Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line baking sheet with foil & spray with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with brown sugar. Place in the upper thrid of the oven & bake until sugar is caramelized & bacon is brown & crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven. Immediately remove bacon slices using a pair of tongs. Work quickly or they will stick. Place them on a cutting board (not paper towels – they will stick!) to cool.

Set up your waffle iron on a level surface & turn on to preheat.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, & brown sugar. Whisk to blend.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, & vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients & fold. Stir gently until combined. Try not to overmix the batter or the waffles will become tough.

Pour your batter into the waffle maker. Set a few slices of bacon in the batter – either all the way in or halfway out (whichever your preference). Cook the waffles per your waffle maker’s instructions.

Serve with butter & syrup.