Home Kitchen Espresso Candied 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.

And it’s satisfying.

To Make Espresso Candied Bacon Set out:

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

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 straightforward clean up.

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.

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

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.

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. Take the remaining brown sugar mixture 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.

If you start smelling something is burning, don’t worry! That’s simply 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.

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

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!