There’s really only one way to improve on thick cut bacon, and that would probably be putting sugar on it.Â
When would this apply? Any brunch or breakfast when bacon would normally be served – whether just for your family or a crowd (it’s that easy). Want my take on bacon cooking? Well, when bacon is “buy one get one free” I take a pack, roll up the slices in groups of three or four, and freeze in zip top sandwich bags. They freeze for months, and they’re perfect for nights when it’s “breakfast for dinner” for the kids or when I need a bit of bacon to start off a pot of soup. For the kids slices I use the microwave – line a dinner plate with paper towels, lay out bacon in an even layer, and top with more paper towels. Microwave for a minute per slice – no mess and easy clean up.
As a rule, I only buy the thick cut stuff. It’s just so much better. If/when I make it for the whole family or a crowd, I always bake it. Again, no mess and completely “hands off” cooking. The bacon doesn’t crinkle up and the nice even cooking ensures perfectly chewy bacon, just the way I like it.
This particular version filled the house with such ridiculously amazing smells that it actually lured my husband awake from a nap. Once he realized it was still in the oven he actually called me “mean”. Him and Leo ate at least half the batch, and the rest lasted only hours in the fridge. This stuff is absolutely ridiculous. Not hosting a brunch anytime soon? I think this would be amazing on a cheese plate – praline bacon, salty cheeses, and sliced fresh fruit. Yes please.
Praline Bacon
Serves 4-6
1 lb. thick cut bacon
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
3 tbsp. finely chopped pecans
1/4 tsp. black pepper, ideally coarse ground
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Lay out bacon in an even layer, ideally not touching, across pan. Place in oven and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine sugar, pecans and pepper in a small bowl. Remove bacon from oven and sprinkle with mixture. Return to oven and bake 10-15 more minutes or until bacon is deeply brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
