This First Watch copycat Million Dollar Bacon isn’t just bacon.
It’s where sweet meets heat in a total flavor explosion that transforms your breakfast from fine to fabulous.
Each thick-cut slice is coated in brown sugar and maple syrup with just the right amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes.
As it bakes, the bacon transforms into crispy, caramelized perfection. One bite, and it’s easy to see why it’s so famous.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Bacon
Sweet & Savory Perfection: Every crumb is a mouthwatering balance of smoky bacon, rich maple syrup, and caramelized brown sugar.
Spicy Kick: A hint of cayenne and red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to excite your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple prep, you’ll have gourmet-quality bacon in no time.
Versatile Brunch Star: Beyond breakfast, it elevates sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. It also works wonders as a unique topping for desserts like maple ice cream or chocolate treats.
Ingredients
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Provides a hearty, meaty texture that crisps up and caramelizes beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. It also helps create the caramelized coating.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Enhances the sweetness with a rich, natural flavor and contributes to the sticky, candied texture.
- Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a bold, peppery kick that complements the smoky and sweet flavors of the glaze.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provide heat for those who enjoy spicier flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): Brings a subtle heat that balances the sweetness. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
How to Make Million Dollar Bacon
This is the kind of breakfast magic that makes you want to linger at the table and savor every bite.
And maybe even skip your morning coffee because this is all the energy you need!
But as incredible as it tastes, it couldn’t be easier to make at home.
1. PREHEAT the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Place a wire rack on top.
2. ARRANGE the bacon in a single layer on the rack without overlapping.
3. MIX the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cayenne in a small bowl to form a paste.
4. COAT the bacon with the glaze using a brush or spoon, ensuring full coverage.
5. BAKE for 20–25 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
6. COOL the bacon for 5–10 minutes on the rack before serving. Enjoy with your favorite brunch dishes!
Tips For the Best Million Dollar Bacon
I really can’t overstate how amazing this bacon is.
I had to make double the recipe last weekend because I snacked on so much while making pancakes!
Read these tips, then let’s get to it.
- Use thick-cut bacon. It holds up better during cooking, providing a chewy yet crispy texture. Thin bacon will burn before it caramelizes.
- Adjust the spice levels. Skip the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes or add more if you like it fiery.
- Pat the glaze onto the bacon. Press the glaze mixture into the bacon slices. This helps it stick during cooking and create a more flavorful crust.
- Microwave the glaze for easy application. Warm the glaze to make it easy to spread or drizzle.
- Cool on the rack, not paper towels. It will stick to paper towels due to the caramelized glaze.
- Extra maple flavor. For extra maple flavor, drizzle a bit of warm maple syrup over the finished bacon before serving.
- Serving suggestions. Pair with classic breakfast items like scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet-and-savory combo. You can also use it on burgers, sandwiches, or avocado toast.
How to Store
Whether you call it Millionaire Bacon, First Watch Bacon, or Million Dollar Bacon, this stuff is meaty gold.
Unfortunately, it only stores for a couple of days before it starts to soften. And while you can freeze it, it definitely won’t be as crisp after thawing.
To Store: Place the cooled bacon strips in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag with all air squeezed out. Refrigerate for 4-5 days.
To Freeze: Flash-freeze the bacon pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for 1-2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
To Reheat: Place the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet. Warm at 400°Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes until sizzling.
More Bacon Recipes to Try
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Bourbon Bacon Jam
Maple Bacon Crack
Candied Bacon
Million Dollar Bacon
8
servings10
minutes30
minutes116
kcalMillion dollar bacon is sweet, smoky, and perfectly caramelized. Coated in brown sugar and maple syrup, it’s a seriously luxurious upgrade to your morning.
Ingredients
1 pound thick-cut bacon
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4-1/2 red pepper flakes, to taste
pinch cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cayenne. Mix until a thick paste forms.
- Use a brush or spoon to evenly coat each slice of bacon with the glaze mixture. Be generous to ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool on the wire rack for 5–10 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite brunch dishes, such as pancakes, eggs, or avocado toast. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture. Thin bacon burns fast and won’t achieve the same chewy, indulgent bite.
- Adjust the spice level to your own tastes.
- For extra maple flavor, drizzle a bit of warm maple syrup over the finished bacon before serving.
