This is the best breakfast meat ever. My family demands it every year for Christmas brunch. The best part? You can make it ahead and freeze it. Advertisement.
Dunkin’ Donuts’ Snackin’ Bacon is legendary for its irresistible combination of sweet savory and spicy flavors. The candied bacon coated in brown sugar and black pepper has amassed a cult-like following. While this snack food is only available at Dunkin’ locations, the good news is you can easily replicate this recipe in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you’ll be enjoying sweet and peppery bacon worthy of the donut shop.
Understanding the Appeal of Dunkin’s Snackin’ Bacon
To make your homemade version authentic, it helps to know what makes the Dunkin’ original so craveable:
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A brown sugar coating provides a lovely sweetness and caramelized crunch
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The use of high-quality, thick-cut smoked bacon gives loads of smoky, porky flavor.
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A generous amount of coarsely cracked black pepper delivers subtle heat and bite.
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Baking crisps up the bacon so it’s perfectly crispy and gives the sugar topping a chance to caramelize.
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The combination of flavors is a magical mix of sweet, salty, smoky, and spicy.
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The candied bacon is easy to eat by hand and highly snackable.
Gathering Just a Few Simple Ingredients
You likely have the three ingredients needed to make this copycat recipe on hand:
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Thick-cut smoked bacon – go for the best quality you can find. Applewood smoked works great.
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Light brown sugar – for sweetness without being overpowering. Dark brown sugar would be too molasses-y.
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Freshly cracked black pepper – this gives the best peppery bite. Pre-ground pepper lacks flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Pepper Bacon
Follow these easy steps for candied bacon success:
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Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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In a small bowl, combine 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar with 1-1 1⁄2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper.
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Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Generously coat one side of each slice with the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
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Bake at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until deep brown and crispy, 16-18 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Transfer baked bacon to a cooling rack or paper towels. Let cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips for Perfectly Cooked Bacon
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Use the thickest sliced bacon you can find – at least 1⁄4 inch thick. Thinner bacon will burn too quickly.
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Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps ensure even cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd the bacon slices on the baking sheet. Leave space between each piece.
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Check the bacon frequently toward the end of the baking time. The sugar coating can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.
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Let the cooked bacon cool for 1-2 minutes before handling so the sugar glaze can set.
Creative Ways to Serve Sweet Black Pepper Bacon
Enjoy Dunkin’ style Snackin’ Bacon:
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On its own as a snack, appetizer, or party food.
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Chopped up in salads, pasta dishes, casseroles, soups, etc.
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As a topping for burgers, nachos, baked potatoes, pizza and more.
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In omelets, quiches, frittatas, and breakfast sandwiches.
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Crumble over ice cream, pancakes, French toast, or waffles for a sweet and salty contrast.
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On a charcuterie platter with fruits, nuts, cheeses, and crackers.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Bacon
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Let cool completely after baking, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
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To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes until sizzling and crisp.
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Microwaving makes it soggy, so oven reheating is best. But you can snack on it straight from the fridge too!
Now you can indulge in Dunkin’ Donuts famous Snackin’ Bacon any time! Adjust the sugar and black pepper to suit your tastes. Once you try homemade sweet peppery bacon, you’ll never go back to plain.
