Prepare to meet your new obsession, bacon lovers. This simple candied bacon recipe takes this beloved meat to new heights by adding a touch of sweetness. The result? A delectable treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving a delightful blend of sweet and savory. Get ready to savor every bite.

I’m a fan of bacon, but I usually don’t opt to eat it on its own. In my opinion, it is best used as an addition or ingredient when making other items. But nothing beats the savory-sweet combination of candied bacon. It’s the perfect blend of salty and sweet, and it’s a cinch to make. This easy candied bacon recipe will have you whip up delicious treats in no time.

Bacon is a staple in many homes, and it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser. Now, with this spiced maple and brown sugared bacon recipe, you can take your bacon to the next level. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. All you need is a few ingredients and a bit of patience.

So let’s get to cooking!

Gather Candied Bacon Ingredients

To start making this easy candied bacon recipe, we’ll need a few simple ingredients. Grab some thick-cut bacon, some quality maple syrup, some brown sugar, and some spices. This isn’t your average bacon recipe – it’s gonna be like nothing you’ve ever tasted before!

Thick-Cut Bacon

There’s something special about thick-cut bacon that makes it perfect for candying. It’s got just the right amount of fat and smokiness that makes it a great base for our sweet and savory concoction. And because it is extra-thick it can stand up to the long heat in the oven with the sugar.

When selecting thick-cut bacon, make sure it’s a good quality bacon. Look for bacon that’s well-marbled with a mix of both meat and fat.

I know that perfectly crispy bacon is the ideal (at least for me), but this recipe won’t quite get fully crisp. The sugars will keep more of the moisture in and make it so we can’t cook it too long. The sugars would begin to burn before fully crisping. So we have to sacrifice a little bit of texture for the sweet sugared bacon recipe.

Maple Syrup

When it comes to selecting your maple syrup, it’s important to note that not all syrups are created equal. To get the best quality candied bacon, you need the real deal! Look for pure maple syrup, not one of those syrups made with corn syrup and artificial flavors. And definitely steer clear of ‘pancake syrups’ for this recipe.

Maple syrup comes in different grades. Look to this in-depth post by Werner Tree Farm for more information on maple syrup grading. Amber and dark syrups have a more robust flavor and are perfect for baking and candying bacon. Though it’s up to you which one to choose.

If you’re looking to find maple syrup online, I have used this bourbon barrel-aged syrup with great success.

Brown Sugar

Next up on the list of ingredients is brown sugar. I’m not as picky about my brown sugar, so I’d say to use whatever you have available – as long as it isn’t old. The dried, chunky brown sugar won’t really work for this recipe. Though you can try to revive it with the old bread trick. Also, you can use either light or dark brown sugar but I would tend to favor dark for this recipe.

Spices

Adding a little flavor to your candied bacon is super easy. For this recipe I decided to go for some warming, aromatic spices. I like to use a simple blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Just mix the spices together and sprinkle them over your bacon before you put it in the oven. If you want a more adventurous flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. A little goes a long way, so start small and work your way up. Experimenting with different spices will help you find the perfect combination for your tastes!

And if you really want strips of pure candied bacon, just omit any added spices and use only the bacon, maple, and brown sugar.

Prepare the Baking Sheet

You can set this up multiple ways, but I think the setup below is best. It cooks the bacon well, and it makes for an easy cleanup. Start with a rimmed baking sheet. This will be our base that we can move in and out of the hot oven while cooking, flipping, and coating the bacon.

Aluminum Foil

Grab a roll of aluminum and tear off a sheet that’s big enough to cover the bottom of your entire baking sheet.

Carefully lay down the aluminum foil on the baking sheet. Use your hands to lightly press down the edges of the foil against the baking sheet. This will help make sure that the bacon grease doesn’t seep around the foil and make a mess.

Once the baking is finished, you’ll be able to peel up the foil and throw it out. It’s really helpful because the sugars that drip down will likely end up burning in the bottom of the pan.

Wire Rack

A wire rack will help the bacon stay elevated, allowing the hot air to circulate around it. This will help the bacon cook evenly and not get soggy. It’ll help us get as crispy as possible.

If you are looking for some decent wire racks, I bought this two-pack wire rack from Amazon.

Place the wire rack on top of the aluminum foil. Try to center it in the pan. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can always substitute it with something similar, such as a cooling rack – as long as you know for certain that it is oven-safe!

Candied Bacon Recipe Mixed Seasonings

To follow these sugared bacon directions, we’ll mix the spices and seasonings we use into the brown sugar. This will make it so that they can be evenly spread across the bacon. In my recipe below I have a specific mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

This gives the sugared bacon a little bit of a fall or winter flavor. These spices add a bit of warmth and depth to the flavor. I enjoy this a lot, but you could also just omit the spices and have a straight bacon and sugar flavor.

You could also mix it up by using some different spices in the mix. Try some chili powder, cayenne powder, or chipotle powder for a little spicy kick. Try cardamom, allspice, ginger, or really any other spice or seasoning. As long as you think the flavors would pair well with the sweet bacon.

Just be careful not to go overboard here, otherwise, you may overpower your bacon. Keep track of what spices you use in case you love it and want to recreate the same easy candied bacon recipe again.

I mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves together until they are evenly distributed. Do this with whatever seasonings and spices you decide to experiment with. This helps to ensure that all the pieces of bacon get an even coating of seasoning. And it makes sure the flavor is consistent throughout the dish.

Coating the Bacon

On to finally prepping the bacon. With all of the ingredients out and ready to go, lay the bacon out on the wire rack. Then brush it with a glaze of maple syrup. Finally, sprinkle it with the mixed brown sugar and spices. This is the key to making a delicious, easy-to-make candied bacon recipe properly. Then everything will be ready to cook.

I recommend that you preheat the oven before you start coating the bacon. Then the oven will be hot and ready to go when you’ve finished coating everything.

Lay the Bacon on the Wire Rack

Now that we’ve got the perfect seasoning mix for our candied bacon recipe, it’s time to lay the bacon on the wire rack. This part of the process is so simple, but it’s an essential part of the recipe.

Simply place each bacon strip out on top of the wire rack. I had a little bit of overhang on some of the ends, especially for longer pieces of bacon. Don’t worry too much about this, because the bacon will shrink as it cooks in the oven.

It’s important to make sure the bacon strips don’t overlap each other if possible. Give as much room in between slices as possible so the bacon can get full airflow in the oven. Though, as you can see in my photos, my bacon was a little bit crowded.

Brush the Maple Syrup on the Bacon

Alright, now we’re getting to the fun part – brushing the glaze on the bacon. Grab a basting brush and spread the maple syrup like you’re painting a masterpiece. You’ll want to make sure the bacon is completely covered so you don’t miss any spots.

Brushing the syrup as a glaze over the bacon makes it so that our brown sugar will stick. You don’t need pools of syrup sitting on top of the bacon, just an even, thin glaze.

If you don’t have a good basting brush, you can try using your fingers or some paper towels to try and get similar results.

Sprinkle with Brown Sugar Seasoning

Finally, it’s time to sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the bacon. I mean, what’s candied bacon without sugar? I simply used a spoon to pick up a small amount of the spiced brown sugar. Then I went over each piece and lightly shook the spoon to rain down the sugary goodness over the bacon.

Just be sure to sprinkle the sugar evenly, so all the bacon pieces get a nice coating.

Once you’ve added the brown sugar, give the bacon one last pat with your hands to make sure the coating is sticking. Now you can go ahead and move on to the next step: cooking.

Note that on this first pass, only one side of our bacon will be covered in the glaze and brown sugar. We’ll be cooking for about half the time, then flipping and coating the second side.

Bake the Bacon

Once the oven is preheated, it’s time to get to cooking. Just pop the baking tray in the oven and let it do its magic. Halfway through, flip it over and brush the second side with a coat of maple syrup, and then sprinkle with the brown sugar mix.

Bake in the Preheated Oven

Alright, now we’ve got our bacon coated, let’s pop it in the oven. Before you do, make sure you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important, as it ensures that your bacon cooks evenly and properly.

With the bacon in the oven, now it’s time for the hardest part: the wait. Depending on your oven, it should take about 30-35 minutes total for your bacon to be cooked. You’ll also want to remember to flip and coat the bacon halfway through the baking time. This will ensure that both sides get coated and have the time for the sugar to melt and stick to the bacon.

Flip and Recoat Candied Bacon

After cooking it for 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Then, carefully flip over every single piece so that the non-coated side is showing. Brush this side with the remaining maple syrup. Then sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar on top.

Pop it back into the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes or so.

You’ll want to keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks since the sugar burns easily. The bottom foil of the pan will burn and blacken as the dripped syrup and brown sugar cook. When the ends of your bacon are just on the edge of looking burnt, it is time to take it out of the oven.

Serving this Candied Bacon Recipe

When it comes to serving candied bacon, the possibilities are nearly endless. I mean, bacon makes everything better. So, sweet candied bacon should make everything even more better, right? Probably not quite everything. Some things don’t really call for the sweetness that this recipe adds.

But there are a bunch of recipes out there that could use candied bacon for a delicious twist.

Candied bacon is a great way to add a salty, sweet, and smoky flavor to dishes. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or an impressive main course, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the best recipes to use candied bacon in.

Candied bacon is a great way to jazz up a salad. I made my fall harvest apple cider cinnamon salad with this bacon specifically in mind. You could also try using this with my pecan and apple salad or my easy apple walnut spring mix salad. To use it in a salad, just chop it up and give it a generous sprinkling over your greens.

For a classic dish, just serve it as a side with some delicious buttermilk waffles. Candied bacon would also be a perfect substitute for regular bacon in my savory and sweet charcuterie waffle skewers. Or add a touch of sugar to a breakfast or brunch quiche Lorraine.

Mix up the classic BLT with candied bacon or try it on your next deli meat sandwich. You can get creative and experiment with unique flavors. Just think of anything that normally uses bacon and could use a little bit of sugary sweetness to round out the flavors.

How to Store Candied Bacon

Now that you’ve got your candied bacon ready to serve, it’s important to know how to store it properly. The best way to store candied bacon is to wrap it in wax paper or parchment paper and place it in an air-tight container or ziploc bag. This will preserve the bacon and help keep it from spoiling.

