Recipe Background
Maple-pecan bacon with applewood smoke offers a sweet, smoky crunch.
The aroma of maple and bacon gently drifts through the kitchen, wrapping you in comfort. Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon gets a sweet twist from a generous maple syrup coating. Each piece offers a satisfying bite with a pecan crust that brings just the right crunch. The combination of smoky and sweet flavors is balanced by a touch of maple balsamic drizzled on top.
As you prepare this dish, a small detail can make all the difference—rotate the bacon halfway through the baking. This ensures an even golden hue and crunch on all sides. Sharing a plate of these maple-pecan bacon strips is like offering a delicious token of gratitude. Friends or family around the table will appreciate the nuanced flavors that unfold with every bite.
This bacon deserves a spot at any gathering, big or small. The blend of flavors and the delightful aroma will likely spark conversation and perhaps even a few recipe requests. Enjoyable hot or cooled to room temperature, it pairs well with anything from a simple brunch to a festive dinner, adding a touch of hearty indulgence to the table.
Ingredients
- oil to taste, for the rack
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups pecans finely chopped
- 16 ounces bacon thick cut and applewood smoked
- maple balsamic to taste, for serving
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Set a wire rack inside the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the rack with the oil.
- Place the maple syrup in a shallow bowl.
- Place the pecans on a large plate or a wide bowl.
- Dip the bacon in the maple syrup, making sure each piece is covered completely and letting the excess drip off.
- Dip the bacon in the pecans, pressing the pecans so they adhere to the bacon.
- Arrange the bacon on the wire rack, leaving about 1/4-inch of space between the pieces.
- Sprinkle the bacon with any leftover pecans and drizzle with the remaining maple syrup.
- Bake on the center rack of the oven until the bacon is cooked and the pecans are golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Check on the bacon halfway through and rotate it as necessary.
- Transfer the bacon slices from the oven, gently dislodging them from the rack so they are easier to lift away later.
- Allow the bacon to cool completely.
- Drizzle or spoon the bacon with the balsamic and serve.
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