Espresso Candied Bacon: The Sweet & Savory Brunch Star You Didn't Know You Needed

If you've never had espresso candied bacon, buckle up—because this sweet, smoky, caffeinated twist on classic bacon is about to steal the spotlight at your next brunch. It's that perfect combo of salty, sweet, and just a hint of bitter from the espresso that makes every bite unforgettable. This is one of those bacon recipes that feels fancy, like the million dollar bacon First Watch recipe, but is secretly super simple to pull off at home. Whether you're looking to impress at brunch or just need a quick snack that feels indulgent, this easy candied bacon recipe is a total winner.

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Espresso Candied Bacon

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4 but honestly, people will fight for more

Equipment

• Wire Rack (placed over a rimmed baking sheet) – lets the bacon cook evenly and get crispy
• Parchment paper or foil makes cleanup a breeze
• Pastry Brush for spreading the maple syrup and espresso mixture (or use the back of a spoon)
• Oven a must here; this isn’t a stovetop situation
• Cooling rack lets the bacon crisp up after baking

Ingredients

  

• 12 slices thick-cut bacon the thicker, the better
• 1/3 cup brown sugar use dark brown for richer flavor
• 1 tbsp ground espresso or finely ground dark roast coffee
• 1 tbsp maple syrup for that maple candied bacon vibe
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional, but adds depth
• Pinch of cayenne if you want a subtle heat kick
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Preheat the oven

1. To 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

Mix the glaze

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground espresso, maple syrup, smoked paprika, cayenne, and a few grinds of black pepper.
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Arrange the bacon

1. On the wire rack in a single layer. Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat each slice generously with the espresso mixture.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes

1. Or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes—candied bacon can go from perfect to burnt fast.

Cool on a rack

1. Remove the bacon and let it cool for 5 minutes on the wire rack. It will firm up as it sits.

Serve or store

1. Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container once fully cooled. It’s amazing eaten warm, but just as good at room temp.

Pairings

Espresso candied bacon makes a killer sidekick to fluffy scrambled eggs or classic pancakes. For a full brunch spread, pair it with buttery croissants, a bright citrus salad, or avocado toast. It even makes a wild (and delicious) topper for a chicken breast recipe—think grilled chicken with crispy bacon crumbles on top. If you're looking for easy dinner recipes, try it chopped into a warm spinach salad or wrapped around bacon crackers with brown sugar for a party-ready bite. And for that billionaire bacon recipe energy? Serve it with a bourbon cocktail and a tiny drizzle of aged balsamic.

FAQs

1. What type of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon is your best friend here—it holds up to the sugar glaze and crisps up beautifully. Avoid thin-sliced varieties as they tend to burn quickly and don’t have that meaty bite.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Totally. Let it cool completely, then store between layers of parchment in an airtight container. Reheat for a few minutes in a 300°F oven to get the crisp back.

3. Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, but go for a strong, dark roast and dissolve it into the maple syrup to avoid graininess. You won’t get quite the same richness as ground espresso, but it’ll still be tasty.

4. Can I try a variation?

Absolutely—make twisted bacon in the oven by spiraling the slices before coating with the glaze. Or go savory-sweet by serving this over a salad with goat cheese and nuts.