It will keep in the fridge for up to a week.

If you’re not going to eat the bacon within a few days of making it, you should freeze it. Wrap each piece of bacon in wax paper or parchment paper and place it in an air-tight container or a freezer bag. This will help keep the bacon from getting freezer burn and will help it stay fresh for longer – up to a month.

Note that using the wax or parchment paper will help to keep the candied bacon from sticking to itself.

No matter how you store it, one thing’s for sure – candied bacon is sure to please. And with the right storage techniques, you can keep it fresh and delicious for days – or weeks – to come. So make sure to store it properly and enjoy the sweet and salty flavor of candied bacon any time you want!

Overall, making this easy candied bacon recipe is pretty simple and a fun way to jazz up your regular bacon. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for snacking. So next time you’re looking for something new to try, give this candied bacon recipe a go! You won’t regret it.

How did yours turn out?

I’d love to hear when you try out this candied bacon recipe! Take a pic of your food and share your success with me by adding it to your Instagram stories or feed, and tagging me @doyouroux, or by using #doyouroux.

Plus, leave a rating to let me know how you liked the recipe. It helps me out a lot to know how things worked out… or didn’t.

Easy Candied Bacon

Recipe by Marc PetersonCourse: Appetizers, Breakfast, BrunchDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Cooling Time

10

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

5

minutes

This easy candied bacon recipe will have your taste buds sizzling! Learn how to make this delicious sweet and savory treat in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 pounds thick-cut bacon

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Directions

• Preheat oven the oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-proof wire rack over the foil
• In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
• Lay the bacon out on top of the wire rack on the baking sheet, trying not to overlap the bacon
• Use a basting brush to coat the top side of the bacon with half of the maple syrup and then evenly sprinkle with half of the brown sugar mixture – only one side of the bacon will be covered before putting it in the oven
• Put the bacon into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes
• Take the bacon out of the oven, carefully flip the bacon over, brush it with the remaining syrup, and evenly coat it with the rest of the brown sugar mixture
• Return the bacon to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until done
• Let the bacon cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the wire rack and using or storing it immediately – note that hot sugar can be extremely hot

Notes

• For less of a spiced fall flavor, just omit any added spices and use only the bacon, maple, and brown sugar
• Or mix up the spices and seasonings to create your own flavors – chili powder, chipotle powder, cardamom, ginger, or whatever flavors tickle your fancy

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These pumpkin cream cheese rangoons are a fall twist on a unique appetizer. The pumpkin cream cheese filling is a savory fall snack while the dip is a sweet spiced treat. And when combined they make a great appetizer for any fall gathering.

The pumpkin season is upon us – that means we can now make pumpkin treats and recipes galore. So, check out these sweet and savory rangoons. A savory pumpkin cream cheese filling encased in a crispy wonton wrapper is as perfect as it sounds.

If you’ve never tried making rangoons before, know that they are a bit of work. But with the help of this recipe, you can whip up these fun little treats in no time. I make these delicious, festive rangoons by mixing cream cheese with canned pumpkin, adding spices, and folding it all together in a wonton wrapper!

These snacks are not only fun and delicious to eat, but they also look great. So let’s get into all of the steps involved with making them.

What Are Rangoons?

Crab rangoons are typically fried appetizers found primarily in American Chinese restaurants. As far as I’m aware, its origin has been traced back to a Polynesian-style restaurant from San Francisco in the 1950s.

You may have heard them called crab puffs, crab pillows, crab cheese wontons, or cheese wontons. But I’ve always known them as crab rangoons.

Crab rangoons are made of wonton wrappers that are filled with sweetened cream cheese and a mixture of crab meat. The wonton wrappers are deep-fried and folded into some form of star or pouch, creating a pocket to hold the filling. They are typically served with some kind of sweet and sour dipping sauce to round out the experience.

So, I took this general appetizer idea and wanted to twist it into a fall-themed dish.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Rangoon Ingredients

These pumpkin cream cheese rangoons include a few different parts: the pumpkin cream cheese filling, the wonton wrappers, and the sweet dip.

To make this easier, we’re going to use store-bought wonton wrappers. You may be able to find some in either the fridge or freezer section of your grocery store. They are thin squares of dough that are roughly 3 inches on each side. If you’re really dedicated, you can make the wrappers yourself.

The main ingredients in the pumpkin cream cheese filling are cheese and pumpkin. Surprise! To complement it, we’ll add some garlic, shallots, salt, pepper, sage, oil, and maple syrup. This filling is a savory pumpkin treat. Similar to a filling you might make for homemade ravioli.

Since crab rangoons are typically served with a dipping sauce, I wanted to make one for this dish as well. In order to balance things out, the dip for these pumpkin cream cheese rangoons is sweet. I’m not going to lie, it is basically cream cheese frosting… so read on for that.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling

It’s not too hard to make pumpkin cream cheese filling.

Start with chopping the garlic, shallot, and sage. Then saute them together with olive oil in a pan until the shallot just becomes translucent.

Then add all of the other filling ingredients into a bowl and get to mixing. You can mix by hand or with a hand mixer. Just make sure to get everything thoroughly combined.

