Maple Glazed Bacon Roses are the ultimate sweet and savory treat, perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or as a unique Valentine’s Day gift.
Jump to RecipeWith crispy caramelized bacon infused with a touch of maple sweetness and a hint of spice, these bacon roses are easy to make and sure to impress!
PRO TIPS for the Best Homemade Maple Glazed Bacon
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It holds its shape better during baking and delivers the perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures.
- Even Coating: Press the sugar mixture firmly onto the bacon to ensure even caramelization.
- Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the bacon during the final minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Cool Before Handling: Allow the bacon roses to cool slightly before removing toothpicks for easier handling.
Personalising the Recipe
Add your own twist by experimenting with flavors! Try using honey instead of maple syrup or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick. For a gourmet touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts before serving.
For an added presentation for Valentine’s day, place these bacon roses into a heart shape when serving or place on a Valentine’s day charcuterie board. Checkout more Valentine’s day related recipes on the blog.
Easy bacon recipes on the blog
crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
bacon wrapped club crackers
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients for maple glazed bacon bites
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the bacon.
- Cayenne Pepper: Balances the sweetness with a subtle spicy kick.
- Maple Syrup: Enhances the flavor with its rich, sweet, and slightly smoky profile.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: The star ingredient, delivering a savory, crispy texture.
How to make Maple Glazed Bacon Roses
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or Air fryer 375°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the bacon slices, pressing it gently to adhere.
Roll each bacon slice tightly into a rose shape, starting from one end and rolling towards the other. Secure the bottom and middle of each rolled bacon rose with two toothpicks to hold its shape.
Place the bacon roses upright in a prepared baking dish . Ensure they are spaced apart so they cook evenly.
In a small measuring cup or mixing bowl, add the cayenne pepper to the maple syrup and mix together
Pour this sweet and spicy mixture on top of all the brown sugar bacon roses.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
Remove the bacon roses from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Carefully remove the toothpicks if desired before serving.
Notes:
- For an added presentation for Valentine’s day, place these bacon roses into a heart shape when serving or place on a Valentine’s day charcuterie board.
Methods of Preparation
- Oven: Follow the instructions above for even cooking and caramelization.
- Air Fryer: Cook the bacon roses in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
How to Serve:
- Valentine’s Day Presentation: Arrange the bacon roses in a heart shape on a platter.
- Charcuterie Board: Add to a festive board with cheeses, fruits, and crackers for a unique touch.
- Individual Serving: Place a single bacon rose in a decorative cupcake liner for a personalized treat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bacon roses in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 300°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness before serving.
FAQ’s
- Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Yes, but monitor closely as thinner bacon may cook faster and can burn more easily. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bacon roses and refrigerate them before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve. - How do I prevent the roses from unraveling?
Secure the bacon with toothpicks and ensure they are snugly rolled. - Can I make these less spicy?
Simply omit the cayenne pepper for a purely sweet and savory flavor. - What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve as an appetizer, on a charcuterie board, or as a creative Valentine’s Day centerpiece.
Maple Glazed Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 16 slices of thick cut bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the bacon slices, pressing it gently to adhere.
- Roll each bacon slice tightly into a rose shape, starting from one end and rolling towards the other. Secure the bottom and middle of each rolled bacon rose with two toothpicks to hold its shape.
- Place the bacon roses upright in a prepared baking dish. Ensure they are spaced apart so they cook evenly.
- In a small measuring cup or mixing bowl, add the cayenne pepper to the maple syrup and mix together
- Pour this sweet and spicy mixture on top of all the brown sugar bacon roses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
- Remove the bacon roses from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Carefully remove the toothpicks if desired before serving.
Notes
These Maple Glazed Bacon Roses are a show-stopping appetizer or treat, combining sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite. Perfect for impressing guests or adding a touch of creativity to your celebrations!
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
