Sweet, spicy, salty…. this is bacon like you’ve never tasted before. People also call this treat “Millionaire’s Bacon.” It’s sweet and spicy and so tasty that you won’t be able to stop eating it. Crispy, sweet, and slightly spicy, this bacon is without a doubt the best ever. It’s a great surprise at any dinner party and makes a great holiday gift.
It’s no secret that I love pork products…especially bacon. We eat bacon almost every day around here. Besides coffee, I think it’s the best way to start the day (see above disclaimer). The close second place goes to ham, and the third place goes to eggs, bagels, and pancakes.
I can find just about any occasion to add bacon to the menu for any meal…. breakfast, lunch, dinner and now snacks…. this Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon recipe is on repeat most of the month.
A few years ago, I went to Smithfield, Virginia, which is known as the “bacon capital of the world.” I fell in love with the small town feel right away. Just think of all the movies you’ve seen that feel like “Main Street, USA” (hello, Hallmark Channel Christmas movies!!!) then infuse with the smell of bacon and a hint of salty air…. that’s Smithfield.
This town is cute, quiet, and perfect for raising a bunch of kids. I chose to go on a historic walking tour of the town. I learned about how the town was founded and the dirty little secrets that were kept behind all the pretty houses (there was a lot of gossip back then). (Thank goodness there wasn’t social media back then!) and how the town’s location on the water helped shape the industry and make it what it is today. I was moving here…. totally…I found a house, looked it up and sent it to my husband.
Let’s get to the bacon…because that’s why you’re all here. I would love to make candied bacon. I first saw it on a travel show or on the Food Network and have fantasized about it ever since. The version I saw was spicy, sweet and salty. My idea of the perfect food.
It turns out to be really simple to make. Just make sure you use thick-cut bacon. It will take longer to cook the thicker cut, which will give the sugar time to melt and turn into caramel before the bacon burns.
Twin Peaks’ Billionaire Bacon is the stuff bacon lovers’ dreams are made of. This decadent, slow-roasted bacon is coated in a spicy sugar glaze that makes each piece perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can recreate this drool-worthy bacon at home.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your own batch of billionaire bacon worthy of the Twin Peaks name. Follow these tips for bacon that is sweet, salty spicy and oh-so-addicting!
Overview of Billionaire Bacon
First, let’s start with an overview of what exactly this magical bacon creation is all about. Twin Peaks’ Billionaire Bacon consists of thick-cut bacon that is coated in a mixture of brown sugar, black pepper and spicy peppers It is then slow-roasted in the oven until caramelized and crisp.
The brown sugar gives the bacon a sweet candied crunch, while the blend of cracked black pepper and spicy cayenne, red pepper and chili peppers provide just the right amount of heat. The result is bacon that is perfectly balanced – not too sweet and not too spicy. Just utter bacon bliss in every bite!
Ingredients Needed
Recreating the Twin Peaks bacon at home is simple with just a few ingredients:
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Thick-cut bacon – go for the thickest cut bacon you can find for perfectly crispy slices
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Light or dark brown sugar – use packed brown sugar for maximum flavor
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Coarsely ground black pepper
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Cayenne pepper
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Crushed red pepper flakes
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Ground chili powder or chipotle powder (optional for extra heat)
You’ll also need basic kitchen tools like a baking sheet, aluminum foil or parchment paper, and a mixing bowl.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for billionaire bacon success:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. The liner prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes until well combined. I use a 1:2 ratio of brown sugar to peppers.
Step 3: Generously coat each slice of bacon on both sides with the sugar-pepper mixture, pressing it into the bacon.
Step 4: Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, without overlapping.
Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each slice over and bake 15 minutes more. Keep a close watch near the end to avoid burning.
Step 6: Remove baking sheet from oven and let the bacon cool and harden on the sheet for at least 10 minutes before serving. The cooling time helps the sugar-spice crust set up.
And that’s it – your billionaire bacon is ready to devour! The prep and cook time is quick, but the flavor payoff is huge.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
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Use thick-cut bacon at least 1/4-inch thick – this prevents overcooking.
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Blot bacon slices dry before coating to help the mixture adhere.
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Press the sugar-spice blend firmly onto the bacon. Don’t be shy with it!
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Cook low and slow. Higher heat will burn the sugar.
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Watch closely near the end to avoid scorching.
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Let cool completely before serving for crispiest texture.
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Make multiple pans at once for big batches. Bake in batches if needed.
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Store cooled bacon in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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Reheat briefly in a 400°F oven or pan to recrisp (if needed).
How to Use Billionaire Bacon
Once you’ve made a batch of this irresistible bacon, here are some tasty ways to put it to use:
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Enjoy as a sweet and spicy breakfast side dish
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Crumble on top of salads or baked potatoes
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Chop and add to mac and cheese or chili
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Layer on burgers or sandwiches for crunch
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Mix into cornbread or waffles for a savory twist
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Roll up with melty cheese in bacon taquitos
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Candy in chocolate or coat in maple syrup for bacon desserts
Let your imagination run wild with recipe ideas for this bacon! It also makes a fantastic gift for the bacon-obsessed people in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of brown sugar is best?
I prefer using light or dark brown sugar rather than coconut sugar. Packed brown sugar contains more moisture to help the mixture stick and caramelize on the bacon.
Can I use a convection oven?
Yes, you can use a convection setting to help the heat circulate better. The fan may speed cook time slightly. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
What about baking it in the air fryer?
Air fryers can work but may cook the bacon unevenly. I suggest preheating to 325°F and cooking in batches, watching closely.
Should I boil the bacon first?
Pre-boiling is not necessary and will result in less crispy bacon. Starting with raw bacon straight in the oven is best.
How long does billionaire bacon last?
Properly stored, the cooked bacon will last 5-7 days in the fridge. Reheat briefly before serving if needed. Freeze for 1-2 months.
How do you make Spicy Candied Bacon?
It’s so easy to make this sweet and spicy candied bacon—just follow these steps for bacon heaven:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place a wire rack on a foil lined baking sheet. On a wire rack, place the bacon. Season with black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper. Spread the brown sugar out on top of the bacon in a thin layer.
- In a 30 to 40 minute bake, or until the brown sugar melts and the bacon is crispy, move the baking sheet to the oven.
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Move the bacon to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper using tongs. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Keep in a container that keeps air out for up to three days at room temperature.
What is Millionaire’s Bacon?
Millionaire’s Bacon is a sweet and spicy caramelized bacon that originated at San Francisco’s Sweet Maple restaurant. This sweet and spicy treat is great for any party because it is covered in a brown sugar and cayenne pepper mixture before it is baked.