The filling itself is mostly savory. The sauteed mixture along with salt, pepper, cheese, and pumpkin all add to the creamy, delicious filling. And then a little bit of maple syrup helps bring in a bit of sweetness that will help the rangoons pair with the dipping sauce.

Once again, make sure you get a smooth consistency. We’ll be dolloping this out into the center of the wonton wrappers in order to fold and fry them. And you don’t want a rangoon that’s only cream cheese.

How to Fold Rangoons

I’ll be folding these into a kind of 4-point star formation that I’ve traditionally seen with crab rangoons. But you could just fold them in half, or like wontons, or really any way that seals it together. These instructions are for the star rangoons.

The goal is to fold them into a neat little package that will seal so no filling comes out while cooking. To start, set up a rangoon filling station. Have your wonton wrappers, pumpkin cream cheese filling, and a small bowl of water ready to go. Also, make sure there’s space to hold a bunch of uncooked rangoons.

It may take a few tries to really learn it, but It’s easy to fold rangoons.

Start by setting out a single wonton wrapper (step 1). Then add about 3/4 of a tablespoon of filling to the center of the wrapper. Dip a finger in the bowl of water and trace the outside edges of the wonton wrapper, rewetting as needed (step 2). It is hard to see in the photo, but the entire edge is dragged with water. This helps the edges stick and seal when folded together.

Now take the midpoints between each corner and pull them up and together so that all four midpoints meet at the center of the wrapper (steps 3-5). Try to keep things even so that edges line up. Then gently press all of the edges together so that they seal together.

When done correctly you should end up with a rangoon that looks like step 5, though you may have a few gaps in the seal at the edge or center. They don’t need to be perfect.

Cooking Methods: Fry, Bake, or Air Fry

Now we need some heat. So what kind of cooking method should you use? There are a few options: deep frying, air frying, or baking.

My preferred method is deep frying these pumpkin cream cheese rangoons. They get more crunch and better overall texture this way. The biggest con is that it is definitely the worst for your health. But sometimes, sacrifices must be made in the name of flavor…

You can also opt to bake them in an oven. This will take longer, and I think it lends itself to the filling overflowing and the corners of the rangoons over-browning.

Air frying is basically like a midpoint between deep frying and baking. I think it crisps up better than straight baking but not as much as air frying. And it is still prone to overflowing and over-browning. Note that for both baking and air frying I suggest spraying a bit of canola oil over the rangoons to help them cook.

Sweet Cream Cheese Dip

I’m not gonna lie, this dip is basically just a cream cheese frosting. A cream cheese frosting with a whole lot of fall flavors mixed in. And I know that sounds strange, but trust me the combo of savory rangoons with a sweet dip is divine.

A cream cheese frosting is essentially cream cheese mixed with something sweet and any flavors you’d like. For this appetizer dip, we’re sweetening with maple syrup and flavoring with cinnamon, cloves, and fresh thyme. The thyme brings in a bit of the savory flavors found in the rangoons, but the rest is pure, sweet fall flavor.

And, just like the pumpkin filling, it’s super easy to make. This dip has similar flavors to my brown sugar pumpkin spice butter.

Just chop up the thyme and then combine all 5 dip ingredients in a bowl. Then mix it thoroughly until combined.

I used a hand mixer for this. But you can also use a stand mixer or any old spoon. Just make sure that whatever method you use, it is all mixed together without any clumping cream cheese.

Sweet cream cheese dip is a fantastic dipping food. It’s tangy and creamy. And best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Rangoons

These pumpkin cream cheese rangoons are best served as an appetizer.

Obviously, I serve the rangoons with the sweet dip that I include in the recipe. I think this dip is key to bringing together the sweet and savory flavors. They aren’t quite the same without it.

If you are looking for meals to serve with this appetizer, look at any of the following:

• Creamy Two-Cheese Pear Ravioli
• Silky Smooth Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Pecan and Apple Salad with Mustard Maple Dressing
• Simple Risotto Side Dish

However you serve it, just know you’re in for a delicious combination of sweet and savory fall flavors.

How did yours turn out?

I’d love to hear when you try out these pumpkin cream cheese rangoons! Take a pic of your food and share your success with me by adding it to your Instagram stories or feed, and tagging me @doyouroux, or by using #doyouroux.

Plus, leave a rating to let me know how you liked the recipe. It helps me out a lot to know how things worked out… or didn’t.

Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Cream Cheese Rangoons

Recipe by Marc PetersonCourse: AppetizersDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

15

servings

Prep time

35

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

These sweet and savory pumpkin cream cheese rangoons are a perfect holiday appetizer or snack for the fall season.

