Fitness / December 29, 2023

Easy Baked Maple Bacon

Think you love bacon as much as you possibly can? Try it draped in maple syrup and you’ll be eating it like candy.

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Some people’s mania for bacon is concerning. Or inspiring.

These people, when asked how to improve any particular dish, will invariably answer, “Throw some bacon on there!” While I can criticize their lack of creativity, I can’t complain about the result. It’s true—bacon makes everything better.

But what can you add to bacon to improve the perfect food? Maple syrup, of course! That’s what we do in this simple yet effective recipe. We also add cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, and nutmeg because we’re gluttons for that delectable combo of sweet and spicy, but really, the star is the maple—the best thing to come from trees besides paper.

I’ve done the “sweet bacon” thing before—you may remember my recipes for Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites and Bacon Beer Cupcakes—but this Maple Bacon recipe infuses it with heat. In fact, the heat is the only thing that may prevent you from tossing back these bacon bits like candy!

Is Easy Baked Maple Bacon Healthy?

Not really. Bacon is high in fat, calories, and sodium, while the maple syrup is high in sugar. Some diets embrace bacon because they prefer fats and protein to carbs, but the syrup will discourage those averse to sugar from eating this dish. It’s suitable for low-carb, keto, paleo, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets.

What Type of Bacon Should I Use?

While there are several different types of bacon, for this recipe, turn to the classic pork variety cut into thick strips. If the bacon is too thin, it will be overpowered by the syrup. Thick bacon will give you something to chew on, which is ideal. I would, in the name of health-consciousness, suggest using chicken or turkey bacon, but the health-conscious among you probably wouldn’t have clicked on this recipe in the first place! And while there is also back bacon, peameal bacon, streaky bacon, Canadian bacon, and, well, ham (some of those are the same thing), for this recipe, the most popular type is also the most appropriate.

INGREDIENTS

12 oz. thick-cut bacon
¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp ground black pepper
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ cup chopped Brazil nuts

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Lay a metal-baking rack over the foil.

Lay

Lay the bacon evenly out onto the rack, being sure not to overlap them.

Combine

In a small mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup with the cinnamon, paprika, pepper, chopped Brazil nuts, and nutmeg.

Brush

Brush the maple glaze over each slice of bacon and sprinkle with nuts.

Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes at 400°F.

Cool

Remove the bacon from the oven, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, and let cool.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making Perfect Baked Maple Bacon

Thick-cut bacon is the way to go. It holds up to baking and won’t be overpowered by the maple syrup.
Flip the bacon halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Keep a sharp eye on the bacon for the last few minutes in the oven. The thickness of the bacon, as well as the strength of your oven, will fluctuate that cooking time.
Taste your syrup mixture before applying it to the bacon and adjust the spices accordingly.
Letting the bacon cool completely not only makes it safe to eat but also allows it to crisp up fully.

FAQs

i don’t have a baking rack. is that a concern?

Not really. It just means more work. Halfway through cooking, remove the bacon from the oven and pour out the excess grease.

can i use this syrup mix as a dip for the bacon?

Sure, if you prefer to eat it that way. The cooking time will probably need to be altered though.

which other nuts do you recommend?

Pecans, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts… pretty much ALL the nuts. So it really depends on which you prefer.

can i change up the maple syrup?

Yes. Honey or agave syrup will also work with the bacon. They each have their own flavor profile though, so taste the mix before applying it to the bacon and adjust accordingly.

can i make this in an air fryer?

Certainly. Fill the air fryer with bacon (laid out in a single layer) then brush on the syrup mixture. Cook at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

As I’ve alluded to a couple of times already, I can eat maple-covered bacon like candy. But I don’t recommend that. Instead, pair it with other dishes, like brunch staples Scrambled Eggs and Roast Breakfast Potatoes or something a bit more inventive, like Carrot-Cake Overnight Oats. Then wash everything down with a Peanut Butter Keto Low Carb Smoothie With Almond Milk.

How To Prep and Store Maple-Glazed Bacon

Let the bacon cool then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can simply reheat in the microwave a few seconds for every slice on the plate. To freeze the bacon, lay out the slices on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Then place the entire sheet in the freezer until the bacon slices are solid. You are now able to put the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and, later, remove only those slices you want. They should last frozen for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight.