Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Velvety smooth tomato soup with fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and crusty bread.
Save Pin Crispy, caramelized candied brown sugar bacon baked to perfection in the oven! Perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor with simple ingredients.
When you want a wholesome, deeply satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup, this Brown Sugar Bacon Recipe is a foolproof choice. Pairing thick-cut bacon, dark brown sugar, packed and freshly cracked black pepper in just 25 min, it offers comforting flavor that family and dinner guests will genuinely savor.
**Preheat** your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe wire cooling rack on top.
In a small bowl, **mix** together the packed dark brown sugar, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until uniform.
Lay thick-cut bacon slices on the wire rack. **Press** the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of each slice, coating thoroughly.
**Bake** at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes until the sugar bubbles into a shiny caramel glaze and the bacon is deep golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oven and let **cool** on the wire rack for 5 minutes so the caramel glaze hardens into a crisp coating before serving.
1. Build Deep Flavor from the Fond: When browning ingredients, scrape up the caramelized golden bits (fond) from the pan bottom with a splash of liquid. That concentrated brown crust is where true savory umami lives. 2. Season in Measured Layers: Introduce small pinches of salt at different cooking stages rather than dumping seasoning on at the end. This draws out moisture and seasons every ingredient to its core. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thin bacon burns before the brown sugar fully caramelizes. Thick-cut bacon holds up best to high heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, kept covered in the refrigerator, and baked or cooked when ready to serve.
Q: Can I substitute common pantry ingredients? A: Yes, this recipe is forgiving. Check our substitution notes in the ingredient card for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.
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