Is Beer-Glazed Maple Bacon Better than Candy?
Credit: Drew Swantak
Some offices have candy jars. Thrillist has those, too, but we know the only thing that can truly motivate someone to pretend to be a cupcake on Tinder to pick up girls is bacon. That and booze. So we combined them: the beer & maple syrup glaze gives smoky bacon a crisp, candied crust that actually tastes like beer.
If for some odd reason these slices don’t disappear within minutes, they’ll keep overnight at room temperature.
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Credit: Drew Swantak
Cook the bacon
Preheat oven to 375℉. Place 1 pound of thick-cut bacon in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until crispy, about 20 minutes.
More: How to Save & Use Bacon Fat, So All Other Foods Can Also Taste Like Pork
Credit: Drew Swantak
Make the glaze
Combine 3/4 cup lager (1/2 bottle), 1 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan.
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Credit: Drew Swantak
Reduce it
Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat, and cook, stirring often, until the liquid is reduced by half and looks thicker than syrup, about 20 minutes.
Credit: Drew Swantak
Brush it on thick
Brush a thick layer of glaze over the bacon and bake until caramelized, 8-10 minutes.
Credit: Drew Swantak
Cool it
Let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes or until glaze hardens.
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