Ingredients

• Sweet Dip

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• Rangoons

• 1 small shallot

• 1 clove garlic

• 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 15-ounce can of pureed pumpkin

• 1 and 1/3 cup cream cheese

• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 75 wonton wrappers

• Small bowl of water

• Vegetable oil for deep frying or canola cooking spray for air frying and baking

Directions

• Sweet Dip
• Mix together all of the dip ingredients in a medium bowl using a mixing spoon, stand mixer, or electric hand mixer
• Place the mixed dip in the fridge until the rangoons are ready to serve, then give it a quick stir before serving
• Rangoons
• Chop the shallot and sage and mince the garlic
• Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and then add in the shallot, sage, and garlic
• Stir and cook until the shallot just begins to become translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes, and then remove it from the heat
• Combine the sauteed mixture from the frying pan with the pumpkin, cream cheese, ricotta, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a bowl
• Mix together the pumpkin filling with a mixing spoon or electric hand mixer to thoroughly stir all of the ingredients until fully combined
• Make a rangoon filling station by setting out the pumpkin filling, wonton wrappers and a small bowl of water
• Preheat the oil (if deep frying) or the oven (if baking or air frying) to 350°F (175°C)
• Working with 1-3 wonton wrappers at a time, place about 3/4 of a tablespoon of pumpkin filling into the center of the wonton wrapper
• Dip a finger in the bowl of water and run it along the entire outside square edge of the wrapper, rewetting as necessary
• Take the midpoints between each corner and pull them up and together so that all four midpoints meet at the center of the wrapper, then gently press all of the edges together so that they seal up
• Repeat steps 8-10 until all wontons are filled
• If deep frying, place 4-5 rangoons at a time in the heated oil and cook until golden brown and crispy (about 3 minutes), then remove them to paper towels to drain
• If baking or air frying, lightly spray the rangoons with canola oil to give them a little fat for cooking, then place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes in the oven and for 5 to 10 minutes in the air fryer until golden brown
• Serve the rangoons with the sweet dipping sauce and enjoy!

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The post Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Cream Cheese Rangoons appeared first on Do You Roux?.

It’s fall again, when pecans and apples start showing up in our local grocery stores and farmer’s markets. To celebrate, I decided to create this delectable salad and dressing. This is a simple recipe that uses the best flavors of the fall season. So get to making this pecan and apple salad.

This salad has all the flavors of fall, including sweet pecans, tangy apples, and a maple-sweet, creamy dressing that makes this dish a real showstopper!

The combination of crunchiness from the nuts and softness from the apple is divine. However, I wanted to give it a twist and add a creamy mustard maple dressing. It turned out beautifully! The tart flavor of the dressing goes perfectly with the sweet, juicy apple slices. The creaminess and tang from the dressing adds another dimension to the salad.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did.

A Perfect Fall or Thanksgiving Salad

If you’re looking for healthier options this holiday season, then you might be interested in this salad.

I’ve made a few Thanksgiving-focused recipes on the site before like family Thanksgiving punch, Thanksgiving sage roasted turkey, and my simple turkey gravy. But this one is focused less on the holiday itself and more on the general fall season.

The goal was to use fall ingredients to make a tasty salad that took full advantage of the flavors that are most associated with the season.

This fall salad uses apples, pears, pecans, feta, pomegranates, and dried cranberries. These sit atop the bed of fresh greens. And then the dressing brings in a warm mustard flavor that is tempered with the addition of maple to sweeten it up.

The dressing adds a touch of sweetness with a nice, warm tang. The dried cranberries add a nice bit of color and texture. And they pair well with the dressing, making for a nice, tart, and colorful salad.

Make the Creamy Mustard Maple Dressing

Typically, my first step in prepping a salad is getting the dressing made.

I want the dressing prepped and chilling so its flavors will have more time to meld together and it’ll be ready to go when the rest of the salad is prepped.

For this salad, the warmth of a honey-mustard dressing was appealing. But to make it more fall-themed, I chose to sub the honey with maple syrup. And then for even more added warmth I included some typical fall spices.

The dressing is my favorite part of this recipe. It is so creamy and flavorful. I think a big reason why I enjoy it so much is because I made it myself. And making homemade salad dressings is actually quite easy.

The dressing for this salad is a vinaigrette at its core. As a vinaigrette, this has two main ingredients. Vinegar and oil. Then we dress it up with other items to add flavor.

Our flavor mainly comes from the mustard, maple, cinnamon, and cloves.

Using a blender or food processor makes this a super easy recipe. Just toss everything in and blend it together. Try to pulse it so that you don’t run it too long and overheat anything. If you don’t have either of those tools, then finely chop everything and whisk it all together in a bowl.

It’s a combination of ingredients that all come together well. The dressing can be used for a variety of dishes and for many different occasions. So don’t feel like you are limited to using this dressing on just this apple and pecan salad.

Prep the Pecan and Apple Salad

Luckily, prepping most salads is pretty easy. Take everything out, chop or slice what you need to and you’re basically prepped.

This one takes a little bit more effort, but only due to the inclusion of one ingredient that people are probably less familiar with – the pomegranate.

With the dressing made, get out the apple, pear, and pomegranate. Wash all of the fruit and then cut the apple and pear into slices.

For the pomegranate, you’ll want to slice it in half. Take one half in a hand and then hit it on the back over a bowl with a spatula or wooden spoon. This will help dislodge most of the seeds. You may then need to fish the more stubborn ones out. See this guide for more details on getting pomegranate seeds out.

Once you have the dressing made, the fruit chopped, and the pomegranate seeds out, we’re ready to go.

Assemble the Pecan and Apple Salad

This delicious pecan and apple salad is almost ready to serve to your family. But there are a few different options for serving this salad.

