First Watch Million Dollar Bacon
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First Watch Million Dollar Bacon is spicy, sweet & savory bacon all in one bite! Thick cut bacon is slathered in a mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup and zesty spices! Every bite is sticky, crunchy and downright irresistible—perfect for brunch or anytime you need a little bacon indulgence.
🔍 COPYCAT SECRETS UNCOVERED!
First Watch is an iconic brunch spot in the US – but did you know there’s a secret First Watch restaurant here in Cincinnati? It’s actually called the National Exemplar in Mariemont! It was opened by the Founder of First Watch and uses their menu for breakfast & lunch – but they’re also open for dinner too!
The Million Dollar Bacon isn’t actually on the regular First Watch menu any more but it’s usually on the seasonal menu – so no worries – you can still get it – at the restaurant – or just make it here!
What’s in Million Dollar Bacon recipe?
Million Dollar Bacon (aka Millionaire bacon) is a spicy version of candied bacon and the ingredients are all in your pantry – I promise! You’ll have so much flavor in every bite with this easy recipe!
- Bacon – you really need to use a thick cut bacon so the brown sugar has something to hold on to!
- Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup – use real maple syrup if at all possible – it makes a difference!
- Black Pepper & Cayenne Pepper – if you like it spicy – go with 1/2 tsp – if not, go down to 1/4 tsp!
- Water – this helps make the mixture loose enough you can drag the bacon thru it
How to Make First Watch Bacon
This copycat recipe for Candied Bacon is definitely easy to make – you can even throw it on the smoker if you’re feeling fancy or put it on a cracker if you need an easy snack or appetizer!
This bacon goes so well with pancakes, scrambled eggs and everything else breakfast! The sweet & spicy are a perfect marriage! Here’s how to make it First Watch-style:
- Whisk together your sugary spicy slurry
- Dip and coat your bacon strips
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
Store leftovers in between parchment paper in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the air fryer at 250º for 3-4 minutes.
Get Heather’s NEW cookbook – Air Fryer Cooking for One today!
More Bacon Recipes
More Breakfast Recipes with Bacon
First Watch Million Dollar Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, syrup and water. Set aside.1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup water
- Preheat oven to 325º. Place a baking rack (or cooling rack) on a large baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper. I recommend spraying the pan with cooking spray and then adding two sheets of parchment. I also sprayed the rack lightly to ensure nonstick.
- Take each slice of bacon and dredge it through the glaze mixture 2-3 times. Place each slice on baking rack.8 slices bacon
- Place bacon in oven and bake for 15 minutes. Rotate pan and cook for another 10-15 minutes – be sure to not to overcook.
- When bacon is cooked to desired crispiness, set aside until ready to serve.
Notes
- You could make probably 12 slices bacon with this amount of slurry. You would need two pans and it may take a few more minutes.
