slightly, melt **chocolate chips and bourbon** together in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth.
6 | Drizzle chocolate bourbon sauce over each slice and sprinkle with **extra Florida Gulf BBQ** while still warm.
7 | Let cool completely on rack before serving or storing. Store in an airtight container for up to one week—if it lasts that long!
💣 Pro Tips for the Perfect Candied Bacon:
- Wire Rack = Crispy Bacon: Elevating the bacon helps it cook evenly and caramelize without getting soggy.
- Don’t Skip the Bourbon Drizzle: That boozy, chocolatey finish adds a gourmet touch that takes it over the top.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon Only: Thin bacon will burn or shrivel. Go thick or go home.
🥓 Why You’ll Love BBQ Bourbon Candied Bacon:
- Sweet, Smoky, Boozy: An addicting combo of sugar, spice, and everything nice.
- Great for Gifting or Grubbing: Perfect as a party snack or wrapped up as a homemade holiday gift.
- Works as a Side, Snack, or Ingredient: Serve it at brunch, on burgers, or even chopped into salads or deviled eggs.