Recipe Background
Million Dollar Bacon combines sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for brunch.
The first time I tried my hand at Million Dollar Bacon, it was during a Sunday brunch gathering to celebrate my cousin’s new job. Everyone was buzzing with stories of fresh starts and new opportunities. I always have brown sugar and maple syrup in my pantry, perfect for a crispy, caramelized finish, and I knew this dish would fit right in amidst the laughter and clinking glasses. While the bacon sizzled in the oven, I watched it transform into something golden and glorious. That simple mixture of cracked black pepper and cayenne pepper added just the right touch of warmth and heat — a little inside joke peppered into our brunch tradition.
As the bacon cooled, a secret trick I swear by, I noticed how the sweet notes of the maple syrup lingered alongside the spice, creating an unforgettable harmony. You see, letting it rest ensures a perfect crunchy texture, breaking the chain of waiting against eager hands. During that brunch, as plates were claimed, the bacon became more than just a side dish. It was part of the conversation, a catalyst for stories shared across generations, anchoring the day in flavors and memories. Now I always think of that sunlit morning whenever I whip up a batch, anticipating the upcoming moments it will spark.
Ingredients
- 10 pieces bacon thick-cut
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Directions
- Position the oven rack on the center rack. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine the black pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Place the foil onto a 13x9 inch baking sheet.
- Add the bacon in a single layer.
- Cover both sides of the bacon pieces with the brown sugar mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, then flip the bacon and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the oven and let cool before serving.
- Slather the bacon in maple syrup.
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