Maple bacon is a delightful way to elevate breakfast, burgers, salads, sandwiches — even desserts. This oven-baked Maple Glazed Bacon recipe uses just two ingredients and produces perfectly crisp, sweet-and-salty bacon without burnt syrup or kitchen smoke. It’s simple enough for everyday breakfasts and special enough for holidays.
With only bacon and pure maple syrup, this maple-candied bacon is quick to prepare and adds a delicious touch to many dishes. Crumble it over ice cream, donuts, or your favorite scoops of coffee or pumpkin ice cream for a surprising flavor contrast.
This recipe has been tested to avoid burning the maple syrup and to prevent excessive smoke, so you won’t need to silence your smoke alarm. Follow the method below for even cooking and an easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love Maple Glazed Bacon
- Baking bacon in the oven cooks it evenly and minimizes splatter. Parchment paper soaks up excess fat and keeps cleanup simple. For even easier cleanup, you can place foil under the parchment.
- The pure maple syrup gives a clear, rich maple flavor that complements the savory bacon without overpowering it.
- The method prevents the maple from burning and reduces the chance of setting off smoke detectors.
Ingredients for Maple Candied Bacon
This recipe needs only two everyday ingredients:
- Thick-cut bacon – thick cut is recommended to resist burning; center-cut bacon also works.
- Pure maple syrup – use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to make oven-baked maple bacon. Exact measurements and full recipe details appear in the recipe card below.
Step 1
Position the oven rack in the middle and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping.
Step 3
Bake for 20–30 minutes until the bacon is about 95% cooked and just beginning to crisp.
Step 4
Remove the pan and carefully blot excess fat from the bacon with paper towels so the surface is dry. If there’s pooled grease on the pan, drain it away.
Brush each slice generously with pure maple syrup using a pastry brush.
Drizzle any remaining syrup from the dish over the bacon strips.
Step 5
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 3–8 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the maple syrup is bubbling and glossy. Watch closely — cook time depends on slice thickness and oven variability.
Allow the bacon to rest briefly on the sheet pan, then transfer to a wire rack or a clean sheet of parchment to cool and firm up. Avoid cooling on paper towels, as the bacon can stick.
Pro Tip
Do not cool the bacon directly on paper towels — the glaze will stick. Use a wire rack or clean parchment for best results.
Tips & Tricks
- Line the pan with parchment to absorb fat and prevent splattering. Placing foil under the parchment makes cleanup even easier.
- Blotting fat before glazing helps the maple adhere and intensifies the maple flavor on the bacon.
- Add the syrup near the end of cooking to avoid burning; most of the cooking is done before glazing.
- Cooking times vary with bacon thickness — adjust as needed and watch the bacon closely during the final minutes.
- Let the glazed bacon cool to crisp up fully.
Substitutions & Variations
- Turkey bacon can be used but requires less time in the oven — monitor closely so it doesn’t dry out or burn.
- Center-cut bacon works if you prefer leaner slices, though it may mute the maple flavor slightly.
- Swap maple syrup for honey or agave for a different sweet note, or add a bit of brown sugar to deepen the caramelization.
- Peppered bacon pairs wonderfully with maple; for a spicy kick, mix 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or smoked paprika into the syrup before brushing.
- Avoid very thin-sliced bacon for this method — it tends to render too much fat and can burn.
How to Serve Maple Bacon
- Serve with eggs, pancakes, waffles, fruit salad, muffins, toast, or French toast for a memorable breakfast.
- Add to BLTs, breakfast sandwiches, brussels sprouts, or bacon cheeseburgers for extra sweet-savory complexity. Chopped maple bacon also brightens salads and pizzas.
- For a fun dessert twist, crumble over vanilla, pumpkin, or coffee ice cream.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftover maple bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Reheat in an air fryer at 390°F for 3–5 minutes or in an oven at 400°F for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness. The microwave will make it lose its crisp texture, so it’s not recommended.
FAQs
Maple bacon is simply bacon glazed with pure maple syrup.
Honey or agave offer a similar sweetness and texture. Adding a little brown sugar can provide a more caramelized flavor.
Yes — if you enjoy sweet-and-salty combinations, maple-glazed bacon is excellent. Try peppered bacon for a sweet-spicy balance.
More Serving Suggestions
Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Pumpkin Pancakes From Mix
Carrot Apple Muffins Recipe
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
More Recipes To Add Maple Bacon To
Maple Brussel Sprouts With Bacon
Easy Crockpot Baked Beans With Bacon
3 Cheese Lobster Mac And Cheese Recipe
Apple and Walnut Salad
Oven Baked Maple Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces thick cut bacon
- 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the rack in the middle position.
-
Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer.
-
Bake at 400°F for 20–30 minutes until the bacon is about 95% cooked and beginning to crisp.
-
Remove from the oven and blot excess fat from each slice using paper towels. Drain any pooled grease from the pan.
-
Brush each slice with 4 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and drizzle the remaining syrup over the bacon.
-
Return to the oven for 3–8 minutes, watching closely, until the syrup bubbles and the bacon crisps.
-
Let cool briefly on the pan, then transfer the bacon to a wire rack or clean parchment to finish cooling. Avoid paper towels to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Center-cut bacon can replace thick-cut, though it may reduce the maple-forward flavor.
- Use pure maple syrup—pancake syrup will not produce the same result.
- Peppered or spiced bacon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of maple.