Irresistible Make-Ahead Maple Mustard Bacon: Your Ultimate Sweet & Savory Breakfast and Brunch Star
Elevate your morning meals with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious maple mustard bacon recipe. This guide will transform your breakfast or brunch into a truly memorable experience, featuring a mouthwatering blend of sweet, pure maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard, perfectly complemented by optional coarse black pepper. Not only is this bacon bursting with flavor, but we’ll also show you how to prepare it ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free start to your busiest mornings or holiday celebrations. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy, irresistibly flavorful bacon that will become a family favorite!
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of sizzling bacon to kickstart your day, but imagine that irresistible scent combined with a sophisticated twist of sweet maple and pungent mustard. This isn’t just any bacon; it’s a culinary upgrade that promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Our amazing maple mustard bacon recipe is a cornerstone of our traditional Christmas morning brunch menu, alongside delights like Make-Ahead Monkey Bread. The ability to prepare components in advance is truly invaluable, especially during festive seasons when you want to cherish moments with loved ones rather than being confined to the kitchen.
Let’s be honest, who wants to be slaving over a hot stove while the family is gathered, opening gifts and making memories? Not many, we’d wager! That’s precisely why this make-ahead bacon recipe is a game-changer. It offers the unparalleled convenience of partial preparation the night before, allowing you to simply finish it off the next morning. However, if you’re not planning a grand brunch and simply crave this exceptional bacon, you can certainly cook it from start to finish on the same day. It’s wonderfully versatile for any spontaneous breakfast or planned brunch gathering.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless variations of sweet-crusted bacon, from brown sugar to honey glazes. While those are undeniably tasty, I wanted to create something with a more nuanced flavor profile. For this particular recipe, I intentionally reduced the overall sweetness, opting for the rich, natural notes of pure maple syrup instead of processed sugars. The real magic, however, comes from the generous addition of Dijon mustard, which introduces a delightful tang and depth. And for those who appreciate a subtle kick, a liberal sprinkle of coarse black pepper adds an exquisite layer of warmth and texture. The resulting flavor combination is simply DELICIOUS – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice.
The biggest revelation for me was discovering that bacon could be prepared ahead of time without sacrificing its signature crispness and flavor. For years, I believed bacon was a “cook-and-serve immediately” item. Boy, was I wrong! This make-ahead method ensures perfectly crispy, flavorful bacon every single time, making holiday mornings, or any morning for that matter, significantly more enjoyable and stress-free.
Essential Ingredients for Your Maple Mustard Bacon
Crafting this incredible maple mustard bacon requires just a few high-quality ingredients. The simplicity of the component list belies the complex and satisfying flavor you’ll achieve:
- Bacon: For the best results, we highly recommend ‘rough cut’ or thick-cut bacon. The thicker slices hold up better to the coating and retain a satisfying chewiness even after achieving crisp edges. However, if regular cut bacon is what you have on hand, it will certainly work beautifully too. Just be mindful that thinner bacon might cook slightly faster and become crispier more quickly.
- Dijon Mustard: This is the star of our savory component. Dijon mustard offers a distinctive, tangy, and subtly spicy flavor that is paramount to this recipe’s unique taste. While spicy brown mustard can serve as a substitute in a pinch, Dijon provides a more refined and superior flavor profile that truly elevates the bacon. Choose a good quality Dijon for optimal results.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Forget imitation syrups! Pure maple syrup is absolutely essential here. Its natural, rich sweetness complements the tang of the Dijon perfectly and provides that desirable, lightly caramelized exterior. The depth of flavor from pure maple syrup is unmatched and is a key factor in achieving the authentic, delicious taste of this recipe.
- Black Pepper (Optional, but highly recommended): We are huge fans of coarse ground black pepper in this recipe. It adds a wonderful visual appeal, a subtle peppery bite, and a delightful textural contrast. The coarseness ensures you get little bursts of flavor with each bite. If you prefer a milder taste, finely ground pepper works, or you can omit it entirely. However, for that ultimate sweet and savory experience with a hint of warmth, don’t skip the coarse grind!
