Bacon Pineapple Guacamole adds so much flavor and texture to classic dip, you'll never want…
Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon
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.
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Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon
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:
- a small mixing bowl and spoon
- a small sieve
- 2 stainless steel baking sheets with cooling racks
- aluminum foil
- a pastry brush
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
How to make Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon
Combine the spices in a small bowl.
Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and insert baking racks on top.
Cut the bacon crosswise – this might seem cruel to make the pieces smaller, but this will make them easier to grab and hold, plus you’ll get more portions. Science!
Lay the bacon on the racks and brush with the maple syrup. If you don’t have a silicone or food-safe brush, you can also just spoon it on and spread it with the underside of the spoon.
Or – don’t tell anyone I told you this – drizzle on the syrup and spread it around with your fingers. (“Make sure you wash your hands first” – every Mom everywhere.)
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.)
Then you just slide those sheets into a 350° oven for 30-35 minutes, swapping and rotating the pans halfway through.
(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.)
And that’s it! The excess grease will naturally drip off onto the foil below and the pieces will slightly firm up by letting them rest for 5-10 minutes.
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!
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
- Spiced Candied Pecans
- Bacon Pineapple Guacamole
- Bacon Ranch Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Pumpkin Cider Margarita
Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon
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!
Notes
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Bacon candy?! This looks way more simple than I expected! This is one of those recipes that makes a huge impression at gatherings but doesn’t require a lot of work!
Exactly! Low effort, high impact. 🙂
Oh my word this looks beyond irresistible and I’m going to need to make this right away, although I had better have plenty of people over to share so I don’t get myself in trouble! 😉
Yeah, it’s pretty dangerous if you’re alone. 😉
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.
Ha, I totally get it. I’ve also made regular candied bacon and it is irresistible.
Bacon with warm fall seasoning — such a good idea to satisfy the pumpkin spice hankering!
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!
Yes! It’s great as a topping.
Yum! Such a great idea, loved the spices on this. A very moreish sweet/salty snack!
Yep, totally. 🙂
I am not a lover of everything pumpkin, but when bacon is involved, I’m in!
Fair, but to be fair, there’s no actual pumpkin in this. It’s just what we call that particular spice blend. 🙂
That is a must-make! Oh my, I love Fall recipes. This hits all the sweet, smokey, salty & savory cravings!
Me, too. They’re all so cozy and warm.
No way. This is also possible? Making it tomorrow morning
It is!
So crispy, and awesome flavor combo! It would be so great crumbled on a cupcake.
OMG that’s such a great idea! 🙂
Such a fun and creative recipe! I’m obsessed with candied bacon and pumpkin so I definitely have to try this.
Indeed you do! 😉
PSL Piggy Strips, that’s what I’m calling this. So good.
OMG I love that name. Pumpkin spice piggy strips. 😉
Totally yes!!! This looks ridiculously fun and unique, but also accessible and just yum! Super fun for party food! 🙂 🙂
Yep! I’m totally whipping these up for my next party.
Oh yes! Love the flavor combo! And you can never go wrong with bacon! I could eat the whole pan!
I’ve had to eat a LOT of this bacon for recipe testing purposes. I’m not complaining. 😉
Love that spice combo! And on bacon, I’m sure it’s amazing!
Oh, it is. 😉
What a great twist on bacon just in time for halloween 🙂 I would love to try this!
I hope you do!
Candied bacon is addictively yummy! Good spin with the pumpkin spice.
Isn’t it, though? Thanks. 🙂
Yes to PUMPKIN everything!! This bacon is out of this world good!
Thanks!
Yuuuuuuuuuuuuum! Who can say no to bacon? I can’t wait to try this pumpkin spiced one!
Exactly!