The name Million Dollar Bacon comes from its luxurious flavor. Yummy pieces of thick bacon covered in brown sugar, spices, and maple syrup. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and salty.
This enticing treat is often found on brunch menus, made popular by the restaurant chain, First Watch. It has a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor profile that’s pretty irresistible. This recipe has a magical way of blending spices and sugars together to make a caramelized bacon that you can’t stop eating.
You can serve Million Dollar Bacon as an appetizer, breakfast side dish, or even as a topping for your favorite burger or sandwich. Might I suggest pairing it with something really healthy for you like this tomato omelette. No matter how you serve it, it is the perfect treat. Just remember that this is a very indulgent treat and should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat and sugar content.
Ingredients Needed
- Bacon – Typically, thick-cut bacon is used for its meaty texture. It’s cut into 3rds so the snacks are bite-sized (believe me, you’ll want the forced portion control).
- Brown Sugar – This is used to add a sweet, caramel-like flavor to the bacon.
- Maple Syrup – Use high-quality maple syrup for the best taste. It melds with the other ingredients so it doesn’t give a strong maple flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds a bit of sharpness and spice.
- Cayenne Pepper – With the sugar and syrup, the cayenne ends up not being too spicy, but if you don’t like too much spice, you could use mild chili powder instead.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but does add some extra heat that’s super tasty.
How to Make Million Dollar Bacon
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to make clean up easier. Set the tray aside while you prepare the bacon.
Add brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes to a bowl and stir to combine. It will resemble a thick paste.
With your hands, rub the paste thinly onto both sides of each piece of bacon.
Set the strips of bacon on the baking sheet, spacing them out so they aren’t overlapping.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bacon pieces are crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a cooling rack until it’s cool to the touch.
In the Air Fryer
There is no need to preheat the air fryer before cooking this bacon. Place the bacon strips in the air fryer basket, spaced so they aren’t overlapping. You might need to cook them in batches. They won’t get nice and crispy if they’re touching.
Cook on 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. They don’t need to be flipped over. Transfer the bacon to a cooling rack until it’s cool to the touch.
Additional Helpful Tips
- For best results, use thick-cut bacon as it will hold up better to the caramelization process.
- Experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or maple-glazed, to add unique flavor profiles to your Million Dollar Bacon.
- Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and caramelization on both sides.
- Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks to prevent it from burning. The sugar coating can caramelize quickly and easily go from perfectly crispy to overdone.
How to Store
Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked Million Dollar Bacon in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
Freezer: If you have a large amount of bacon leftover you can freeze it for future use. Wrap individual slices or portions in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, Million Dollar Bacon can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
How to Reheat
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Reheat the bacon in the oven for about 5-8 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
Microwave: Place a few slices of bacon between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 20-30 seconds per slice, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as the bacon can become chewy or rubbery.
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket and reheat for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and heated to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Million Dollar Bacon?
Million Dollar Bacon is a delicious bacon recipe created by the restaurant, First Watch, that features a sweet and savory flavor profile. It is typically made by coating thick-cut bacon with a mixture of brown sugar and spices, then baking, frying, or air frying it until crispy.
How do I prevent the bacon from burning or getting overly crispy?
Keep a close eye on the bacon as it cooks and adjust the cooking time as needed. Different ovens, stovetops, and air fryers may vary in temperature, so it’s essential to monitor the bacon closely to avoid overcooking.
Can I make Million Dollar Bacon using turkey or vegetarian bacon?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to use turkey or vegetarian bacon if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will differ from traditional bacon.
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Million Dollar Bacon
The name Million Dollar Bacon comes from its luxurious flavor. Yummy pieces of thick bacon covered in brown sugar, spices, and maple syrup. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and salty.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound thick cut bacon, cut into 3rds
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes to a bowl and stir to combine. It will resemble a thick paste.
- With your hands, rub the paste thinly onto both sides of each piece of bacon.
In the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Set the strips of bacon on the baking sheet, spaced so they aren’t overlapping.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bacon pieces are crispy.
- Transfer the bacon to a cooling rack until it’s cool to the touch.
In the air fryer:
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer. Place the bacon strips in the air fryer basket, spaced so they aren’t overlapping.
- Cook on 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a cooling rack until it’s cool to the touch.