Crispy bacon with a hint of sweetness and a nice kick of pepper – that’s the magic behind Dunkin’s irresistible Sweet Black Pepper Bacon This candied bacon is glazed with brown sugar and cracked black pepper for a perfect sweet and spicy combo Keep reading to learn how to easily recreate this addicting bacon at home,

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make Dunkin’-style candied bacon that’s better than any store-bought version. Customize the flavor and heat to your tastes. Enjoy this bacon on its own as a snack or use it to elevate burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making candied pepper bacon is simple with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen:

• 1 pound thick-cut smoked bacon
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

The brown sugar provides sweetness to balance the pepper’s heat. Corn syrup helps the sugar mixture cling to the bacon Thick-cut bacon holds up best during baking

Prep the Bacon

Start by arranging the bacon slices in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Make sure the slices don’t overlap.

Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. This half-cooks the bacon so it stays nicely flat.

Remove pan from the oven. Drain off most of the bacon grease, but leave a thin layer to help the seasoning mixture adhere.

Make the Sweet & Spicy Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, black pepper and corn syrup. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Brush the tops of the bacon evenly with the sugar-pepper glaze, using all of it. Flip bacon slices over and coat the other side too.

Bake Until Crispy & Caramelized

Pop pan back in the oven and bake for 15-20 more minutes, until bacon browns and caramelizes. Keep an eye on it so the sugar doesn’t burn.

Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly before serving.

The bacon will crisp up more as it cools. Eat it right away or let it cool completely before storing.

Storage Tips

Store completely cooled candied bacon in an airtight container for up 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving. The sweet glaze will firm up when chilled.

Freezing is not recommended as this shortens the bacon’s freshness. Enjoy it within 2 weeks for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Ideas

This sweet and spicy bacon is delicious eaten as a snack on its own. It also can upgrade so many dishes:

• Chop it up to top salads, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, soups
• Crumble it over pizza, nachos, chili
• Add strips to sandwiches, burgers, breakfast tacos
• Wrap around smoked sausage, shrimp, chicken breasts
• Sprinkle over bruschetta, deviled eggs, baked beans

Let your imagination run wild with all the ways to enjoy this candied black pepper bacon! It adds crunch and flavor to anything.

Tips for Making Perfect Sweet & Spicy Bacon

• Choose thick-cut smoked bacon, at least 1/4 inch thick.

• Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the pan so they cook evenly.

• Half-bake initially to render fat and keep bacon flat.

• Brush bacon fully with the glaze on both sides.

• Bake until dark brown and caramelized but not burnt.

• Let cool before handling for best texture.

• Store completely cooled bacon in an airtight container.

FAQs About Making Candied Bacon

Got bacon questions? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

What’s the best bacon to use?

Choose thick-cut smoked bacon, at least 1/4 inch thick, for the best results.

Is it necessary to half-bake the bacon first?

Yes, pre-baking helps render fat so the bacon stays flat while cooking fully.

Can I use normal white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar is recommended for its deeper caramelized flavor, but white sugar will work.

What if my bacon burns?

Lower oven temp by 25 degrees next time. Watch closely near end of baking time.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Reheat before eating for best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze leftover candied bacon?

Freezing is not recommended. For freshness, enjoy leftovers within 2 weeks.

Indulge Your Bacon Craving at Home

Recreating Dunkin’s Sweet Black Pepper Bacon is an easy way to satisfy your bacon fix. The brown sugar balances so nicely with the peppery kick. Customize the glaze ingredients to your liking.

Making it at home lets you use high-quality thick-cut bacon and real ingredients. You control the flavor, spiciness and crunch level to suit your tastes.

Keep a stash in your fridge to instantly elevate meals and snacks. Drizzle the candied bacon with a little melted chocolate for an insanely decadent treat!

So next time you get a hankering for this addictive sweet and spicy bacon, don’t run to the drive-thru. Get cooking and enjoy bacon candy made just how you love it straight from your own oven.