Candied bacon, also called maple bacon or brown-sugar bacon, is bacon strips coated with a sugar-based glaze, such as brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey, and baked or pan-fried until the coating caramelizes into a crisp, glazed shell. Its exact origin is unclear, but the technique follows the older practice of sugaring cured meats to build a caramelized crust. Spices like black pepper or cayenne are often added to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy contrast. It's commonly served as a breakfast side, added to salads, sandwiches, and burgers, or used as a topping for ice cream, waffles, or doughnuts; its sweet-salty flavor also pairs well with cheese on charcuterie boards. Popular variations include maple-bourbon, peppered, and chocolate-dipped versions.