Maple-Glazed Oven-Baked Bacon

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're craving a sweet and savory twist on classic bacon, this Maple-Glazed Oven-Baked Bacon is just the ticket. It's the perfect blend of crispy, smoky, and just a touch of sweetness, making it a surefire hit for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Oven-Baked Bacon

Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for this recipe, as it holds up well to the maple glaze without becoming too crispy. The thickness allows for a satisfying bite.

Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup, as it enhances the flavor with its rich, natural sweetness.

Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle, spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy bacon, use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
  • Adjust the pepper to taste; if you're not a fan of too much spice, dial it back a bit.
  • To save time, prepare the bacon the night before and reheat it briefly in the oven before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this maple-glazed bacon with fluffy pancakes or waffles for a classic sweet and savory breakfast. It also works beautifully crumbled over a fresh green salad or alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular-cut bacon instead of thick-cut?
Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as regular-cut bacon will cook faster.
Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?
While honey can work in a pinch, it has a different flavor profile. The distinct taste of maple syrup is what makes this recipe special.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Maple-Glazed Oven-Baked Bacon Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures a nice balance between rendering the bacon fat and creating a crispy texture. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This step is crucial for making cleanup a breeze later.

Next, arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don't overlap, as this will help them cook evenly. Once they're all laid out, pop the baking sheet into the oven.

After about 15 minutes, take the bacon out. At this point, it will be partially cooked and looking a little tempting already. Now, brush each strip generously with pure maple syrup. The syrup will caramelize as it cooks, adding a lovely sweetness. Sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper over the top for that peppery bite.

Return the bacon to the oven and let it bake for another 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as it can quickly go from perfectly crisp to overly done. Once it's at your ideal crispiness, remove the bacon from the oven.

Finally, transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. This will help soak up any excess grease, leaving you with perfectly glazed, crispy bacon ready to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Only three ingredients and minimal prep time.
  • Easy cleanup with aluminum foil-lined baking sheets.
  • The perfect balance of sweet maple and savory bacon.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

1 lb thick-cut bacon
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
4. Brush the bacon with pure maple syrup and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
6. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease before serving.

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