35 minutes
A delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors, these bacon twists are coated with a mixture of brown sugar and spices, then baked to crispy perfection.
Center-Cut Bacon
slices
Light brown sugar, packed
tablespoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
pinches
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise to make shorter strips.
2. Sweet Heat Mixture
In a small mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. Mix these ingredients until they are evenly blended.
3. Bacon Coating
Lay the bacon strips out on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the sweet heat mixture over the top side of each bacon piece. Gently press the sugar mixture onto the bacon to ensure it adheres well.
4. Baking Bliss
Place the bacon in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. For even cooking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. The bacon should reach a dark brown color with the sugar mixture bubbling when done.
5. Cooling and Crisping
Once baked, carefully transfer the bacon to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes, which will help the bacon achieve its signature crisp texture.
Swap out the cayenne pepper for sriracha sauce to get a garlic-chili twist. Use pure maple syrup as your binding agent and sweet element.
Use a reduction of bourbon and peach preserves for a Southern-inspired flavor. Spice it up with a pinch of ground ginger for a subtle, warm heat.
Combine honey with a touch of mustard for a tangy-sweet glaze. Add a dash of paprika for a mild heat.
Instead of brown sugar, brush your bacon twists with a mixture of real maple syrup and Dijon mustard before baking. The mustard adds tanginess and depth, while maple syrup keeps the sweet profile.
Coat the bacon in your favorite BBQ dry rub, which often includes both sweet and spicy elements. Glaze with a thin layer of BBQ sauce mixed with a bit of hot sauce.
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