Salty bacon with sweet heat. That is the perfect way to describe this bacon recipe! It’s a great addition to your appetizers for the big game party or the perfect snack straight out of the oven.
- Prep time – 15 minutes
- Cook time – 25 minutes
- Total time – 40 minutes
- Servings – 12 pieces
- Prep level – Beginner +
What I Love About This Recipe
- Big flavor, simple ingredients – With just a few ingredients you get delicious flavor with little effort.
- Texture – The caramelized honey and brown sugar on crispy bacon creates an irresistible texture.
- Crowd-pleaser – This bacon is always a hit at parties, BBQs and brunches.
Ingredient Notes
- Hickory smoked bacon: Thick-cut holds up best; thin slices turn brittle and can easily burn before the glaze sets. Swap with turkey bacon, center-cut, or pancetta slices.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramelization and a molasses flavor. Swap with coconut sugar, maple sugar, or white sugar plus 1/2 tsp molasses per 1/4 cup.
- Honey: Brings floral sweetness and stickiness. Replace with maple syrup, agave, or hot honey (reduce the amount of jalapeño if using it).
- Jalapeño peppers: Fresh, finely diced gives bright heat. Remove the seeds and white ribs for mildness. For more heat use serrano peppers and for very mild heat swap with poblano peppers. In a pinch, red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper can be used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pre heat oven. Dice the fresh Jalapeno pepper, discarding the seeds.
Spread the brown sugar in a shallow dish and coat both sides of the bacon with the sugar, pressing down to get the sugar to stick.
Grease the wire rack with cooking spray and place it on a foil lined baking pan. Lay the strips of sugar coated bacon on the wire rack one slice of bacon at a time, leaving space in between each slice then bake.
Turn over the bacon. Drizzle with a little honey and diced fresh peppers.
Return to the oven and continue to bake. Depending on the thickness of the bacon and if you like crispy bacon you will want to cook it a little longer. Carefully remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before serving.
See the recipe card below for complete measurements and baking times.
Laura Belle’s Tips
- Try and use local honey from your region – It’s so healthy for your immune system and very tasty.
- Protect your hands – Use food preparation gloves when handling any type of hot peppers.
- Bake in batches – You may have to bake the bacon in batches depending on the size of your baking pan, wire rack, and how big the slices of bacon are.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sweet and hot bacon with:
- As a standalone snack or appetizer – Ideal for parties or game day.
- On a charcuterie board – Pair with cheeses, dried fruits, and crackers.
- Chopped as a topping – Use on a BLT salad. Add to Brussels sprouts or roasted vegetables for a bold twist.
- Breakfast dishes – Add to breakfast sandwiches, omelets, or frittatas. Serve along pancakes or waffles. Crumble over avocado toast.
- Wrap around stuffed dates or shrimp before baking or grilling.
Storage and Reheating
Storing: Cool completely. Refrigerate for 4-5 days in an airtight container or wrap in foil. To freeze: Place cooled strips between layers of parchment paper or wax papaer in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Place on a baking sheet lined with foil or on a rack. Bake on 375° until heated and crispy. About 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Cook it fully, cool it on the rack, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat at 375°F for a few minutes to re-crisp.
It could be too much glaze, a crowded pan, or thick slices being pulled too early. Bake on a rack, leave space between slices, and let it cool for a few minutes to let the crispiness set.
Absolutely! Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 12 minutes and glaze in the last 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t overlap the slices.
How To Make Delicious Honey Jalapeno Bacon
Salty bacon with sweet heat. That is the perfect way to describe this bacon recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound hickory smoked bacon
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 large jalapeno pepper – diced
Instructions
- Dice the Jalapeno pepper, removing the seeds.
- Pre heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Spread the brown sugar in a shallow dish.
- Coat both sides of the bacon with the sugar, pressing down to get the sugar to stick.
- Grease the wire rack with cooking spray and place it on a foil lined baking pan.
- Lay the strips of sugar coated bacon on the wire rack one slice of bacon at a time, leaving space in between each slice.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Using oven mitts, carefully remove baking pan from oven.
- Using tongs, turn over the bacon. Drizzle with a little honey and diced fresh peppers.
- Return to the oven and bake another 15 minutes. *Depending on the thickness of the bacon and if you like crispy bacon you will want to cook it a little longer. Check EVERY 5 minutes, you don’t want it to burn.
- Using oven mitts, carefully remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Helpful Tools:
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet with edges
- Aluminum foil
- Shallow medium bowl
- Cooking tongs
- Oven mitt
Pro Tips:
- Use a thicker bacon. Thinner slice bacon may break when turning it.
- Turkey bacon works well for this recipe.
- Try and use local honey from your region. It's so healthy for your immune system and very tasty.
- Use food preparation gloves when handling any hot peppers.
- You may have to bake the bacon in batches depending on the size of your baking pan, wire rack, and how big the slices of bacon are.
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