There’s so much to love about bacon. It’s so versatile and delicious, but sometimes you just come across a way to take bacon to the next level. This Pecan Candied Bacon recipe is bacon at its finest. Made with brown sugar, pecan pieces and maple syrup, this Pecan Candied Bacon recipe is the ultimate appetizer. The only problem is how quickly the bacon pieces disappear!

Dressing up bacon isn’t hard to do. How you bake the bacon is important, so you get that nice crispy texture. This recipe is so easy because you’re mixing the topping, spooning it onto the bacon and baking. That’s it! Plus, the bacon can be made a day ahead of an event so you save time.

The end result is a beautiful caramelized bacon that is truly irresistible.

Looking for even more great appetizers? I love party foods that are easy and can be prepped ahead of time. Check out some of my favorite Savvy Mama appetizers:

• Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
• Chilled Baked Potato Dip
• Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip

Tips For Making Pecan Candied Bacon

For this recipe, the bacon crisps better when it sits on an oven rack that’s inserted into a roasting sheet pan. Find a Half Sheet Pan with Stainless Steel Wire Rack on Amazon. Covering the sheet pan with aluminum foil helps for easy clean up and the rack will ensure the bacon comes out crispy, with any leftover toppings dripping through the rack.

When To Make Pecan Candied Bacon

I love this recipe for holidays. It’s rich and decadent, but it’s also an elegant appetizer. Serve it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years or Easter. By cutting the bacon in half, they’re smaller pieces that are the perfect bite-size appetizer. It’s a finger food that’s not messy either!

How To Prep Your Bacon Ahead Of Time

If you want to make this recipe the day before an event, that’s best. The bacon needs time to cool and set, which takes a few minutes. If you want to prep the ingredients ahead of time and bake just prior to serving, that’s another option. Just follow the recipe directions, but don’t bake yet. Keep the prepped bacon in the fridge until it’s time to bake.

How To Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, just store them in plastic food storage bags. Keep the bacon refrigerated. For best freshness, enjoy the bacon within 4-5 days of making it. Discard any leftovers after 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing these leftovers.

Tips For Making Your Pecan Candied Bacon:

• Use light brown sugar vs. dark brown sugar.
• Purchase pecan bits that are already finely chopped or use a food processor to finely chop pecans.
• Spray your sheet pan rack with non-stick cooking spray.
• Cover your sheet pan with aluminum foil to make clean up easy.
• Let the bacon cool and set completely to not burn yourself.

Pecan Candied Bacon Recipe

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil (for easy cleaning) and place a wire baking rack on top.

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the maple syrup and mix well until the entire mixture is moistened.

Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup, if needed.

Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise and line up the pieces on the baking rack, that’s sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. With a small spoon, evenly spread the pecan mixture on top of each piece of bacon, using all of the mixture.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is very browned but not burnt. If its underbaked, the bacon won’t crisp as it cools. Let it cool completely. Serve at room temperature.