As if bacon wasn’t already magical enough, this coffee-candied bacon recipe completely changes the game. It’s amazing what a hot oven, a generous coating of brown sugar, and a spicy coffee rub can do to bacon. The result is irresistible—somewhere between a candy and the most deliciously savory snack in the world. The coffee might seem like an unusual addition, but it adds the perfect amount of bitterness to offset the sweetness and fat. It’s a surprisingly versatile recipe—try in tacos, alongside rice and beans, or shredded in a chicken salad.
How to Make It
Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange bacon on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Stir together sugar, ground coffee, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl; sprinkle half of the mixture over bacon. Bake until sugar bubbles, about 18 minutes. Flip bacon; sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture. Return to oven; bake at 375°F until bacon is crisp and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.