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Spicy Maple Chipotle Million Dollar Bacon
Smoky, spicy bacon with a sweet maple chipotle glaze that packs a flavorful punch.
About This Bacon Recipe
Spicy Maple Chipotle Million Dollar Bacon bakes thick-cut bacon with a maple-chipotle glaze brushed on near the end, so it caramelizes without burning. Choose naturally smoked thick-cut bacon for a real snap, and start with a teaspoon of chipotle powder, adding more if you want more heat. The glaze also works on roasted vegetables and grilled burgers. Baking temperatures, timing, and glaze tips are below.
Spicy Maple Chipotle Million Dollar Bacon Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce (adobo)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Coarse sea salt
How to Make Spicy Maple Chipotle Million Dollar Bacon
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Mix maple syrup, chipotle sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- 3
Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4
Brush the chipotle-maple mixture over the bacon slices, covering both sides.
- 5
Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for added flavor.
- 6
Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- 7
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Chef's Tips
- Apply the maple chipotle glaze only during the final 5-7 minutes of cooking to allow the sugars in the maple to caramelize while the chipotle heat develops, creating a glossy, professional finish that won't burn off during longer cooking times.
- Let the cooked glazeed bacon rest on a wire rack for 3-5 minutes after removing from heat to allow the glaze to set slightly, creating a clean cut without the sticky, messy separation that occurs when cutting hot, wet bacon.
- Create a two-stage cooking process: bake the bacon at 325°F for 15 minutes to render most fat and set the base, then increase to 375°F for the final 5-7 minutes to crisp while applying the glaze for optimal texture and flavor distribution.
- Brush the glaze in thin, even layers rather than one heavy coating to prevent the maple sugars from burning before the bacon reaches its desired crispness, ensuring a balanced sweet-spicy profile throughout each piece.
- Save the rendered bacon fat after cooking to use for sautéing vegetables or making breakfast hash—the fat already infused with maple and chipotle flavor will elevate simple dishes beyond what you could achieve with fresh fat alone.
Nutrition Facts
340 kcal
Calories
26
Protein
26
Fat
12
Carbs
Serving Suggestions
Elevate this spicy maple chipotle bacon with a side of charred Brussels sprouts tossed in maple vinaigrette and toasted pecans, or serve atop a bed of peppery arugula with shaved aged gouda. Pair with a bold Zinfandel or a crisp Pilsner to contrast the smoky sweetness, and present the bacon on a slate board with fresh microgreens and a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze for a sophisticated charcuterie-style arrangement.
Recipe card
Spicy Maple Chipotle Million Dollar Bacon
Smoky, spicy bacon with a sweet maple chipotle glaze that packs a flavorful punch.
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min
Servings
1 pound
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce (adobo)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix maple syrup, chipotle sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the chipotle-maple mixture over the bacon slices, covering both sides.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for added flavor.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.