Million Dollar Bacon (First Watch Copycat Recipe)

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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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.

Printable Recipe Card

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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