Start with a large salad bowl and add the mixed greens to it.

Now, decide whether you’d like to mix everything together or leave everything in individual bowls so people can build their own salads.

For mixing it all together, there are also two options: with or without dressing. Including the dressing will make it easy and quick to serve, but it will mean that there can be no leftovers because the lettuce greens will wilt badly after just a few hours in the dressing.

If you plan on serving this for a group, then you might want to consider putting the toppings in individual bowls. This way, everyone can choose what goes into their own salad. On the plus side, this method is quite useful if there are individuals with allergies or sensitivities. Because they can simply avoid toppings as needed.

The pecan and apple salad is a great combination. It’s crunchy, sweet, and tangy.

What to Serve with the Pecan and Apple Salad

This pecan and apple salad can be a meal on its own or used as a great addition to the main course. The combination of fall produce with the mustard maple dressing is just mouthwatering.

The fresh ingredients make this salad vibrant. If you’re planning on serving this salad at your next holiday party, then you’ll want to buy some decorative dishes and bowls. You can also get creative by using different kinds of fruits, vegetables, or nuts.

You can upgrade this dish with some grilled chicken, crispy crumbled bacon, or roasted (or leftover) turkey to add some more protein. Serve some dinner rolls on the side and then use them to mop up all of the leftover salad dressing so not one drop is wasted.

In the end, this is really just a salad, so you could serve it as a side with almost anything. But it really works well with other fall and winter flavors or dishes.

Try using some candied nuts like my candied walnuts or cinnamon-candied sliced almonds to add even sweeter notes to the salad.

The pecan and apple salad is a great addition to your fall or winter table, no matter how you serve it up.

How did yours turn out?

I’d love to hear when you try this salad and dressing combo! Take a pic of your food and share your success with me by adding it to your Instagram stories or feed, and tagging me @doyouroux, or by using #doyouroux.

Plus, leave a rating to let me know how you liked the recipe. It helps me out a lot to know how things worked out… or didn’t.

Pecan and Apple Salad with Creamy Mustard Maple Dressing

Recipe by Marc PetersonCourse: SaladsDifficulty: Easy

Servings

5

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Total time

20

minutes

This pecan and apple salad is a great dish for any fall or winter dinner! It’s full of flavor and is a delicious way to enjoy fall flavors.

Ingredients

• Creamy Mustard Maple Dressing

• 3/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar

• 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard

• 1 small shallot

• 1 clove garlic

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

• Pecan and Apple Salad

• 1/2 cup pecans

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1 pomegranate

• 1 large apple

• 1 large pear

• 8 cups of 50/50 spinach and spring mix lettuce

Directions

• Creamy Mustard Maple Dressing
• Blend together all of the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor, pulsing for 10 seconds at a time until smooth
• Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use, stores for up to 2 weeks
• Pecan and Apple Salad
• Wash and slice the apple and pear, cut the pomegranate in half and remove the seeds by hitting each uncut side of the pomegranate over a bowl until the seeds fall out
• Mix together the spinach and spring mix in a large bowl
• Top the greens with the pecans, cranberries, feta, pomegranate seeds, apple slices, and pear slices
• Drizzle with the creamy mustard maple dressing from above and serve

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The post Pecan and Apple Salad with Creamy Mustard Maple Dressing appeared first on Do You Roux?.

The ubiquitous flavor of pumpkin spice is now synonymous with the season changing to fall. But that isn’t the only flavor to enjoy.

From mouthwatering maple to ambrosial apples, there is something here for everyone. But, which flavors are really worth our time during autumn and the spooky season? I have taken it upon myself to review 10 fall flavors and let you know which are worthwhile.

So, now on to the totally not subjective and absolutely set-in-stone fall flavors tier list.

Pumpkin Spice – F Tier

Let’s get this out of the way, I’m not a fan of pumpkin spice. Not because I think it’s too ‘basic’ or that the flavor itself isn’t tasty but on principle alone. Pumpkin spice is not its own spice. So it must be F-tier.

It originates from all of the spices that make up a pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin spice has long since been synonymous with fall because of the far-reaching pumpkin spice latte (a PSL for short…) made famous by Starbucks.

In fact, the spice you usually buy at the grocery store is just an imitation of the true flavors that make pumpkin pie. The spice contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

So instead of buying a pre-made spice, why don’t you try making your own? You can easily combine these five basic spices into a delicious mixture that will remind you of pumpkin pies and other autumn treats.

And even though this is the worst of the fall flavors, you can enjoy it in these recipes (though only one calls for pre-made pumpkin spice mix):

• Easy Brown Sugar Pumpkin Spice Butter
• Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Cloves – A- Tier

I have a confession. I’ve got a soft spot for cloves. For me, I think it was love at first smell.

So I may be biased but I definitely think cloves are A-tier. But because I can be reasonable and recognize others might not enjoy the flavor as much, I’ll knock it down to an A- for fall flavors.

Some may find the flavor and smell of cloves overwhelming. I don’t know how. I would like to wrap myself in a blanket of cloves for the whole fall and winter season.

Unfortunately, it is a bit difficult finding recipes that feature cloves. And I’m sad to say I haven’t made a recipe for this site yet to use cloves as the star. Though my clove ratios in all pumpkin pie spice creations are skewed much higher than most.

