Easy Million Dollar Bacon (First Watch Copycat)

This Easy Million Dollar Bacon recipe lets you recreate the sweet, savory, and buttery bacon from First Watch right in your own kitchen. Crispy, caramelized, and loaded with brown sugar goodness, it’s the ultimate breakfast treat—or anytime snack you won’t be able to resist.

This Easy Million Dollar Bacon recipe brings the irresistible First Watch favorite straight to your kitchen.

Thick-cut bacon is coated in a buttery, brown sugar mixture, baked until perfectly crispy, and finished with a sticky, caramelized glaze that hits every note of sweet and savory.

It’s simple to make, requires just a few ingredients, and delivers that restaurant-quality crunch and flavor without the drive-through line.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a decadent snack, this bacon will disappear faster than you can say pass the syrup!

​Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Sweet and Savory Perfection: Brown sugar and butter create a sticky, flavorful glaze on every slice.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreates First Watch’s Million Dollar Bacon without leaving your kitchen.
• Easy to Make: Just coat, bake, and enjoy—no complicated steps required.
• Perfectly Crispy: Thick-cut bacon caramelizes beautifully for a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a decadent snack anytime.

Ingredients Needed For First Watch Bacon Recipe

• Thick-cut bacon: Slices with hearty thickness for crispy caramelization
• Brown sugar: Sweetens bacon and creates sticky, caramelized glaze
• Butter: Adds richness and helps brown sugar stick evenly
• Maple syrup (optional): Enhances sweetness and adds subtle maple flavor
• Black pepper: Lightly seasons for a hint of savory spice
• Chili powder (optional): Adds a mild kick and depth of flavor
• Vanilla extract (optional): Boosts sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile

How To Make Easy Million Dollar Bacon (First Watch Copycat)

Step One: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step Two: Lay thick-cut bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step Three: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and optional ingredients like maple syrup, black pepper, chili powder, or vanilla extract until smooth.

Step Four: Brush or sprinkle the glaze evenly over each bacon slice, making sure every piece is well-coated.

Step Five: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized, watching closely near the end to avoid burning. Let the bacon cool slightly on the baking sheet; it will crisp up more as it rests. Serve warm for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet-savory snack.

First Watch Copycat Easy Million Dollar Bacon Recipe Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon: Thicker slices hold up better to the glaze and caramelize nicely.
• Line the baking sheet: Foil or parchment makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
• Watch the bacon closely: Sugar can burn quickly near the end of baking—check every few minutes.
• Customize the glaze: Add maple syrup, chili powder, or vanilla extract for extra flavor twists.
• Cool slightly before serving: The bacon crisps up more as it rests, giving that perfect crunch.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the glaze in advance to save time in the morning.

Storing and Make Ahead Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover Million Dollar Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and slightly crispy.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the glaze and coat the bacon a few hours or even a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and bake just before serving for fresh, caramelized results.

First Watch Copycat Easy Million Dollar Bacon Recipe Faqs

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut? Yes, but thinner slices may cook faster and can become overly crispy or burnt, so watch them closely.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare the glaze and coat the bacon in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

How long does it take to bake? Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is caramelized and crispy, keeping an eye near the end to prevent burning.

Can I add extra flavors to the glaze? Yes! Maple syrup, chili powder, black pepper, or vanilla extract can enhance sweetness and add depth to the flavor.

How should leftovers be stored? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave until slightly crispy.

Will the bacon stay crispy after cooling? It will crisp up more as it cools slightly, but it may soften a bit when refrigerated—reheat to restore crispiness.

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