Candied Bacon Bites are little pieces of joy! Sweet and salty, these treats are made by coating crispy bacon in brown sugar and baking it until caramelized. Yum!
Your friends won’t believe how simple this snack is to make. Just a few minutes in the oven, and you’ll have everyone begging for the recipe. Trust me, it’s hard to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for these bites because it holds up well during cooking and gives you that perfect chewy texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon could work, but it won’t be quite as crispy.
Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar for different flavors. Dark brown sugar has more molasses, which adds depth. If you need to substitute, try using white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses.
Black or Cayenne Pepper: This is optional, but it adds a nice kick! If you prefer no heat or want to keep it kid-friendly, feel free to skip it. You can also experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika for a different twist.
How Do You Ensure Bacon Stays Crispy and Not Burned?
The key to crispy candied bacon is balance. Start your bacon in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking. Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the bacon, which helps it crisp up nicely.
- Line your baking sheet to make cleanup easy; this sweet glaze can get sticky!
- Check on it closely as it nears the 20-minute mark. Once it’s golden brown, it’s ideally cooked.
- Let it cool on the rack; it’ll get crunchier as it cools down!
These tips will help you achieve the best texture and flavor for your Candied Bacon Bites! Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Make Candied Bacon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes making these delightful treats! Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bacon will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. While the oven heats up, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch drips and make cleanup easy. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet — this allows air to flow around the bacon, helping it crisp up nicely.
2. Arrange the Bacon:
Take your bacon slices and lay them flat on the wire rack, making sure they don’t overlap. This is important for even cooking. You want each slice to have its own space so that they become crispy instead of soggy.
3. Sweeten It Up:
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over each slice of bacon. Press the sugar gently so that it sticks—the more sugar, the sweeter the bite! If you want to spice things up a bit, sprinkle a little black pepper or cayenne pepper over the top of the sugar. This adds a nice flavor kick!
4. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the bacon bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it gets close to done. You’re looking for a nice golden brown color and crispy texture — that’s when you know it’s perfect! Watch out, as it can burn quickly near the end.
5. Cool and Cut:
Once the bacon is crispy and the sugar has melted into a shiny glaze, remove it from the oven. Let the bacon cool on the rack for about 5 minutes. It will continue to crisp up as it cools. Once it’s cool enough to handle, use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut each bacon slice into 2-3 bite-sized pieces. This makes them perfect for popping in your mouth!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, arrange the candied bacon bites on a serving platter. These bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any gathering. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweetness and savory bacon goodness!
These candied bacon bites are a surefire hit, perfect for parties, game days, or just a tasty snack. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Regular Bacon Instead of Thick-Cut?
Yes, you can use regular bacon, but keep in mind that it may cook faster and could become overly crispy if not watched closely. Check for doneness at around 15-20 minutes instead of 20-25 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for each cup. This will give you a similar flavor profile, but just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
How Do I Store Leftover Candied Bacon Bites?
Store any leftover candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! Adding ground black pepper or cayenne pepper gives these bites a delightful spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your spice preference — just a little can go a long way!