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Savory Homemade Thick-Cut Bacon with Maple Brown Sugar Glaze

homemade thick-cut bacon - featured image

This recipe features thick-cut bacon glazed with a sticky-sweet maple brown sugar mixture, creating a perfect balance of crispy, tender, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for brunch or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Amber preferred)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top if using.
  2. Arrange the thick-cut bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack or directly on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
  3. In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, ground black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Stir until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. Whisk in melted butter if using.
  4. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon strip with the maple brown sugar glaze.
  5. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Check at 15 minutes and brush on a second layer of glaze if desired.
  6. In the last 5 minutes, switch to broil (high) for a more caramelized crust, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Check that the bacon is crispy at the edges but tender in the middle with a shiny, sticky glaze. Bake a few extra minutes if you prefer it crispier, but avoid burning.
  8. Transfer bacon strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Let cool for 2–3 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Watch closely during broiling to prevent the glaze from burning. Applying the glaze in two layers creates a sticky, luscious finish. Using a wire rack helps bacon cook evenly and crisply by allowing fat to drip away. If glaze thickens before brushing, warm gently to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon, maple syrup, brown sugar, glazed bacon, thick-cut bacon, brunch, savory, sweet and savory, easy bacon recipe