So try the following clove recipes:

• Smoked Ginger Chicken with Cardamom, Cloves and Cinnamon
• Apple Butter with Cinnamon and Cloves
• Honey Baked Ham With Cloves

Cranberry – D Tier

I’ve long had a grudge against cranberries.

I’ve never really loved their flavor and found them a bit sour for my taste. I must admit that I do have a real bad sweet tooth. But, my issue with them started when they just started being used in everything.

Maybe it was cheaper to include cranberries or their juice in things, but it just took over. It may be a kind of smart cooking technique to use this fall flavor to cut the sweetness of other foods. But I just won’t stand for it.

Though I have to say that craisins – dried cranberries – make for pretty good salad toppings. That’s the saving grace that secures them a D instead of an F rating.

If you’re more into cranberries than I am, try these creations:

• Cranberry Orange Bread
• Fresh Cranberry Bars with Oat Crumble Topping
• Cranberry Coulis Recipe

Maple – A Tier

Maple syrup is one of my favorite things to cook with. Not only does it taste great, but it can be used to make delicious treats. Maple syrup can be used in place of sugar or honey.

You’ll want to get real maple syrup, rather than any kind of imitation. There are a bunch of different grades of maple syrup and whatnot, but I can’t be bothered to get into all of that right now.

Because it is a natural product, maple syrups can vary widely depending on a whole lot of environmental and processing factors. But I think that lends a bit of uniqueness when looking at different

Its sweet, slightly spicy, and vanilla flavor profile along with its wide versatility give maple syrup an A rating.

If you’re looking to add maple flavor to your life, here’s how to get started:

• Delicious Orange Maple Soy Glazed Salmon
• Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
• Maple-Glazed City Ham

Pumpkin – D Tier

Pumpkins are a symbol of the season. If you think of fall you’ll likely think of leaves changing colors and pumpkins.

But just because something is iconic doesn’t mean it is the best. Just like with pumpkin spice, we have to keep it real.

Most things that use pumpkin call for canned pumpkin. That’s because it can be annoying to cook and prepare your own pumpkin. Plus, the typical pumpkin you think of for carving up and decorating is not the best for eating. Those varieties are much smaller.

Plus, most recipes with pumpkin really feature other more powerful flavors that overshadow the gourd itself, so how good can it really be? Just look for butternut squash recipes instead cause they’ll probably be better.

When it comes down to it, pumpkin tends to make a better decoration than it does a flavor. So it’ll rank D-tier on our fall flavors list.

Put your canned pumpkin to good use in these recipes:

• Fall Spiced Pumpkin Pie
• Super Simple Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Pumpkin Risotto

Cinnamon – A+ Tier

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in the world. Its warm, woody, slightly sweet flavor and amazing fragrance make it one of the best.

Many many fall recipes call for the addition of cinnamon. It definitely seems to be the most widely used spice from the list of those that make up the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice.

With its delicious flavor and wide usability, cinnamon deserves an A+ rating.

Here are some cinnamon-centric recipes:

• Simple Cinnamon Candied Sliced Almonds
• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
• Savory Cinnamon Shoulder Roast

Ginger – C Tier

Okay, ginger itself is better than C-tier. But I’m out here judging everything as fall flavors. And I haven’t ever really associated ginger with just the fall. It is a year-round kind of spice that is used widely in many dishes.

Warm, peppery, with some heat and zest, use ginger when you’re looking to add that extra kick to a dish. Whether fresh or ground, it can add a whole layer of complexity to food.

Because ginger is just not quite associated with fall, I had to rate it lower than it really deserves.

Get your ginger fix with any of these:

• Glazed Carrots with Honey and Ginger
• Simple Candied Ginger
• Ginger Broccoli Stir Fry

Pecan – A Tier

Pecans are nuts that grow on trees. If you have a tree in your yard, you might be able to get some pecans from time to time. However, most people buy them at the store.

If you love pecans, then you should definitely add them to your diet. You can eat the raw seeds straight from the shell, but you can also bake them into cookies. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the flavor.

You can also use pecans as an ingredient in many different recipes. Ground, chopped, whole,

Here are some recipes for enjoying this nutty treat:

• Pecan Crusted Chicken
• Double-Chocolate Pecan Pie
• Butter Pecan Fudge

Nutmeg – C Tier

I mostly think of nutmeg as a finishing garnish. It is difficult to find recipes with nutmeg as a featured ingredient.

Especially associated with eggnog (which is a trash drink… don’t get me started), it is somewhat comparable to cloves but with a nutty, woody flavor.

I’ll admit that I’ve never grated any fresh, just used a prepackaged spice. So maybe that would improve its ranking for me. But until then, nutmeg gets a grade of C compared to all fall flavors.

Try this warm spice in any of these recipes:

• Ultimate Jerk Seasoning
• Silky Smooth Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Seasoned Breaded Chicken

Apple – S Tier

Apple is one of the most popular fruits around the world. From applesauce to apple pie, this fruit is delicious. If you want a snack that can help you keep your energy levels high, then you should consider apples.

