Classic Candied Bacon Jerky

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined sheet.

2. 2

   Arrange the 16 slices of thick-cut bacon in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure the slices do not overlap.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, mix together

4. 4

   5 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and

5. 5

   5 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.

6. 6

   Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly coat the top of each bacon slice with the brown sugar mixture.

7. 7

   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, then flip each bacon slice and brush with any remaining brown sugar mixture.

8. 8

   Continue baking for another 30–45 minutes, or until the bacon is deeply caramelized and slightly crispy but still chewy.

9. 9

   Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool on the rack for at least 10 minutes. The bacon will firm up as it cools.