Caramelized Maple Balsamic Candied Bacon made with Seven Barrels Maple Balsamic Vinegar.

Maple Balsamic Candied Bacon Recipe | Sweet & Smoky Bacon

Jun 25, 2026Tom Carlton

Maple Balsamic Candied Bacon

Sweet, Smoky, Crispy Perfection

If you've never tried candied bacon finished with premium balsamic vinegar, you're in for a treat.

Seven Barrels Maple Balsamic Vinegar transforms ordinary bacon into an irresistible combination of sweet maple flavor, smoky richness, and crisp caramelized edges. Whether served at breakfast, on a charcuterie board, crumbled over salads, or enjoyed straight from the baking sheet, this recipe is guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Best of all, it requires just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Servings

8

Ingredients

  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons Seven Barrels Maple Balsamic Vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bacon

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

  3. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer.

Make the Maple Balsamic Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, combine:

    • Brown sugar

    • Seven Barrels Maple Balsamic Vinegar

    • Black pepper

    • Cayenne pepper (if using)

  2. Stir until a thick glaze forms.

Glaze and Bake

  1. Brush the glaze evenly over each bacon strip.

  2. Bake for 15 minutes.

  3. Remove from oven and brush with any remaining glaze.

  4. Return to oven for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the bacon is deep golden brown and caramelized.

  5. Watch carefully during the final minutes to prevent burning.

Cool and Serve

  1. Allow bacon to cool on the pan for 5 minutes.

  2. Transfer to a wire rack.

  3. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

  • Crumble over salads.

  • Add to burgers and sandwiches.

  • Serve with pancakes or waffles.

  • Include on a charcuterie board.

  • Chop into baked beans.

  • Pair with sharp cheddar cheese.

Why It Works

Seven Barrels Maple Balsamic Vinegar adds complexity that traditional maple syrup cannot match. The sweet maple notes complement the bacon's natural smokiness while the aged balsamic provides richness and depth.

The result is bacon that is sweet, savory, tangy, and completely addictive.

Featured Product

Seven Barrels Maple Balsamic Vinegar

Smooth, rich, and naturally sweet, our Maple Balsamic Vinegar is perfect for glazing meats, drizzling over roasted vegetables, enhancing desserts, and creating unforgettable recipes like this one.

More articles