Crispy Maple Bacon with 3 Simple Ingredients

Introduction

There’s something undeniably delicious about the combination of sweet maple syrup and crispy, salty bacon. This crispy maple bacon recipe is easy to make, requiring only three simple ingredients that come together to form a sweet, savory treat. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a topping for salads and desserts!

Why Make Maple Bacon?

This caramelized bacon recipe is a great way to elevate traditional bacon. With just a little maple syrup and brown sugar, you’ll have crispy bacon with a hint of sweetness that will keep everyone coming back for more. It’s also incredibly easy to make, making it a great choice for both special occasions and casual mornings.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Maple bacon is ideal for all sorts of gatherings. It’s versatile enough for a simple family breakfast or to wow guests at a brunch party. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make with kids or friends, allowing you to get creative with flavors and add your own twists. If you’re looking for a quick, impressive dish that everyone will love, this three-ingredient bacon recipe is for you!

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Before you start cooking, gather the ingredients and tools to make this delicious crispy maple bacon.

Three Ingredients for Caramelized Bacon

Here’s what you’ll need:

Bacon: 1 lb (thick-cut works best for this recipe)
Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup (use pure maple syrup for the best flavor)
Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (light or dark, depending on your preference)

Essential Tools for Your Simple Bacon Recipe

Baking Sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Wire Rack: Optional, but helps the bacon cook evenly.
Pastry Brush: For coating the bacon with maple syrup and brown sugar mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Maple Bacon

Follow these simple steps to make perfectly caramelized bacon every time!

Preparing the Bacon for the Three-Ingredient Bacon Recipe

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the bacon to cook evenly without burning the sugar.
Line the Baking Sheet: Place parchment paper on your baking sheet, and set a wire rack on top if you have one. The wire rack helps the bacon cook more evenly and lets the excess fat drip off.
Mix the Maple and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup and brown sugar. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves slightly.

Cooking Directions for Caramelized Bacon

Brush the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips on the wire rack or directly on the parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, coat each strip of bacon with the maple syrup mixture. Be generous, as this is what gives the bacon its sweet, caramelized glaze.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. After 10-12 minutes, flip the bacon over and brush with more of the maple syrup mixture. Continue baking until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool on the wire rack for a few minutes. This allows the caramelized coating to set, making the bacon extra crispy.

Tips for Perfect Maple Bacon

Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: It holds up better in the oven and develops a nice chewiness alongside the crisp.
Keep an Eye on It: The sugar can burn quickly, so check your bacon often during the last few minutes of baking.
Add a Sprinkle of Black Pepper: For a hint of spice, sprinkle a little cracked black pepper on the bacon before baking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Crispy Maple Bacon

This simple bacon recipe is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with other dishes. If you’re looking for another recipe that incorporates bacon, try Green Beans with Bacon and Onion from JenRecipes.com. The savory flavor of the bacon complements the sweetness of the maple bacon beautifully.

Breakfast Pairings with Maple Bacon

Classic Pancakes: Drizzle some extra maple syrup on your plate for a perfect match.
Eggs: Sunny-side-up or scrambled, bacon pairs beautifully with eggs for a balanced breakfast.
French Toast: Add some caramelized bacon as a side to sweeten up your morning.

Creative Ways to Use Caramelized Bacon

Salad Topping: Chop the bacon and add it to a fresh salad for a savory-sweet twist.
Burgers: Replace regular bacon with maple bacon for an unforgettable burger topping.
Desserts: Try it with vanilla ice cream, or even on a slice of chocolate cake for a unique, sweet-savory combination.

Troubleshooting and Storage

Common Issues with Maple Bacon

Burnt Sugar: If the sugar burns, try lowering the oven temperature slightly or reducing the amount of sugar.
Too Sticky: Let the bacon cool completely. The sugar will harden slightly as it cools, reducing stickiness.
Not Crispy Enough: If the bacon is not as crispy as you’d like, place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

How to Store and Reheat Your Three-Ingredient Bacon

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat the bacon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy.

Additional Tips and Variations

Adding Spice to Your Simple Bacon Recipe

For those who love a bit of heat, consider these spicy twists:

Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch to the maple syrup mixture for a sweet and spicy flavor.
Chili Flakes: Sprinkle over the bacon before baking for extra kick.
Black Pepper: Coarse ground black pepper adds a robust flavor that balances the sweetness.

Making a Healthier Maple Bacon

Turkey Bacon: For a lighter version, try this recipe with turkey bacon. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute, like monk fruit sweetener, for a lower-calorie version.

Summary

This crispy maple bacon with 3 simple ingredients is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With just bacon, maple syrup, and brown sugar, you can create a mouthwatering treat that’s sweet, savory, and wonderfully caramelized. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or get creative with pairings, this bacon is sure to impress!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make maple bacon on the stovetop? Yes, but keep the heat low to prevent the sugar from burning, and watch carefully.
What if I don’t have maple syrup? Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes, but the flavor will be different.
How can I make this recipe in an air fryer? Place the bacon in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I freeze cooked bacon? Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
How do I avoid making the bacon too sweet? Use a little less brown sugar or skip the second coating of the syrup mixture.
What kind of bacon is best for this recipe? Thick-cut bacon works best, as it holds up well during baking and has a great texture.
How can I make the bacon less greasy? Use a wire rack to allow excess fat to drip off during baking.
Can I use this recipe for candied bacon? Yes, maple bacon is a form of candied bacon. Just adjust the sugar amount to your taste.