Introduction

Billionaire Bacon is an irresistible combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors that takes ordinary bacon to a whole new level. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or adding a gourmet touch to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

8 slices bacon (regular, not thick or thin cut)
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
½-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (chile flakes)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, then place an oven-safe baking rack on top of the parchment paper.
Step 2: Arrange the bacon slices evenly on the baking rack without overlapping.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring well.
Step 4: Sprinkle about two-thirds of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon slices.
Step 5: Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Carefully flip the bacon slices using a fork and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top.
Step 7: Return the bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked to your desired crispness.
Step 8: Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool on the baking rack for 4-5 minutes to set.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy your delicious Billionaire Bacon!

Tips & Variations

Use regular-cut bacon for the best balance of chewiness and crispiness; avoid thick or extra-thin slices.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for an extra smoky or spicy kick.
Try drizzling a touch of maple syrup on top before the final bake for a richer sweetness.
For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the bacon after the first bake.

Storage

Store leftover Billionaire Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with thick-cut bacon?

While you can use thick-cut bacon, it may not crisp up as well and might require longer cooking times. Regular-cut bacon works best for this recipe to achieve the ideal texture.

How spicy is the Billionaire Bacon?

The spice level depends on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes you use. Start with ½ teaspoon for a mild heat and increase to 1 teaspoon if you prefer it spicier. You can always adjust to taste.

Billionaire Bacon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 514 reviews

Billionaire Bacon is a deliciously addictive treat featuring perfectly baked bacon slices coated with a sweet and spicy brown sugar glaze. This recipe combines the savory flavor of crispy bacon with a caramelized sugar crust, enhanced by cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick. It’s a fantastic appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

8 slices bacon (regular cut, not thick or thin)
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
½–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (chile flakes)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place an oven-safe baking rack on top. This setup allows the bacon to cook evenly and lets the fat drip away.
Arrange Bacon: Place the bacon slices on the baking rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced without any overlap to allow for proper crisping.
Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
Coat First Side: Sprinkle about two-thirds of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top side of the bacon slices, taking care so the sugar does not clump.
Bake Bacon: Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake the bacon for 15 minutes. This initial bake crisps one side while caramelizing the sugar.
Flip and Coat Other Side: Using a fork, carefully flip each bacon slice to the other side. Gently sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over these exposed sides.
Finish Baking: Return the bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispness and the sugar is caramelized to your liking.
Cool: Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking rack for 4 to 5 minutes. Cooling helps the sugar glaze harden slightly, making the bacon even more flavorful and textured.
Serve: Serve the Billionaire Bacon warm as a decadent appetizer, snack, or alongside your favorite dishes. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

Notes

Use regular cut bacon for optimal caramelizing; very thick or very thin bacon may not cook evenly.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes quantity according to your desired level of spiciness.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to simplify cleanup.
Use an oven-safe rack to allow fat to drip and ensure crispy bacon.
Letting the bacon cool slightly helps the sugar glaze set and develops a crunchy texture.
Store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Billionaire Bacon, sweet bacon, caramelized bacon, brown sugar bacon, spicy bacon, baked bacon recipes, appetizer bacon