Billionaire Bacon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. The rack will help the bacon cook evenly and become extra crispy.
2. Prepare the Bacon: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and paprika (if using). If you’re adding maple syrup, drizzle it over the bacon slices first to help the dry mixture stick.
3. Coat the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices on the wire rack and generously coat one side with the sugar-spice mixture. Press the mixture onto the bacon to ensure it adheres well.
4. Bake: Place the bacon in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. Halfway through the baking time, carefully flip the bacon slices and apply the remaining sugar-spice mixture to the other side.
5. Cool and Serve: Once the bacon is caramelized and crispy to your liking, remove it from the oven. Let it cool on the rack for a few minutes as it will continue to crisp up. Be careful handling it right out of the oven, as the sugar will be very hot.
6. Enjoy: Serve your Billionaire Bacon as a decadent side with breakfast, chop it up as a topping for salads or soups, or simply enjoy it as a snack.

Tips:

• Watch Closely: The sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quite quickly, so keep an eye on your bacon, especially in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place them back in a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp up again.

Billionaire Bacon is a simple yet luxurious upgrade to regular bacon, perfect for when you want to treat yourself or impress your guests at brunch. Enjoy the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that make this dish truly special.