Brushing maple syrup over bacon before cooking it in the oven can do wonders. The salty bacon complements the sweet maple, and its smokiness truly seals the deal.

If you add some light brown sugar to the syrup, it'll caramelize and yield a more crispy bite. You can also coat the bacon in honey or jam and add crushed walnuts for some crunch.

To explore bacon's savoriness, try using seasonings like garlic powder or sesame seeds and experimenting with different herbs and spices that are not salt-based.

Bacon is already salty enough, so adding any more can upset the balance of flavors. However, a sprinkling of parmesan makes an excellent coating that crisps up well in the oven.

Bacon is a good palate for all possible peppery additions. Fiery glazes like sriracha or chipotle sauce make a nice base, and you can also add chile powder or cayenne.

The fattiness of a thick-cut slice of bacon serves as a great contrast to spice. You can further build up on the flavor by incorporating other spices, like cumin and paprika.