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Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon

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Calling all pumpkin spice lovers: Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon is going to be your favorite new go-to snack!

Just 6 simple ingredients make sticky, sweet and warmly spiced bacon candy.

I’ll say that again: BACON. CANDY.

This maple candied bacon is great for all your Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free and/or refined sugar-free friends (there’s even a keto version!) but it’s also good for anyone who likes BACON. CANDY.

bacon candy on a white rectangular platter with mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves

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Why this recipe works

I know, I know.

I know this recipe seems like yet another attempt to cash in on the pumpkin spice trend. But trust me when I tell you that spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg actually go really well with candied bacon. I’ve been serving this at parties for years and they always disappear.

Plus they’re so easy to make and are great for Halloween, Thanksgiving…really whenever.

Even without the spices, making candied bacon without brown sugar and using maple syrup instead is a game-changer.

So whether you call it candied bacon, caramelized bacon, millionaire’s bacon or man candy (yes, really), this is a must-make for any party.

 

What you need for Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 pound (16 oz.) bacon
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (the darker the better)

If you want to make spicy candied bacon, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder.

If you’re keto, use a keto-approved maple syrup.

Equipment:

bacon baked in the oven with maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices standing in a mason jar next to mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves

How to make Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon

Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°.

Step 2: Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and insert cooking racks on top.

Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.

Step 4: Slice the bacon crosswise and lay on the cooking racks.

Step 5: Brush the maple syrup thickly and evenly over the bacon.

Step 6: Over a cutting board, spoon the spice mixture into the sieve. Then gently tap or shake the sieve over all the bacon, coating it thickly. The spices will dissolve into the maple syrup so you want to add more than you think you need. (You might not need all of the spice mixture – save any leftovers to add to pancakes, waffles, smoothies, bread and more.)

Step 7: Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, swapping and rotating the pans halfway through*. The bacon should look firm and dark but not burnt. Let rest on the racks until they’ve cooled down and firmed up a bit more, about 5-10 minutes. Then enjoy!

The recipe yields approx. 30 pieces.

*(Juuuuust in case that’s not clear: you’re swapping the sheet on the upper rack with the one on the lower rack and rotating each pan 180°. Most ovens are hotter toward the back and bottom so this makes sure all the pieces cook evenly.)

Prepare for your kitchen to be filled with the aromas of bacon and warm fall spices (seriously, why isn’t there a pumpkin spice bacon candle?) (<– don’t steal this idea, it’s mine and I’m going to make millions) (although darnit, this comes pretty close and now I might have to buy it).

And your candied bacon appetizer is ready to go!

baked bacon in a mason jar next to mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves

What kind of bacon should you use?

I’ve been sticking with uncured Paleo bacon (meaning there’s no added sugar), but you have options.

If you want smoked candied bacon, try using…wait for it…smoked bacon.

You can use thick-cut bacon but you’ll have to increase the cook time. I’d cook it for 34 minutes total, still swapping the pans halfway through, and see what it’s like at that point. You want it to be firm and dark, not soggy, floppy or burnt. If it’s not ready yet, keep checking every 2-3 minutes or so.

Can you make this ahead of time?

You can make the pumpkin spice bacon earlier in the day and keep it at room temperature. I do not recommend chilling or freezing the bacon.

You can make the spice mix up to a month in advance and kept in airtight container at room temperature.

 

What do I serve this with?

With napkins, for one. But really, Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon is great for almost any occasion.

If you really want to go all out with the pumpkin spices, make a batch of my pumpkin margaritas.

Serve it for your Halloween party before dishing up my Halloween chili.

It’s warm spices tie in nicely with one of my favorite sheet pan chicken dinners (once the bacon comes out of the oven, pop the chicken in).

Let people snack on it while brunching with these Paleo waffles or Paleo pancakes, this Paleo apple bread or this Paleo molasses bread.

Add it to your array of snacks for game day alongside avocado hummus, deviled eggs and sticky apricot chicken wings.

Or just eat the whole pan yourself because it’s Tuesday and Tuesdays are freakin’ hard, man. Tuesdays are the new Mondays. That’s right. I said it.

And that’s it! What are you waiting for? GET. YOUR. BACON. CANDY. ON.

 

Other recipes you might like

  1. Spiced Candied Pecans
  2. Bacon Pineapple Guacamole
  3. Bacon Ranch Crispy Smashed Potatoes
  4. Pumpkin Cider Margarita
bacon candy on a white rectangular platter with mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves

Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon

Don Baiocchi
Maple syrup and pumpkin spice upgrade candied bacon into something totally irresistible!
5 from 17 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 221 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ tablespoons cinnamon
  • 4¼ teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1¾ teaspoons nutmeg
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 lb. (16 oz.) bacon
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (the darker the better)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 350°.
  • Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and insert cooking racks on top.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
  • Slice the bacon crosswise and lay on the cooking racks.
  • Brush the maple syrup thickly and evenly over the bacon.
  • Over a cutting board, spoon the spice mixture into the sieve. Then gently tap or shake the sieve over all the bacon, coating it thickly. The spices will dissolve into the maple syrup so you want to add more than you think you need. (You might not need all of the spice mixture – save any leftovers to add to pancakes, waffles, smoothies, bread and more.)
  • Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, swapping and rotating the pans halfway through. The bacon should look firm and dark but not burnt. Let rest on the racks until they've cooled down and firmed up a bit more, about 5-10 minutes. Then enjoy!
    Recipe yields approx. 30 pieces.

Notes

No cooling racks? Line the pans with parchment paper and bake the bacon directly on the parchment. Once you remove the pans from the oven, immediately transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain thoroughly.
The spice mix can be made up to a month in advance. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature.
The bacon can be made earlier in the day and kept at room temperature. I do not recommend chilling or freezing the bacon.
If you’re keto, use a keto-style maple syrup.
If you want spicy candied bacon, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder to the spice mix.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 302mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bacon, caramelized bacon, maple candied bacon, maple syrup, paleo candied bacon, pumpkin spice
Tried this recipe?Mention @paleoglutenfreeguy or tag #paleoglutenfreeguy!

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Comments

  3. Erin says

    I made this once without the pumpkin spice and ate the entire batch when I was finished making it. It was SO good! But then I felt sick (because, duh) and I swore I’d never make it again. But now you have me wanting it again! Pumpkin pie spice is such a great addition.

    Reply

  5. Meredith says

    5 stars
    My guys’ two favorite things… bacon and dessert! I am definitely going to have to make your paleo bacon candy for them. Plus, I bet it is delicious as a salad or soup topping!

    Reply
5 from 17 votes

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