Let’s make million dollar bacon! Perhaps you’ve heard of this recipe or tried this delectable, caramelized, sticky-sweet, lightly spicy bacon made popular at the daytime restaurant chain First Watch.
Also called Millionaire Bacon, this is the ultimate sweet-spicy bacon to serve at a brunch or buffet. The maple glaze has just a kiss of spice, allowing the savory flavor of the bacon to shine.
For more delicious glazed bacon flavors, check out our Billionaire Bacon, Cracked Bacon, Jalapeno Bacon, Candied Honey Bacon, and Maple Candied Bacon. If you enjoy exploring new ways to cook tasty bacon, you might also enjoy our Curly Bacon, Bacon Skewers and Bacon Cooked on a Pellet Grill.
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Contents
What is Million Dollar Bacon?
Million Dollar Bacon is a recipe for bacon that’s so incredibly amazingly delicious, a wealthy person might conceivably pay ONE MILLION DOLLARS (Austin Powers voice) for it!
At the First Watch restaurant chain, you’ll find this tasty bacon front and center on the menu. The company shared the original recipe online, which was our inspiration.
We made a few adjustments in the BENSA test kitchen, reducing the water a little so the glaze is a bit thicker and adding a dash of cinnamon for a spicy pop of flavor.
Why You’ll Go Hog Wild for This Recipe
Everybody loves it! This bacon is a little sweet, but not overly so. It’s lightly spicy, but not too hot. The flavors are balanced and sooooo tasty.
It’s so easy to make. This bacon cooks in the oven, which is our favorite way to make bacon.
Easy to clean up. Throw away the foil and parchment paper when you’re done cooking.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe, shown from top:
Water – Mixed with the brown sugar, it forms the basis for the glaze.
Cinnamon – Adds a fragrant pop of spice.
Ground red pepper – Adds just the right amount of heat.
Freshly ground black pepper – Adds flavor and zing.
Thick-sliced bacon – This recipe works best with thick-sliced bacon strips, as regular slices are more prone to uneven cooking.
Maple syrup – Real maple syrup adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
Brown sugar – Adds flavor and sweetness, and caramelizes on the bacon to make the glaze. Either light or dark brown sugar works fine in this recipe.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this recipe:
- Large baking sheet
- Baking rack that fits inside the baking sheet – Make sure to use an oven-safe baking rack (and not a cooling rack, which might not withstand oven heat)
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs – In case you need to rearrange the bacon strips for even cooking.
- Pot holders – Use heavy duty oven mitts to safely remove the hot pan from the oven.
Step by Step Instructions
Making this recipe is so easy!
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange an oven-safe baking rack on top that fits inside the pan.
Whisk together the glaze ingredients (brown sugar, water, maple syrup, spices and seasonings) in a shallow dish.
Next, dip each slice of bacon in the glaze, coating it well.
Arrange the bacon strips on the prepared baking rack.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn the pan in the oven and continue cooking until the bacon is as brown and crispy as you like it. In our oven, the total cooking time was about 30 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest and cool for about 15 minutes. This will set the candied glaze.
Blot any excess grease from the bacon and serve.
Pro Recipe Tips
Thick cut bacon is best for this recipe.
Elevating the glazed bacon on a baking rack ensures even cooking, as the heat can flow under and over the bacon.
The bacon slices shouldn’t overlap on the pan. You may need to cook the recipe on two pans or in two batches depending on the thickness of your bacon.
Watch while cooking so the bacon doesn’t overcook. If the outer strips cook faster than others you can rearrange them during baking or simply remove them from the pan when done and continue cooking the rest.
Cool the bacon and allow to sit for 10 or 15 minutes before eating. This will allow the glaze to set.
Blot any excess grease from the bacon with paper towels before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Million dollar bacon can be made ahead of time, covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, spread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven until hot, about 6-7 minutes.
Is Million Dollar Bacon Gluten Free?
I was surprised to learn that some brands of bacon are not gluten free because of cross-contamination between equipment or processing facilities shared with gluten products.
When you make this recipe at home, it’s easy to insure that it’s gluten free since none of the ingredients contain gluten or wheat. Just make sure you use a gluten free bacon brand.
More Popular Bacon Recipes
If you love the sweet-savory-salty flavors of this bacon, you might enjoy these recipes:
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies – These popular appetizers are brushed with barbecue sauce before cooking.
Maple Bacon Carrots – The ultimate side dish for holidays and parties!
Bacon Wrapped Dates – You’ll love the combination of savory bacon paired with sweet dates and tangy chèvre cheese.
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Million Dollar Bacon
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Baking rack that fits inside the baking sheet
- parchment paper
- aluminum foil
- pastry brush
- tongs
- pot holders
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound thick sliced bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place an oven-safe baking rack on top.
- In a shallow dish, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, water, black pepper, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Whisk together until sugar dissolves.
- Dip each slice of bacon in the glaze, coating it well, and lay on the baking rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the pan in the oven and continue cooking until the bacon is as brown and crispy as you like it. Exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of bacon. In our oven, total cooking time was about 30 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the bacon cool on the rack for 15 minutes. Blot excess grease with paper towels and serve.
