Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze

Why You’ll Love BLT Sliders

• Brown sugar and spices caramelize on the bacon, creating a glossy candied coating that contrasts the salty, smoky meat.
• Toasting the slider buns with garlic butter, inside out, adds flavor and a slightly crisp, almost grilled-cheese-like texture.
• A generous spread of mayonnaise keeps each slider moist and helps balance the sweet bacon.
• Seasoning tomato slices directly with salt and pepper brings out their natural sweetness and brightness.
• Crisp iceberg lettuce provides structure and the satisfying crunch essential to a great BLT.

What is Candied Bacon?

Candied bacon—sometimes called millionaire bacon—is made by coating thick, center-cut bacon in dark brown sugar and spices, then baking it so the sugar melts and forms a shiny, crisp coating. The result is bacon that’s both chewy and crisp, with a sweet-smoky flavor and a bit of heat if you include cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Baking the bacon on a wire rack lets excess fat drip away, yielding a cleaner, more evenly crisped finish. Candied bacon works wonderfully in sliders, as a breakfast treat, or straight from the sheet pan as a snack.

Key Ingredients

Bacon – Use thick, center-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor. Look for well-marbled slices without excessive fat.

Brown Sugar & Seasonings – Dark brown sugar gives a deep caramel flavor. Combine with smoked paprika, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for warmth.

Slider Buns – Sweet Hawaiian slider buns or brioche sliders both work well; the buttery, slightly sweet bread pairs perfectly with candied bacon.

Garlic Butter – Softened butter mixed with minced garlic and a touch of parsley to spread on the insides of the buns before toasting.

Lettuce – Iceberg provides the crisp crunch and structure BLTs need.

Tomatoes – Thick slices of Roma or seasonal heirloom tomatoes, simply seasoned with salt and pepper.

Mayonnaise – A generous layer on both bun halves keeps the sliders rich and balanced; use your favorite brand.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 9 sliders

Make the Candied Bacon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup dark brown sugar with 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes. Lay the bacon on a baking sheet set with a wire rack and line the pan under the rack with foil or parchment to catch drippings. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over both sides of each bacon strip, pressing it in so it adheres.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once about halfway through. The bacon is ready when the edges darken and the sugar has melted into a glossy coating. Transfer the strips to a plate to cool and crisp; they will firm up as they rest.

Toast the Slider Buns

Combine 5 tablespoons softened butter with 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons minced parsley. Spread the garlic butter on the cut sides of the 9 slider buns. In a skillet over low heat, toast the buttered sides until golden brown, then flip briefly to toast the outer sides so each bun gets a light, even crust.

Assemble the BLT Sliders

Slice each bacon strip into thirds and cut the slider buns apart. Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom halves. Add a portion of iceberg lettuce, then a thick tomato slice; season the tomato with salt and pepper. Layer three short pieces of candied bacon per slider, then place the top bun inside-out so the toasted side shows. Add more mayo to the underside of the top bun if desired, then close, slice, and serve.

Ingredients

• 9 sweet slider buns (Kings Hawaiian or brioche)
• 1 pound thick-cut center-cut bacon
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
• 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, cut into slider-sized portions
• 2–3 Roma tomatoes, sliced thick
• Mayonnaise, about 1 tablespoon per slider
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne or red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp cracked black pepper.
3. Arrange bacon on a wire rack set over a lined baking sheet. Press the brown sugar mixture into both sides of the bacon.
4. Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping once near the halfway point, until darkened at the edges. Transfer to a plate to cool and crisp.
5. Mix butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Spread on the insides of the slider buns and toast in a skillet over low heat until golden.
6. Slice bacon strips into thirds. Spread mayonnaise on bottom buns, add lettuce, a tomato slice (seasoned with salt and pepper), and three bacon pieces per slider.
7. Reverse the top buns so the toasted side faces up, spread more mayonnaise if desired, close the sliders, slice, and serve.