Millionaire Bacon
Millionaire’s Bacon is sweet, spicy, and packed with irresistible flavor and texture. Made with just 6 ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to elevate any breakfast or brunch. I’ve even served it as an appetizer or on a charcuterie board snack spread too!
Everything is better with bacon…and everything is way better with Millionaire’s Bacon. Loaded with complex flavors and a satisfying chewy, caramelized texture, this easy bacon recipe is perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches, parties, or any cozy gathering. My kids love to help make this recipe on Christmas morning, and since it’s only 6 ingredients, it’s easy for them to assemble.
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Smoky thick-cut bacon is coated in sweet maple syrup and dusted with spices for the ultimate flavor sensation. Millionaire’s Bacon is simple to make and guaranteed to impress guests while still being easy enough to bake right in the oven at home in minutes. Breakfast is about to taste like a million bucks!
If you’re a bacon lover, be sure to try our Best Spinach and Bacon Quiche and these easy and delicious Bacon Cheddar Biscuits.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients. With just a handful of ingredients and pantry staples, whip this up quickly and easily, anytime. And since it’s baked in the oven, clean up is fast too.
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or entertaining. Everyone loves bacon, and this version is extra special making it a great addition to any holiday or brunch spread.
- Crowd-pleasing flavors. What’s not to love about smoky bacon candied with sweet maple syrup and warm spices? Your guests won’t be able to get enough.
- Can be prepped ahead. Make this in advance to help save time when entertaining. Simply pull it out and serve when you’re ready.
- Great for serving a group. Make one batch and easily serve with a larger brunch spread to feed a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Smoky and hearty with the perfect bite, find this in the meat aisle or at the butcher counter.
- Light or Dark Brown Sugar: For that sweet and sticky caramelization.
- Black Pepper: Use freshly cracked for the best flavor and heat.
- Cayenne Pepper: For spiciness and a kick.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds even more smokiness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder: For extra savory seasoning.
Tools You’ll Need
How to Make Millionaire’s bacon
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
- Lay bacon strips flat on the rack, not overlapping.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Spoon and gently press the sugar mixture onto the top of each bacon strip.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through. The sugar should be melted, bubbling, and very dark amber when done. Time range depends on how crispy you desire your bacon.
- Remove from oven and let bacon cool on the rack for 10–15 minutes. It will firm up and become perfectly sticky-crisp as it cools.
Expert Tips
- Avoid overcooking or over-drying. Only bake the bacon until cooked through — over-baking will give it a tough or dried out texture.
- Customize the flavors. Choose add-ins or toppings of your choice depending on preference. Add fresh herbs, citrus or extra heat for a flavor punch.
- Use high-quality ingredients. This recipe calls for so few items, so use good-quality for the best flavor.
- Serve fresh for the best texture. This bacon is best day of for maximum texture satisfaction.
Variations
- Make it Spicy. Add even more cayenne or swap in chipotle powder and cinnamon for heat.
- Sweet and savory twist. Add a drizzle of hot honey instead of syrup, and top with flaky sea salt once baked.
- Holiday-themed additions. Add fresh rosemary or citrus zest to give the bacon a warm, seasonal flavor profile.
- Mini or party-sized versions. Cut bacon strips in half or thirds before baking for the perfect poppable snack size.
- Make-ahead bacon. While it’s best day of, this can be prepped and baked in advance, then cooled until you’re ready to serve. When the time comes pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to take the chill off.
- Try Different Flavor Variations:
- Maple Millionaire Bacon (Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the sugar mix)
- Bourbon Bacon (Add 1–2 tsp bourbon to the mix)
- Rosemary Millionaire Bacon (Finely chop fresh rosemary into the sugar)
- Black Pepper Lover’s (Double the black pepper).
What To Serve With Millionaire’s Bacon
Millionaire’s Bacon pairs perfectly with anything, is delicious on its own, and is the perfect addition to a larger meal. Here are our favorite ways to serve it.
- With holiday brunch spreads
- As a party appetizer
- Alongside cocktails or mocktails
- With fresh fruit or salads
- Paired with coffee or hot cocoa
Storage
Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Enjoy it chilled or room temperature. Or reheat gently in the microwave (for just a few seconds to prevent it from getting too chewy), or in the oven at 350° for 5-7 minutes until warm.
You can make this ahead of time, too. Prep and bake the bacon in advance then let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve chilled, room temperature or warmed as instructed above when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes – freeze cooled bacon in a single layer in between sheets of parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, then rewarm in the microwave (5-10 second intervals) or the oven at 350° until crisped up.
Try using pancetta or prosciutto for an Italian twist instead of bacon, and try hot honey instead of maple syrup for a sweet-heat flavor. Adjust the bake time based on your selection.
This bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. For maximum freshness and best texture, layer the pieces in between sheets of parchment to prevent them from sticking together.
Definitely, simply scale the recipe and double the ingredients.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
Millionaire’s Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
- Lay bacon strips flat on the rack, not overlapping.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Spoon and gently press the sugar mixture onto the top of each bacon strip.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through. The sugar should be melted, bubbling, and very dark amber when done. Time range depends on how crispy you desire your bacon.
- Remove from oven and let bacon cool on the rack for 10–15 minutes. It will firm up and become perfectly sticky-crisp as it cools.
Notes
- Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. You can also reheat gently in the microwave (for just a few seconds to prevent it from getting too chewy), or in the oven at 350° for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Make this ahead of time — prep and bake bacon in advance then cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve chilled, room temperature or warmed as instructed above when ready to serve.
- Maple Millionaire Bacon: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the sugar mix
- Bourbon Bacon: Add 1–2 tsp bourbon (mix well)
- Rosemary Millionaire Bacon: Finely chop fresh rosemary into sugar
- Black Pepper Lover’s: Double the black pepper
Tips
- Prep ingredients ahead for easier assembly.
- Avoid overcooking or over-drying. Only bake the bacon until cooked through — over-baking will give it a tough or dried out texture.
- Customize flavors. Choose add-ins or toppings of your choice depending on preference. Add fresh herbs, citrus or extra heat for a flavor punch.
- Use high-quality ingredients. This recipe calls for so few items, so use good-quality for the best flavor.
- Serve fresh for the best texture. This bacon is best day of for maximum texture satisfaction.
Nutrition
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