They are so completely versatile. Eat it straight. Bake it. Chop it. Slice it. Juice it. Top a salad. Blend it up into applesauce. Add it to pies and desserts galore.

Plus, there are like a million different varieties of apples that all have a slightly different taste. So there’s bound to be a variety for everyone.

Because fall is when apples naturally ripen, this is when they are at their peak. Especially if you can find a pick-your-own orchard near you for those super-fresh and ripe apples. Also, you need apples to make both apple juice and apple cider. Which are both top-tier drinks in their own right.

For all these reasons, apples get the highest rating possible when ranking the fall flavors – S-tier.

So, don’t let

• The Best Apple Pie
• Excellent Fall Apple Crisp
• Homemade Applesauce Recipe

The post Fall Flavors Tier List | 5 A+ Flavors, 5 C- Flavors appeared first on Do You Roux?.

I love salmon. Unfortunately, my wife isn’t as big of a fan (she had a bad experience…). But that makes it feel extra-special when I decide to make it for myself. So I hope you enjoy this orange maple soy glazed salmon recipe as much as I do.

Fresh salmon is one of the tastiest fish available at the market. It can also make for an incredibly healthy meal – though maybe this preparation isn’t really health-focused. We’ll complement the salmon with orange juice, maple syrup, and soy sauce to enhance the flavor and bring out the natural sweetness. This glazed sauce is very simple and easy to prepare.

The glazed salmon is very light and mild and is cooked to perfect flakiness. First, the salmon is pan-seared. Then it is finished in the oven along with the sauce. After removing the salmon from the oven, reduce the sauce on the stovetop to thicken it up into a glaze. It is an amazing balance between sweet and savory.

This recipe will become your next go-to seafood dish, and a must-try if you’re a lover of salmon and want to impress your friends with a delicious fish.

The Type of Fish and Sauce Ingredients

When it comes to glazed salmon, fresh fish is best. When looking for salmon, avoid dull, pale, or discolored fish. It should smell slightly of the sea, but not overly fishy. The fish should be firm and kind of bounce back once poked. For even more details on picking out salmon, check out this guide.

You may also use frozen salmon filets, but I recommend that only if you cannot find fresh salmon nearby.

This salmon has a delicate, sweet taste. It’s cooked for a perfectly silky smooth and flaky texture. It is one of my absolute favorite ways to cook a piece of fish and use a simple combination of ingredients for the sauce.

The key to a delicious glaze is in combining flavors and ingredients that complement each other well. Maple syrup has robust flavor and sweetness. So it’s a perfect match for the savory and salty flavors of soy sauce. Orange juice is also a natural partner to soy sauce. It’s sour and tangy, and it complements both the soy and maple perfectly.

This recipe uses a simple glaze made with maple syrup, soy sauce, and fresh-squeezed orange juice as the main ingredients. Sweet, salty, and tangy, it is the essence of a balanced recipe. Add honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to round out the flavors in the glaze.

Serving Your Glazed Salmon

After cooking the salmon, you’ll reduce the sauce over the stove for a few minutes so it can thicken up. Then you will have a nice glazed sauce to add to your salmon. You have to be careful not to go overboard on the sauce. Don’t drown the fish in it. Make sure the sauce is thick enough to coat the fish and use just enough to complement the flavors, rather than overpower them.

When it comes to pairing food, the best combination is often simple. Salmon, a rich, protein-rich fish, is a good match for both sweet and spicy foods. The maple syrup and soy glaze create a delicious sweet and savory flavor.

Pair this salmon with just about anything you want. I love this recipe with wild rice, asparagus, and sugar snap peas, but I’ve also served it with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted broccoli or cauliflower, and even sauced udon noodles.

Try the following side dishes:

• Slightly Spicy Sugar Snap Peas
• Creamy Parmesan Risotto
• Oven Roasted Asparagus
• Wild Rice
• Steamed Vegetables

Try out the recipe below, and you won’t be able to resist this mouthwatering salmon. It’s full of flavor, simple to make, and will have you coming back again and again for more.

How did yours turn out?

I’d love to hear when you try out this glazed salmon recipe! Take a pic of your food and share your success with me by adding it to your Instagram stories or feed, and tagging me @doyouroux, or by using #doyouroux.

Plus, leave a rating to let me know how you liked the recipe. It helps me out a lot to know how things worked out… or didn’t.

Orange Maple Soy Glazed Salmon

Recipe by Marc PetersonCourse: Dinner, LunchDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Fresh salmon served glazed with a sauce made from oranges, maple syrup, and soy sauce. It’s the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (1 to 2 oranges)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided

• 2 pounds salmon, skin removed, sliced into 6 filets

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
• In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce, maple syrup, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to a large, oven-safe frying pan over medium heat
• When the pan has warmed up, sear the salmon in the sesame oil for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through
• Pour the mixed sauce over the salmon
• Slide the pan with the salmon and sauce into the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork
• Remove the pan from the oven, take the salmon out and cover to keep it warm
• Place the pan back on the stove at medium to medium-high heat and reduce sauce 5 to 10 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently
• Drizzle the reduced glaze over the salmon and serve

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The post Delicious Orange Maple Soy Glazed Salmon Recipe appeared first on Do You Roux?.