If you love bacon (and honestly, who doesn’t?), get ready to take it to the next level with Honey Sriracha Candied Bacon. This isn’t just any bacon—it’s a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, spicy, and crispy all in one bite. The honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the sriracha adds just the right amount of heat, making this an irresistible snack, brunch side, or even a game-day favorite.
Honey Sriracha Candied Bacon
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Baking sheet Line it with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Wire Rack Elevates the bacon, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
Basting brush Helps evenly coat the bacon with the honey-sriracha mixture.
Tongs Essential for flipping the bacon safely.
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon – Thicker slices work best for a chewy yet crispy texture.
- ¼ cup honey – Provides a rich sweetness and caramelization.
- 2 tbsp sriracha – Adjust to taste for that perfect spicy kick.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Enhances the candied effect and deepens the flavor.
- 1 tsp black pepper – Adds a bit of balance to the sweetness.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – Brings a subtle smoky undertone.
Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows the bacon to crisp up evenly without getting greasy.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, sriracha, brown sugar, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth. This mixture will coat the bacon, giving it that perfect balance of sweet heat.
Coat the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Using a basting brush, evenly coat each strip with the honey-sriracha glaze. Flip and repeat on the other side.
Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through. Keep a close eye on it—once the bacon looks deep caramelized and slightly crispy, it’s ready.
Let It Cool (If You Can Wait!)
Remove the bacon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. It will continue to crisp up as it cools. The glaze will also set, creating that irresistible candied coating.
Pairings
This easy candied bacon is incredibly versatile! Serve it alongside fluffy pancakes, crumbled over a burger, or even as a snack with a cold beer. For a fun twist, chop it up and sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream—the sweet, salty, and spicy contrast is unreal!
FAQs
1. How To Make Candied Bacon Extra Crispy?
Use a wire rack instead of placing the bacon directly on the baking sheet. This ensures air circulates around the bacon, making it crispier. Also, avoid stacking the bacon strips—each one needs its space to cook evenly.
2. Can I Use Regular Bacon Instead of Thick-Cut?
Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time! Thin bacon cooks much faster and can burn quickly, so check it around the 15-minute mark.
3. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Store the candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for a week. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy.
4. Is There a Non-Spicy Version?
If you’re not a fan of heat, just skip the sriracha and use a mix of honey and brown sugar for a milder yet still delicious easy candied bacon.
