Million Dollar Bacon (Millionaire Bacon)
This million dollar bacon is thick-cut, caramelized, and perfectly spicy-sweet — coated in a homemade brown sugar spice rub and oven-baked in 30 minutes. Also known as millionaire bacon, it's the most irresistible thing on any brunch table.
Equipment
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Rub the dried rosemary firmly between your hands for 15 seconds to release the oils, then add to the bowl and mix well.
- Add the bacon to a large mixing bowl and separate the slices. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the bacon and toss with tongs until every piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overlap.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip each slice and bake for another 15–20 minutes until crispy, caramelized, and cooked to your liking.
- Place paper towels under a wire cooling rack. Transfer the bacon to the rack and drain for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with maple syrup, and serve hot.
Notes
- Thickness: Thick-cut bacon is strongly recommended. For regular-cut, reduce to 8–10 minutes per side and check early.
- Don't skip the foil: Direct contact with foil drives caramelization. Do not use a wire rack during baking.
- Drain on a rack: Paper towels will stick to the caramelized coating. Always drain on a rack with paper towels underneath.
- Make-ahead: Coat bacon in the spice rub and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. Do not reheat in a skillet.
Nutrition
Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 253mgPotassium: 96mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.2mg
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