Gusto TV Candied Bacon Recipe - Maple Vanilla Crunch

Candied Bacon Recipe – Maple Vanilla Crunch

Candied Bacon transforms everyday thick-cut bacon into an irresistibly addictive treat through a glossy maple-vanilla glaze and brown sugar caramelization that creates shatteringly crisp, glassy edges around chewy-smoky centers — the ultimate 3-ingredient indulgence that disappears instantly from any table. This oven method delivers professional crackle without stovetop splatter or curling disasters, turning 18 minutes of patient baking into pork belly perfection that elevates breakfast, parties, and sandwiches alike. From A IS FOR APPLE “Bacon and Bananas,” hosted by Robert Jewell, this foolproof recipe ties perfectly into the episode’s sweet-savory theme, launching legendary Elvis peanut butter-banana sandwiches while standing alone as brunch board royalty or midnight snack supremacy.

The Inspiration

Candied Bacon elevates humble pork belly into addictive treat through maple’s woodsy depth, vanilla’s perfumed lift, and brown sugar’s crystalline snap — oven’s dry heat renders fat perfectly while sugars caramelize into mahogany shell. Robert Jewell showcases this in A IS FOR APPLE, tying episode’s bacon-banana theme through sweet-savory genius where 18-minute timing prevents burning while maximizing crunch.

From county fairs to gourmet brunch boards, candied bacon rules — thick-cut essential for chewy-crisp balance; dual brushing ensures even glaze. Jewell emphasizes foil-lined trays (cleanup zero), mid-cook flip for symmetry, and immediate tray removal (prevents steaming). Brown sugar sprinkling creates nubby texture; pure vanilla extract distinguishes from imitation. Recipe scales effortlessly — double for parties, halve for solo splurges. “Bacon and Bananas” celebrates pork’s sweet potential, positioning this as gateway recipe launching Elvis sandwich perfection.

Ingredients

12 Slices of bacon thick cut
¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup
½ teaspoon (2.5ml) pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons (45ml) brown sugar

Methods

Preheat oven to 350F (176°C).
In a small bowl combine the maple syrup and vanilla.
Line a tray with aluminum foil.
Place bacon on the tray.
Brush with maple vanilla mixture.
Sprinkle with half of the brown sugar and place in the oven.
Cook for 10 minutes and flip the bacon.
Brush again with the maple vanilla syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Return to oven and cook until crispy approximately 8 more minutes.
Remove immediately from tray allow to cool.

Note: Use this bacon to make a delicious Elvis sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

Stack Candied Bacon fanned dramatically on wooden boards for brunch showstoppers, chop into bits for pancake-waffle crunch, or layer whole strips into grilled Elvis sandwiches with peanut butter and banana slices for ultimate episode tribute — oven-toasting sandwiches melts candy coating into caramelized bliss. Crumble over Brussels sprouts salads for sweet-smoky lift, or skewer bite-sized for cocktail party pick-up where bourbon cocktails provide perfect pairing; breakfast burritos gain dimension crumbling inside with scrambled eggs and avocado, while ice cream sundaes demand chopped shards for pork candy topping that rivals salted caramel.

Final Thoughts

Candied Bacon recipe from A IS FOR APPLE “Bacon and Bananas,” hosted by Robert Jewell, transforms 12 thick-cut strips into shatteringly crisp maple-vanilla candy through dual-side brushing, precise 18-minute oven caramelization, and immediate parchment cooling that locks glassy crunch — 3-ingredient method scales effortlessly from brunch hero to party pick-up perfection. Ideal for Elvis peanut butter-banana sandwiches, ice cream toppers, salad crunch, or cocktail skewers, this foolproof technique prevents curling, ensures even candy coating, and delivers professional crackle without stovetop mess or splatter.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!