Smoky Jalapeño Bacon
Bacon lovers, brace yourselves! This jalapeño bacon recipe is the perfect fusion of smoky, spicy, and crispy goodness. Whether you love classic bacon, candied jalapeño bacon, or maple bourbon-infused bacon, this recipe is customizable to suit your taste buds. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a crispy, addictive snack ready in no time. Enjoy it as a breakfast side, in burgers, pizzas, salads, or straight from the pan!
Equipment
- Baking sheet (for oven-baking)
- Wire rack (for crispier bacon)
- Parchment paper (to prevent sticking)
- Sharp knife (for slicing jalapeños)
- Cutting board
- Tongs (for flipping bacon)
- Air fryer (optional, for air-fried method)
- Skillet or frying pan (for stovetop method)
- Paper towels (for draining excess grease)
Ingredients
- Base Ingredients:
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon Applewood or Hickory-smoked for extra flavor
- 2 fresh jalapeños thinly sliced
- Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar for candied jalapeño bacon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for extra smokiness
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat
- 1 tbsp bourbon for maple-bourbon jalapeño bacon
Instructions
- Oven-Baked Jalapeño Bacon (Best for Crispy Texture)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over the sheet.
- Lay bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Sprinkle sliced jalapeños evenly over the bacon, pressing them gently onto the strips.
- (Optional) If adding sweetness, sprinkle brown sugar or drizzle maple syrup over the bacon.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon reaches desired crispiness.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Bacon will crisp further as it cools.
- Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Stovetop: Cook bacon over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, adding jalapeños in the last 1-2 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Tips: Reheat in an oven (350°F for 5-7 min), air fryer (3-4 min at 350°F), or stovetop for 30-60 sec per side.
Freezing: Freeze cooked bacon in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Heat Control: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder flavor or add extra red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Pairing Suggestions:
Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or hash browns.
Burgers & Sandwiches: Add to cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, or BLTs.
Salads & Pizzas: Sprinkle over Caesar salads, baked potatoes, or BBQ pizzas.
Drinks: Pairs well with coffee, Bloody Marys, beer, whiskey, or citrus juices.
🔥 Ready to turn up the heat? Try this jalapeño bacon today and make every bite count!
Reheating Tips: Reheat in an oven (350°F for 5-7 min), air fryer (3-4 min at 350°F), or stovetop for 30-60 sec per side.
Freezing: Freeze cooked bacon in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Heat Control: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder flavor or add extra red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Pairing Suggestions:
Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or hash browns.
Burgers & Sandwiches: Add to cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, or BLTs.
Salads & Pizzas: Sprinkle over Caesar salads, baked potatoes, or BBQ pizzas.
Drinks: Pairs well with coffee, Bloody Marys, beer, whiskey, or citrus juices.
🔥 Ready to turn up the heat? Try this jalapeño bacon today and make every bite count!