Millionaire’s Bacon is a decadent and irresistible treat, made by slow-roasting bacon with a candied coating. The bacon turns sweet, smoky, and crispy, offering a rich, indulgent flavor that’s perfect for serving as an appetizer, brunch item, or even a snack. The slow-roasting process ensures the bacon gets wonderfully crisp while the sweet coating gives it a unique touch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional, for added flavor)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Arrange the bacon slices on the baking sheet in a single layer.

3. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and bourbon (if using).

4. Brush the sugar mixture evenly over the bacon slices.

5. Bake the bacon for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s crispy and golden brown, turning it halfway through.

6. Once done, remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving, 2 slices of bacon)

• Calories: 150-200 kcal

• Protein: 8-10 grams (from bacon)

• Fat: 12-15 grams

  • Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams (from bacon)

• Carbohydrates: 6-10 grams

  • Sugars: 6-8 grams (from brown sugar and maple syrup)

• Fiber: 0 grams

• Sodium: 300-400 mg (depends on bacon and seasoning)

• Cholesterol: 20-30 mg

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Bacon provides a significant amount of protein and fat, making this a rich and indulgent dish.

• The candied coating from brown sugar and maple syrup adds sweetness and some carbohydrates.

• The optional bourbon adds a depth of flavor but minimal calories or fat.

This is a treat, so while it provides flavor and energy, it’s also high in fat and sugar. Enjoy it as an occasional indulgence!

The Allure of Bacon

Bacon is a beloved food that has earned a permanent spot on breakfast tables and in a variety of dishes, from burgers to salads. Its savory, umami-packed flavor is what makes it so universally adored. However, Millionaire’s Bacon takes this iconic ingredient and elevates it with a deliciously sweet, crispy twist. By baking the bacon at a low temperature and coating it with a mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional bourbon, this recipe transforms ordinary bacon into a luxuriously sweet-and-savory treat.

The slow-roasting process ensures that the bacon crisps up to perfection, allowing the sweet glaze to caramelize and create a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender fat of the bacon. The result is a slice of bacon that offers a symphony of flavors, from the rich, smoky savoriness of the bacon itself to the subtle sweetness from the sugar and maple syrup. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the optional cayenne pepper adds a small kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.

The Sweet and Savory Contrast

The magic of Millionaire’s Bacon lies in the delicate balance between sweet and savory. Bacon, with its natural saltiness, is a perfect vehicle for a sweet coating. The brown sugar and maple syrup contribute a deep, rich sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salty, smoky notes of the bacon. The black pepper adds a mild heat, while the optional cayenne pepper brings a bit of spice for those who want to take the flavor profile up a notch.

The combination of these ingredients creates a multi-layered taste experience. The crispy texture of the bacon, paired with the crunchy sweetness of the candied coating, offers a satisfying mouthfeel that makes each bite irresistible. The slight smokiness of the bacon, enhanced by the maple syrup and bourbon, creates a complex flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that makes this dish stand out from typical bacon recipes.

The Role of Bourbon

One of the standout ingredients in Millionaire’s Bacon is the optional addition of bourbon. While it’s not a necessary component, bourbon brings a rich depth of flavor to the dish. The alcohol in bourbon cooks off during the roasting process, leaving behind the smoky, caramel-like notes that pair beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and maple syrup. The bourbon enhances the savory flavor of the bacon, creating a more complex and luxurious taste.

If you choose to include bourbon, it adds an additional layer of richness and sophistication to the dish. However, if you prefer to keep the recipe non-alcoholic, the bacon will still turn out delicious without it. The bourbon’s role in this recipe is subtle but can take the overall flavor to a new level, making the dish feel even more indulgent.

The Slow-Roasting Process

One of the key elements to achieving the perfect Millionaire’s Bacon is the slow-roasting process. Unlike other bacon recipes that involve frying or cooking bacon at high temperatures, this recipe uses a low and slow method to bake the bacon. Preheating the oven to 300°F (150°C) ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up without burning the sugar coating.

Slow-roasting the bacon also allows the flavors to meld together, giving the glaze time to fully caramelize around each slice of bacon. The result is perfectly crispy bacon with a glossy, candied coating that’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Turning the bacon halfway through the cooking time ensures that both sides get evenly coated and crispy, preventing any sections from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions and Versatility

Millionaire’s Bacon is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It’s often enjoyed as a brunch item or served as an appetizer, but it can also be incorporated into other dishes for an added burst of flavor. For example, you can chop the bacon into smaller pieces and sprinkle it over salads, roasted vegetables, or even mac and cheese. It can also be used as a garnish for cocktails or served as a fun snack at a party.

This dish is also perfect for sharing, making it a great addition to a brunch spread or as a party snack. Its rich, indulgent flavor will make it a crowd favorite, and guests will appreciate the unique twist on a classic ingredient. Whether you’re serving it alongside eggs, pancakes, or fruit, Millionaire’s Bacon is sure to be a standout item on the menu.

Nutritional Information and Considerations

While Millionaire’s Bacon is undoubtedly delicious, it’s important to recognize that it’s an indulgent treat. The candied coating made from brown sugar and maple syrup adds significant calories and sugar, making this a dish best enjoyed in moderation. On average, two slices of Millionaire’s Bacon contain between 150-200 calories, with a considerable amount of fat (12-15 grams) and some sugar (6-8 grams). While bacon provides protein, it also contains a fair amount of saturated fat, so it’s important to enjoy this dish as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

For those who are concerned about the sugar content, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup used in the recipe to make the dish a bit lighter. Additionally, using a leaner cut of bacon, such as turkey bacon, will reduce the fat content and make it a slightly healthier option, though the flavor will differ from traditional pork bacon.

Conclusion

Millionaire’s Bacon is a decadent and irresistible dish that takes the humble bacon strip and transforms it into a gourmet treat. The combination of sweet brown sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of bourbon creates a rich, complex flavor that’s balanced by the savory, smoky taste of the bacon. Slow-roasting the bacon ensures that it becomes perfectly crispy, while the candied coating adds a delightful crunch.

Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a brunch spread, Millionaire’s Bacon is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Its versatility and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser at any occasion, and its indulgent nature makes it a perfect treat for special events. While it’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence, Millionaire’s Bacon is a dish that’s worth savoring when you’re in the mood for something truly special.