Sweet and Spicy Oven-Crisped Bacon
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this oven-cooked bacon recipe. Using high-quality applewood-smoked bacon, this dish combines the smoky flavors with a kick of black pepper and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The result is a crispy, flavorful bacon that pairs perfectly with breakfast dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a delicious snack. Plus, cooking it in the oven means easy clean-up, so you can focus on enjoying each bite. Perfect for weekend brunches or festive gatherings, this bacon is sure to delight everyone at the table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean bacon
1 lb (applewood-smoked or hickory smoked)
black pepper
1/2 to 2 teaspoons (optional, freshly ground preferred)
powdered chipotle pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
brown sugar
2 teaspoons (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch the drippings for easy clean-up.
3
Lay the slices of bacon in a single layer on the parchment paper, ensuring they do not overlap.
4
Sprinkle the bacon generously with black pepper, chipotle pepper, and brown sugar, adjusting the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
5
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
6
Carefully drain excess fat from the pan to prevent soggy bacon, return it to the oven.
7
Continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining grease before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Sweet and Spicy Oven-Crisped Bacon?
The main ingredient is 1 lb of lean bacon, preferably applewood-smoked or hickory smoked.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for this recipe.
How do I ensure easy clean-up for this recipe?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to catch the drippings and make cleaning easier.
How should the bacon be arranged on the baking sheet?
Lay the slices of bacon in a single layer on the parchment paper, ensuring they do not overlap.
What spices are used to flavor the bacon?
The bacon is seasoned with black pepper, chipotle pepper, and brown sugar.
Is the chipotle pepper required?
No, the powdered chipotle pepper is listed as an optional ingredient.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of brown sugar.
How long is the initial baking time?
The bacon should be baked for 10 minutes before draining the excess fat.
Why should I drain the excess fat from the pan?
Draining the fat helps prevent the bacon from becoming soggy and ensures it stays crispy.
How much additional time is needed after draining the fat?
Continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the desired crispiness is reached.
What should I do once the bacon is finished cooking?
Remove it from the oven and let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
Why use a paper towel-lined plate after cooking?
The paper towels absorb any remaining grease from the bacon slices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Can I use hickory smoked bacon instead of applewood?
Yes, the recipe suggests either applewood-smoked or hickory smoked bacon.
Is the black pepper measurement flexible?
Yes, you can use between 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of black pepper based on your preference.
What is the flavor profile of this bacon?
It offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a smoky flavor and a spicy kick.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is categorized as a breakfast dish and pairs perfectly with other breakfast items.
Can this bacon be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it is delicious enough to be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
Is the brown sugar mandatory?
The brown sugar is listed as optional, though it provides the 'sweet' element of the recipe.
What type of black pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for the best flavor.
How much chipotle pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of powdered chipotle pepper.
Can I adjust the amounts of seasoning?
Yes, you can adjust the pepper and sugar amounts to suit your personal taste preferences.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for weekend brunches or festive gatherings.
What makes this bacon 'crisped'?
The high oven temperature and draining the fat halfway through the process create the crispy texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: bacon, black pepper, chipotle pepper, and brown sugar.
What is the best way to handle the bacon slices?
Handle them carefully when draining fat and moving them to the cooling plate to maintain their shape.
Does this recipe require a frying pan?
No, this is an oven-cooked recipe that uses a baking sheet.
What is the total estimated cooking time?
The total baking time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Is lean bacon specifically required?
The recipe specifies lean bacon for the best results.
What is the benefit of oven-cooking bacon?
Oven-cooking allows for easy clean-up and a more hands-off cooking experience compared to stovetop frying.