Snoop Dogg Billionaire Bacon

The smell hit me before I even saw the kitchen counter—brown sugar meeting hot bacon fat, that sweet smoky aroma that makes people abandon all pretense of sophistication. I first made this for a Super Bowl party years ago when someone jokingly called it Billionaire Bacon and the name stuck. Now it is the one thing people actually ask for by name

I brought a platter to a neighbors housewarming once and watched three grown men hover around it refusing to leave until every slice was gone. One guy admitted he had been sneaking pieces every time he walked past the kitchen island. That is when I realized this is not really a side dish—it is the main event

Ingredients

• Extra thick cut bacon: Thin bacon burns before the sugar caramelizes properly so get the good thick slices usually sold as butcher style
• Light brown sugar packed: The molasses in brown sugar gives you that deep caramel flavor and helps create the candy like coating
• Cracked black pepper: Fresh cracked pepper adds little bursts of heat that cut through the sweetness
• Cayenne pepper: Even a quarter teaspoon wakes up your palate without making it uncomfortably spicy
• Smoked paprika: This adds another layer of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the bacon

Instructions

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Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil then set a wire rack on top. The rack lets fat drip away so the bacon gets evenly crispy instead of sitting in grease

Arrange the bacon:

Lay the slices in a single layer with space between them so air can circulate. Crowding the pan leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots

Mix the coating:

Combine brown sugar black pepper cayenne and smoked paprika in a small bowl. The mixture should clump together slightly when you press it

Coat both sides:

Sprinkle the sugar mixture over each slice flipping and pressing gently so it sticks. Do not worry about perfection—some falling off is inevitable and creates those crispy caramelized bits on the pan

Bake until caramelized:

Cook for 30 to 35 minutes rotating the pan halfway through. You want the sugar deeply browned and bubbling not burnt though a few dark spots are fine

Let it cool:

Wait at least 5 minutes on the rack. The sugar coating needs this time to set up and the bacon will continue crisping as it cools down

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

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My sister started hiding these in her freezer so they would not disappear the moment she made them. She learned to wrap individual strips in parchment paper and sneak them out one at a time like contraband. Smart woman

Serving Ideas

This bacon shines brightest alongside something neutral like scrambled eggs or plain pancakes. The sweetness can overwhelm delicate dishes but holds its own against rich ones. I have also crumbled it over mac and cheese for an instant upgrade

Make It Your Way

Swap the cayenne for cinnamon if you want a breakfast style version or add chopped pecans to the sugar coating for extra crunch. Maple sugar instead of brown sugar gives a subtler sweetness that some people actually prefer

Storage Truths

This is best eaten the same day because the coating starts to soften from humidity but it will still taste good. Room temperature in a sealed container is fine for about 24 hours

• Never refrigerate warm bacon or the sugar coating will get sticky and weird
• If you must save leftovers keep them in a paper bag not plastic to maintain crispness
• Revive slightly softened pieces in a 350F oven for 3 to 4 minutes

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Make extra. Seriously. You will want to eat at least two strips while they are still hot from the oven

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the bacon extra crispy?

Baking the bacon on a wire rack allows fat to drain and promotes even caramelization of the spiced brown sugar coating.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, increasing or omitting cayenne pepper adjusts heat according to your taste preference.

→ Is smoked paprika necessary in the coating?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be left out if unavailable without greatly affecting flavor.

→ How long should the bacon cool before serving?

Let the bacon cool on the rack for 5 minutes to allow it to crisp up perfectly.

→ What’s a good alternative sweetener for the coating?

Maple sugar can be used instead of brown sugar for a unique, mellow sweetness.