Candied bacon bites are little pieces of heaven! They combine crispy bacon with a sweet glaze, making them the perfect treat for any party or snack time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is best for that hearty bite and crispiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. Alternatively, you could use pancetta for a different twist.
Brown Sugar: This is the main sweetener and gives the bacon its caramelized glaze. If you’re out, you can use coconut sugar or even maple sugar, but adjust the quantity as they can be less sweet. Brown sugar substitutes could work, but may not caramelize the same way.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds a lovely kick! If you prefer a milder taste, you could skip it or replace it with paprika for a smoky flavor. For an even spicier option, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce to your sugar mix.
Prunes/Dates: These are optional for stuffing! You can use apricots or figs if you want a different dried fruit flavor. They add a nice sweetness that pairs well with bacon.
How Do You Ensure Your Bacon Bites Are Extra Crispy?
Getting crispy candied bacon bites is simpler than you think! The key is to bake them on a wire rack. This allows fat to drip off and prevents sogginess. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
- Line the baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easier.
- Using a wire rack elevates the bacon, so it cooks evenly from all sides.
- Keep an eye on the bacon during baking. Depending on your oven, it might need a few extra minutes or could be ready faster, so watch for that golden color.
Letting them cool on the rack is important too. The glaze hardens slightly, making them crispy and easier to handle. Enjoy your crunchy, sweet bacon bites!
How to Make Candied Bacon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bacon Bites:
- 12 strips of thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- 24 pitted prunes or dates (optional, for stuffing)
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying these tasty bites in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drippings and make clean-up easy. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy as the fat drips away.
2. Prepare the Sugar Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix the packed brown sugar with the cayenne pepper if you want a bit of spice! This combination will give your bacon its sweet and spicy flavor.
3. Cut the Bacon:
Grab your bacon strips and cut each one in half. This will create 24 smaller pieces, perfect for bite-sized munching!
4. Optional Stuffing:
If you’re using prunes or dates, take one and place it inside each bacon half. Then, wrap the bacon around the fruit tightly. This adds an amazing sweetness and flavor to the bites!
5. Coat with Sugar:
Dip each bacon piece (or bacon-wrapped fruit) into the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly to make sure all sides are coated. The more sugar you get on there, the sweeter and more caramelized they will be!
6. Arrange on Wire Rack:
Place the coated bacon bites on the wire rack, ensuring the sugar side is facing up. This helps the sweetness caramelize beautifully as they bake.
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. You’ll want them to be crispy and caramelized!
8. Let Cool:
Once done, remove the bacon bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on the rack. The sugar glaze will harden a bit as they cool.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm candied bacon bites fresh from the oven. If you like, garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for a pop of color and flavor. These little delights are perfect for parties, appetizers, or a special treat!
Enjoy your sweet and savory candied bacon bites! They pair wonderfully with your favorite cold drink!
Can I Use Different Types of Bacon?
Absolutely! While thick-cut bacon is recommended for its richness and crispiness, you can also use turkey bacon for a healthier option. Just keep in mind it may not have the same flavor and texture as pork bacon.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple sugar, though you might need to adjust the quantity as they are less sweet. Using granulated sugar is also an option, but it won’t give you that rich caramel flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover candied bacon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, helping to restore their crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon bites the day before. Simply assemble them and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best flavor and texture!