Necessary Equipment for Perfect Bacon
Having the right tools makes the process even smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your maple mustard bacon:
- Large Baking Sheets: Essential for pre-cooking the bacon in a single layer. Using two large sheets, or baking in batches if you only have one, prevents overcrowding, which is crucial for even cooking and achieving that desired crispness. You might also want to line them with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
- Baking Rack (Optional but Recommended): Placing a wire rack on one of your baking sheets allows air to circulate around the bacon, promoting even crisping and preventing the bacon from sitting in rendered fat. This is especially beneficial if you’re serving it right away.
- 13×9 Inch or Larger Baking Pan: This pan will be used to hold the partially cooked bacon and for the final cooking stage, particularly if you’re opting for the make-ahead method. A larger pan ensures the bacon can be spread in a single layer, which is vital for proper coating and re-crisping.
- Pastry Brush: A small pastry brush is indispensable for evenly coating both sides of each bacon strip with the maple-mustard mixture. This ensures every piece gets that delicious glaze.
How to Make Maple Mustard Bacon: Step-by-Step Guide
The key to this recipe’s success, whether you’re serving it immediately or preparing it a day in advance, lies in the initial partial cooking. This step renders much of the fat, preventing the bacon from becoming greasy and allowing it to achieve a beautiful, even crispness in the final cooking stage.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher initial temperature helps the bacon cook efficiently and render fat effectively.
- Arrange the bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Do not overlap the pieces, as this will cause them to steam rather than crisp. If necessary, use two baking sheets or cook in batches. For easier cleanup, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Partially cook the bacon: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 9-10 minutes, or until the bacon is about three-quarters of the way cooked. It should be cooked but still pliable, not fully crisp. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and your oven.
- Drain excess fat: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, transfer the partially cooked bacon to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels to blot away any excess rendered fat. This is an important step to prevent overly greasy bacon in the final product.
- Prepare the glaze: While the bacon is pre-cooking, whisk together the Dijon mustard and pure maple syrup in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is your flavorful glaze.
Once your bacon is partially cooked and drained, you have two options:
To Serve Right Away:
- Transfer the partially cooked bacon from the paper towels to a clean baking rack placed on a separate baking sheet. This ensures air circulation, aiding in a crisp finish.
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat both sides of each bacon strip with the maple-mustard mixture. Ensure an even layer.
- If using, sprinkle the coated bacon liberally with coarse ground black pepper.
- Return the bacon to the oven (still at 400°F) for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness and the glaze has caramelized slightly. Keep a close eye on it, as the sugar in the maple syrup can burn quickly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, crispy, sweet, and savory delight!
To Make Ahead:
- Lay the partially cooked and drained bacon in a large baking dish or a new baking pan. Again, arrange in a single layer to ensure even coating and cooking later. A 13×9 inch pan is often suitable, but use a larger one if needed for a single layer.
- Using a pastry brush, thoroughly coat both sides of each bacon piece with the prepared maple-mustard mixture. Make sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor.
- Sprinkle with black pepper at this stage if you are using it.
- Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Place the covered pan in the refrigerator and chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an effortless morning.
- The next morning: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the bacon from the refrigerator and uncover the pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the bacon is perfectly crisp to your liking and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Again, watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a minute, and serve. The make-ahead method yields equally delicious and crispy results, proving that convenience doesn’t mean compromising on taste!
Variations & Pro Tips for Maple Mustard Bacon
While the base recipe is fantastic, don’t be afraid to experiment and customize it to your personal preferences. Here are some ideas and tips to make your maple mustard bacon even better:
- Adjust the Mustard-to-Syrup Ratio: Our recipe aims for a balanced sweet and savory profile, leaning slightly less sweet than traditional candied bacon. We use less syrup and more flavorful Dijon mustard to achieve this. However, you are the chef! If you prefer it a bit sweeter, add another teaspoon or two of maple syrup. If you like a stronger mustard kick, increase the Dijon by a similar amount. Feel free to play with these ratios until you find your perfect balance.
- Omit or Adjust Black Pepper: Not a fan of pepper, or serving someone with a sensitive palate? Simply leave out the black pepper. For a less intense pepper flavor, use finely ground instead of coarse ground. Conversely, if you love pepper, feel free to add more!
