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Million Dollar Bacon

This recipe earned its fancy name because the crispy, caramelized, slightly sweet and spicy coating makes ordinary bacon taste like you just splurged on the fancy stuff. Takes just 20 minutes from start to finish with minimal ingredients for maximum flavor payoff.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 9 people
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound bacon strips about 12 to 16 strips, regular thickness
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt optional, depends on bacon saltiness

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking sheet or sheet pan
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spoon or small whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Oven mitts or kitchen towels

Method
 

  1. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  3. Combine brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl and mix well with a spoon or whisk, breaking up any brown sugar clumps.
  4. Lay bacon strips flat on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping.
  5. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the bacon strips, pressing gently so it adheres to the surface.
  6. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven on the middle rack.
  7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, checking around the 12-minute mark, until edges turn deep brown and the coating caramelizes.
  8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bacon cool on the sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a paper towel.

Notes

Don't skip letting the bacon cool briefly after coming out of the oven; that's when the sugar coating sets up and achieves its signature brittle texture. Use thick-cut bacon for best results. Store cooled bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.