Espresso Candied Bacon aka Billion Dollar Bacon is sweet, smoky and addictive. Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon is coated in an espresso and brown sugar mixture and baked until crisp and candied. Yields 8 pieces and will serve 4.

Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)

Espresso Candied Bacon aka Billion Dollar Bacon is the thing dreams are made of.

Last month both my daughters and I went to a popular brunch spot we wanted to try. On the menu was “billion dollar bacon” so naturally we ordered it. What is billion dollar bacon? It’s thick-cut bacon with a sweet heat espresso shellac. Essentially espresso candied bacon.

Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)

And it’s delicious.

Ingredients for Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)

To Make Espresso Candied Bacon You Will Need:

  • dark brown sugar
  • chili powder
  • espresso powder
  • black pepper
  • thick-cut applewood smoked bacon

foil lined pan with wire rack

Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 200°C).

Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy duty foil and place a wire rack on top. The foil will catch the drippings and aids in easy clean up.

brown sugar, espresso powder, chili powder and black pepper

In a shallow pan or dish, measure and add 2/3 cup dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon espresso powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

brown sugar espresso mixture

Use a fork to break up the brown sugar and mix well to combine.

espresso powder

What is Espresso Powder?

Espresso powder, or instant espresso, is brewed espresso that has been dehydrated to create water soluble granules. It is not the same as espresso grounds. Espresso powder has all the punch and flavor of brewed espresso but without the water, which makes it great in batters, doughs and spice rubs.

dredge bacon

One at a time, press the 8 strips of thick cut apple wood bacon into the brown sugar mixture.

coat bacon well

Sprinkle and press the sugar mixture onto the bacon so it sticks well.

transfer to wire rack set into lined pan

Transfer each piece to the wire rack and repeat with the remaining bacon. Take the remaining brown sugar mixture and sprinkle it onto the strips of bacon.

bake at 400 for 20 minutes

Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

just baked Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)

If you start smelling something is burning, don’t worry! That’s just the bacon fat/sugar that has dripped into the bottom of the pan. Feel free to rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

Allow the bacon to cool slightly or until safe to handle.

Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)

Once safe to handle, transfer to plates or serve on a platter.

Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)

Enjoy! And if you give this Espresso Candied Bacon recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)

Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)
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Yield: 4 servings

Espresso Candied Bacon (Billion Dollar Bacon)

Espresso Candied Bacon aka Billion Dollar Bacon is sweet, smoky and addictive. Thick cut applewood smoked bacon is coated in an espresso and brown sugar mixture and baked until crisp and candied. Yields 8 pieces and will serve 4 (2-piece servings) or 8 (1-piece servings) depending.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 1 (rounded) teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 8 strips thick cut applewood smoked bacon

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 200°C).
    Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy duty foil and place a wire rack on top. The foil will catch the drippings and aids in easy clean up.
  • In a shallow pan or dish, measure and add brown sugar, espresso powder, chili powder and black pepper. Use a fork to break up the brown sugar and mix well to combine.
  • One at a time, press the 8 strips of thick cut apple wood bacon into the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle and press the sugar mixture onto the bacon so it sticks well. Transfer each piece to the wire rack and repeat with the remaining bacon.
    Once done, take the remaining brown sugar mixture in the pan and sprinkle it onto the strips of bacon.
  • Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
    NOTE: If you start smelling something is burning, don’t worry! That’s just the bacon fat/sugar that has dripped into the bottom of the pan. Feel free to rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
  • Allow the bacon to cool slightly or until safe to handle.

Notes

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Serving: 2pieces, Calories: 329kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 306mg, Potassium: 188mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 36g, Vitamin A: 92IU, Vitamin C: 0.003mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 1mg