D'serve Bacon Recipe

Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.

Line the baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup. Place the wire rack on top of the baking sheet and pat the bacon strips dry with paper towels if they are wet.

In the small bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until the sugar is moistened and the mixture forms a loose paste.

Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Using the silicone brush or the back of a spoon, lightly coat the top side of each bacon strip with the sugar-maple mixture, leaving the underside mostly bare so fat can render into the pan below.

Place the baking sheet with the bacon in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate the pan 180° for even cooking.

After a total of 20 minutes, check for caramelization. If the bacon is not yet crisped to your liking, continue baking in 2–3 minute increments, watching closely to prevent burning. Total bake time will typically be 20–25 minutes for thick-cut bacon at 400°F.

While bacon finishes, whisk together apple cider vinegar and hot sauce in the small bowl. This will be used to brighten the glaze.

When bacon is nearly done and glaze is ready, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Brush a thin layer of the vinegar-hot sauce mixture over each strip to add a bright tang and a hint of heat. Return to oven for 1–2 minutes to set the glaze.

Remove the bacon from the oven and let it rest on the rack for 2 minutes so the glaze firms slightly and excess fat drips into the pan.

Transfer bacon to a serving platter. Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the bacon for color and a fresh note. Allow to cool for 1–2 minutes so the sugar glaze hardens slightly into a glossy coating.

Serve warm as an appetizer, breakfast side, or part of a sandwich. Leftovers can be chilled and reheated in a skillet or oven until crisp.