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Savory Whiskey Maple Glazed Bacon Strips

whiskey maple glazed bacon strips - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for thick-cut bacon strips glazed with a savory-sweet whiskey and maple syrup mixture, perfect for an elevated breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 thick-cut bacon strips (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 1/4 cup whiskey (bourbon recommended)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (grade A dark amber preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together whiskey, maple syrup, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, softened butter, and salt until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  2. Heat a heavy-bottom skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until warm.
  3. Lay 6 thick-cut bacon strips flat in the pan without overlapping. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until edges curl and strips turn golden but are not fully crisp.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Spoon or brush a generous layer of the whiskey maple glaze onto each bacon strip. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping once and glazing the other side.
  5. Continue cooking and glazing, flipping every minute or so, until the glaze thickens and coats the bacon with a sticky, shiny finish, about 3-4 more minutes.
  6. Optional: Transfer glazed strips to a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness.
  7. Remove bacon from pan or oven and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature bacon for even cooking. Keep heat moderate when glazing to prevent burning. If glaze thickens too fast, add a teaspoon of whiskey or water to loosen. For dairy-free, omit butter or substitute with plant-based alternative. Leftover bacon stores well in fridge up to 3 days and reheats best in oven to preserve glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon, whiskey glaze, maple syrup, breakfast, brunch, savory, sweet, glazed bacon, easy recipe