Billionaire Bacon: A Sweet and Savory Indulgence

By yummyrecipes

If you’re looking to take your bacon game to the next level, Billionaire Bacon is the ultimate treat. Also known as “million dollar bacon,” this decadent dish transforms thick-cut bacon into a caramelized masterpiece by coating it with a blend of brown sugar, spices, and sometimes a touch of heat. The result is a crispy, sticky, sweet-and-savory delight that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, or even as a garnish for burgers and salads. Rooted in American and Southern-inspired cuisine, this recipe is simple yet luxurious, making it a showstopper for any occasion. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Billionaire Bacon from scratch, including tips, variations, and serving ideas. Get ready to indulge in bacon like never before!

Cuisine: American, Southern-inspired
Keywords: billionaire bacon, million dollar bacon, candied bacon, sweet and savory, thick-cut bacon, breakfast recipe, Southern cuisine, easy appetizer, indulgent dish, caramelized bacon

What Is Billionaire Bacon?

Billionaire Bacon is an upgraded version of traditional bacon, where thick-cut strips are coated with a mixture of brown sugar, black pepper, and spices, then baked until crispy and caramelized. The sugar melts into a glossy, candy-like coating, while the bacon retains its smoky, savory flavor, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. Often served as a standalone treat, it can also be crumbled over salads, added to sandwiches, or used as a garnish for cocktails. This recipe is easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

This recipe yields 8–10 slices of bacon, serving 4–6 as an appetizer or side. The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20–25 minutes. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps!

Ingredients

To make Billionaire Bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients. The key is high-quality, thick-cut bacon to ensure a substantial texture that holds up to the sweet coating.

For the Bacon:

1 lb thick-cut bacon (preferably applewood-smoked or hickory-smoked)
¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Pinch of sea salt (optional, enhances caramelization)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh chives, finely chopped
Flaky sea salt, for a finishing touch

Equipment:

Rimmed baking sheet
Wire rack (oven-safe)
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Tongs
Small bowl (for mixing coating)
Pastry brush (optional, for even coating)
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Billionaire Bacon. Each step is designed to be straightforward, with tips to ensure a perfectly caramelized result.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet.
Lightly grease the wire rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Tip: The wire rack allows air to circulate, ensuring the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up without sitting in its own fat.

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and sea salt (if using) until well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly on a plate or in a shallow dish for easy coating.

Tip: Adjust the spices to your taste—omit cayenne for a milder flavor or increase it for more heat.

Step 3: Coat the Bacon

Lay each bacon strip flat and press both sides into the sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating. Alternatively, sprinkle the mixture over the bacon and pat it down, or use a pastry brush to apply it.
Place the coated bacon strips on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Tip: Don’t skimp on the sugar coating—it creates the signature caramelized crust. Shake off excess to avoid burning.

Step 4: Bake the Bacon

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar coating is bubbly and caramelized. Check at 15 minutes, as oven temperatures and bacon thickness vary.
If desired, flip the bacon halfway through cooking using tongs to ensure even caramelization.
Remove from the oven when the bacon is dark golden and the coating is glossy.

Tip: Watch closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the bacon cool on the wire rack for 5–10 minutes to allow the sugar coating to harden and become candy-like.
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped chives or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Tip: Cooling on the wire rack prevents the bacon from sticking to the pan and keeps it crispy.

Tips for Success

Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: Thin bacon can become too brittle and burn easily. Look for bacon labeled “thick-cut” or “butcher’s cut” for best results.
Monitor Cooking Time: Bacon thickness and oven variations affect cooking time. Start checking at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Clean Up Easily: Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment to catch drippings, making cleanup a breeze.
Balance Flavors: The brown sugar adds sweetness, so balance it with black pepper or cayenne for a savory-spicy contrast.
Make Ahead: Prepare and coat the bacon up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Variations to Try

Billionaire Bacon is highly adaptable. Here are some variations to suit different tastes or occasions:

Maple Bourbon Bacon: Replace ¼ cup brown sugar with maple syrup and add 1 tbsp bourbon to the coating for a rich, boozy twist.
Spicy Sriracha Bacon: Add 1 tsp sriracha or hot sauce to the sugar mixture for a fiery kick.
Coffee-Infused Bacon: Mix 1 tsp finely ground coffee into the coating for a bold, earthy flavor.
Herb-Enhanced Bacon: Sprinkle ½ tsp dried rosemary or thyme into the sugar mixture for an aromatic touch.
Chocolate-Dipped Bacon: After cooling, dip half of each bacon strip in melted dark chocolate and let set for a dessert-like treat.

Serving Suggestions

Billionaire Bacon is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

Breakfast or Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a decadent morning meal.
Appetizer: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve on a charcuterie board with cheese, nuts, and fruit.
Sandwich Upgrade: Add to BLTs, burgers, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a sweet-savory crunch.
Salad Garnish: Crumble over Caesar or Cobb salads for a luxurious topping.
Cocktail Garnish: Skewer and use as a garnish for Bloody Marys or bourbon-based cocktails.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Billionaire Bacon recipe is a standout for several reasons:

Indulgent Yet Simple: Minimal ingredients and easy steps create a gourmet result.
Sweet-Savory Balance: The caramelized sugar and smoky bacon create an irresistible flavor combo.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, appetizers, main dishes, or even cocktails.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor and presentation make it a hit at gatherings.
Customizable: Easily adapt the spices or add-ins to suit your taste.

Conclusion

This Billionaire Bacon by yummyrecipes is a luxurious take on a beloved classic, transforming humble bacon into a sweet, savory, and crispy masterpiece. With its caramelized coating and endless serving possibilities, it’s the perfect dish to elevate your breakfast, impress guests at a party, or add flair to everyday meals. Whether you’re a bacon enthusiast or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to delight. So, preheat your oven, grab some thick-cut bacon, and create a batch of this indulgent treat. Happy cooking!

Recipe Details

Author: yummyrecipes
Cuisine: American, Southern-inspired
Keywords: billionaire bacon, million dollar bacon, candied bacon, sweet and savory, thick-cut bacon, breakfast recipe, Southern cuisine, easy appetizer, indulgent dish, caramelized bacon