Notes
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
Whenever you come back to this recipe, you’ll be able to see your notes!
Nutrition
Got questions? Just ask! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this Million Dollar Bacon recipe, I’d be thrilled if you clicked the little stars above and gave the recipe a 5-star rating. You might also enjoy the web story, How to Make Million Dollar Bacon.
If you post your creations on social media, tag #BENSABaconLovers so I can share! Thank you for your support. – Eliza
Nutrition Disclaimer: All nutritional information shared on this site is an approximation. I am not a certified nutritionist, and any nutritional information should be used as a general guideline.
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Oh my goodness! This bacon is amazing! I’ve never been to First Watch but this is delicious.
This bacon just looks fantastic. Trying your recipe today. Thanks for sharing.
Million-dollar indeed! Loved the cayenne and cinnamon on top of the sticky sweet goodness! :)
I’ve never heard of this before but I love all the flavours you added.
The bacon looks so good, and tempting. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Seriously, what time is breakfast, but I am knocking on your door!! This bacon is definitely million dollar bacon!
I love bacon and this recipe is amazing. Maple syrup with a little kick from the cayenne pepper takes this bacon over the top in my book.
Lovely name and picture perfect presentation. Awesome description to your recipe. Perfect platter for a party too.
WOW! Was this tasty. :) Thank you for another winner!
Million dollar is right! I’ve made this several times and it’s always a winner.
My husband always says that you can never go hungry if you have bacon in the house, LOL. We loved your million-dollar bacon version, thanks!
Wow! Simply couldn’t resist trying this recipe and I am so glad I did! Absolutely deliciously sticky and crispy at the same time! Cayenne and cinnamon are sooooo good with salty bacon!
This is exactly like the bacon at First Watch! So tasty, crispy, sweet, and savory! Awesome to be able to make this at home.
This is my favorite bacon recipe! I make it for every special occasion!
I am in love with this name and what a great recipe. Looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing
The bacon turned out so juicy and delicious. Loved how easy the recipe is.
Our youngest got her braces off the other day. For Saturday morning brunch she asked me to make Million Dollar Bacon. Your recipe was a hit with everyone and she was so glad she could eat it sans braces!!
This is the way I like my bacon!! I am cooking for my in-laws tomorrow morning and you can bet that I am making the bacon like this :)
Truly an elevated take on the usual bacon recipe – which I previously did not think could be expanded upon! I’m happy for the surprise and cannot wait to share with friends at our next brunch!
This bacon is amazing! My family loved this and I’m not sure they’ll eat normal bacon again.
I’ve never heard of million dollar bacon but oh my goodness it looks so good!
I’ll never have bacon another way again! This was so amazing. Sweet, spicy, smoky perfection!
This was absolutely mouth-watering! Delicious!!!
yumm! this bacon recipe was seriously delicious! I loved the cayenne pepper touch!
This stuff could get me into trouble! It checks all the boxes: sweet, crisp, and savory – so good!
Oh my goodness! This bacon sounds amazing! Totally understand the name Million dollar bacon, Yummy!
The brown sugar and maple syrup make this bacon so good! My family loved it!
Oh wow! Definitely the perfect addition to brunch. I especially love that caramelized, sticky-sweet coating.
This bacon looks amazingly delicious, mouth-watering, Thanks for sharing.
Never realized how easy this would be to make! Turned out SO so good. Thanks for the recipe!
Love how this turned out! My husband is also a HUGE fan!
I made Million Dollar Bacon recently, and it was a sensation! The caramelized, spicy-sweet goodness made brunch unforgettable. The maple glaze struck the perfect balance, letting the bacon’s flavor shine. A must-try treat that elevates any breakfast!
This is so delicious!! The cayenne and cinnamon is the perfect combination of sweet and warmly spiced too!
We love this recipe, so easy, so delicious!
This is amazing! My new go-to recipe for bacon.
This recipe is a winner – simple to make and bacon! What could be better, cuz I can’t think of it. :)
Wow. I cant wait to try this! I have never had it before. Intrigued!
I made this with my go-to store bought vegan bacon and it’s so good with everything! My favorite way to enjoy it is on a BLT with avocado.
Now, I don’t have to make a trip to First Watch for this amazing bacon! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Hey, just tried making your Million Dollar Bacon and let me tell you, it lives up to the name. The flavors melded together so perfectly, it was like a symphony in my mouth. Your step-by-step guide made it a breeze to follow along. Seriously, this recipe is going into my regular rotation. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Million Dollar bacon recipe! Thank you for your great comment.
This is the BEST bacon, OMG. If it was a little healthier, I’d eat it every day!
This is what I’m talking about! Love this recipe so much. Sweet and salty perfection!
Talk about addicting! We made this for a cheese and fruit board and it was the first thing gone!
A perfect name for this irresistible bacon. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this deliciousness!
Wow! This was off the charts good. A new go to for us!
I’m really glad you enjoyed Million Dollar Bacon. Isn’t it SO good?!
This was incredibly easy and very delicious recipe. I put the bacon on an oil coated wire rack and baked it turned out wonderful!
Tracie, thank you so much for letting me know that you love the recipe. It’s always a favorite! ~Eliza