Savory Bourbon Maple Bacon Strips Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze
These bourbon maple bacon strips feature a sticky brown sugar glaze that caramelizes perfectly on thick-cut bacon, delivering a sweet, smoky, and boozy flavor that’s quick and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 strips (about 6 servings) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 thick-cut bacon strips
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) bourbon
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Optional pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons bourbon. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add a pinch of black pepper and cayenne if using.
- Lay 12 thick-cut bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread a generous coating of the bourbon maple brown sugar glaze on one side of each bacon strip.
- Bake for 15 minutes on the middle rack. After 15 minutes, carefully flip each strip using tongs and brush the other side with glaze.
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes, watching closely until bacon is crisp and glaze is caramelized but not burnt.
- Transfer the bacon strips back to the rack and let cool for 5 minutes to set the glaze and crisp up further.
Notes
If the glaze starts to burn before the bacon is done, lower the oven temperature by 25°F and extend cooking time. Use thick-cut bacon for best results. For a paleo or gluten-free twist, use certified gluten-free brown sugar or coconut sugar. Rest bacon before serving to let glaze set. Can be stored in the fridge up to 4 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bacon strips
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 7
Keywords: bourbon bacon, maple bacon, brown sugar glaze, savory bacon strips, easy bacon recipe, sweet and smoky bacon