- Add a Spicy Kick with Cayenne: For those who crave a bit of heat, a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper along with (or instead of) the black pepper creates a fantastic spicy-sweet bacon. Start with a small amount, like 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust to your taste preference. It adds an exciting dimension to the flavor profile.
- Bacon Thickness Matters: We’ve found that both thick-cut and regular bacon work well. Thick-cut bacon yields a chewier, meatier strip that can better handle the glaze without becoming overly brittle. Regular bacon will become crispier faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly. Choose your preferred thickness based on the texture you desire.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This tip is crucial for crispy bacon, regardless of the recipe. Always ensure bacon slices are in a single layer with a little space between them on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming, resulting in limp bacon rather than crispy.
- Line Your Baking Sheets: For incredibly easy cleanup, always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil (especially when pre-cooking). This will save you a lot of scrubbing time!
- Let it Cool Slightly Before Serving: While it’s tempting to devour it straight from the oven, letting the bacon cool for a minute or two helps the glaze set and makes it easier to handle, and the crispness becomes more pronounced.
This maple mustard bacon is such a hit that my family absolutely devours it every time I make it. It has truly become an anticipated part of our special Christmas day tradition, and for good reason! The unique flavor profile stands out, making it more than just ordinary bacon – it’s a star attraction.
This exceptional bacon is the perfect complement to other make-ahead breakfast items such as delicious overnight scrambled eggs, our fluffy Overnight Monkey Bread, fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee on Christmas morning or any special occasion! It truly helps pull together a grand breakfast spread with minimal last-minute fuss.
PRO TIP: To make your holiday planning even easier, grab the full printable make-ahead Christmas Brunch menu here, complete with a charming menu printable. It takes the guesswork out of holiday entertaining and ensures a smooth, enjoyable morning for everyone, including the host!
We sincerely hope this incredibly flavorful and convenient recipe becomes a cherished part of your family’s traditions, bringing joy and deliciousness to your breakfast and brunch tables for years to come!
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes To Try
Looking to further expand your breakfast and brunch repertoire? Explore these other fantastic recipes that promise to start your day on a high note:
- Mediterranean Scramble with Spinach & Bacon: A wholesome and flavorful scramble packed with fresh ingredients.
- Buckwheat Pancakes with Oats, Maple & Cinnamon (Gluten Free): A hearty and delicious gluten-free pancake option for a cozy morning.
- Best No-Fail Hollandaise Sauce (for Eggs Benedict and More): Master the classic sauce with this simple, foolproof recipe.
- Asparagus and Ham Egg Cups with Easy Hollandaise Sauce (Low-Carb, Gluten Free): A elegant and healthy option, perfect for entertaining or a lighter meal.
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Easy Maple Mustard Bacon Recipe & Make Ahead Option
Equipment
-
large baking sheet
-
13×9 inch baking pan or another large baking sheet
-
pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon ‘rough cut’ or thick cut is best, but any will work
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard*
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup*
- 1 tablespoon coarse ground black pepper optional**
Instructions
-
Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
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Lay the bacon out in a single layer on a large cookie sheet. Cook in oven until about 3/4 done, roughly 9-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
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While bacon is cooking, stir the Dijon mustard and pure maple syrup together until smooth and well combined.
To Serve Right Away:
-
Transfer the partially cooked bacon to a baking rack placed on a separate baking sheet. Blot any excess oil with a paper towel. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the bacon with the maple-mustard mixture on both sides. Sprinkle with pepper if using, and return the bacon to the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired crispness.
To Make Ahead:
-
Transfer the partially cooked bacon to a 13×9 inch (or larger if needed) baking pan, laying it out in a single layer.
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Use a pastry brush to coat both sides of each piece of bacon thoroughly with the maple-mustard mixture. Sprinkle with black pepper, if using.
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Cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
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The next morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Remove the pan from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon is perfectly crisp and the glaze is caramelized to your taste.
Notes
**For a delightful spicy-sweet variation, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper along with the black pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of heat.
Nutrition
This recipe has been thoughtfully updated to provide the best possible experience and was originally published in January 2014, updated in 2016 and again in 2023.