Bacon hardly needs improvements. Its smoky aroma, crispy edges, and salty-sweet bite are enough for that dreamy taste on its own. Whether it's layered on a burger, sprinkled over a salad, or even devoured straight from the pan, bacon's flavour is hard to match. But what if it could become even better? There are a couple of surprising ingredients that take bacon's crave-worthy qualities to the next level.

The two simple ingredients are maple syrup and chipotle chili powder. The sweet richness of maple pairs perfectly with bacon's saltiness, while chipotle adds a subtle heat and smoky depth that takes things to a whole new level. Together, they create a crispy, caramelized taste that’s sweet, spicy, and completely addictive.

To try it yourself, preheat the oven to 200°C. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder. Arrange 10 slices of bacon in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the fat renders and the bacon starts to brown. Remove from the oven, drain the fat, then brush both sides of the bacon with the maple-chipotle mixture. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes to let the glaze caramelize. Then, cool it on a wire rack and enjoy the upgrade.

If you're feeling even more adventurous, there is another bolder way to upgrade your bacon. The recipe includes coffee and cocoa. This unexpected combination gives bacon a rich, smoky-sweet flavor with hints of spice and depth you didn’t know it was missing.

In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup of strong black coffee, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Lay 10 slices of uncooked bacon in the dish, making sure they're fully submerged. Let them soak for at least an hour, or overnight if you really want the flavor to sink in.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 200°C. Arrange the soaked bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the fat is rendered and the edges are crisp. Transfer the bacon to a wire rack to cool, and get ready for a seriously flavorful twist on your morning favorite.