Sweet and Savory Brown Sugar Bacon Twists

Brown Sugar Bacon Twists: A Sinful Delight for Every Occasion

Introduction

Imagine the enticing aroma of sweet, savory bacon wafting through your kitchen. Brown Sugar Bacon Twists are a delectable treat that promises to be the star of any gathering, particularly beloved by girls of all ages at slumber parties. While they might be a once-a-year indulgence due to their irresistible richness, these twists are straightforward to prepare, making them an excellent choice for beginner cooks. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe and discover how you can create this mouth-watering comfort food right in your own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Name: Brown Sugar Bacon Twists
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Description: A once-a-year comfort food for all that they’re bad for you, these are sinfully delicious! Popular with girls (of all ages!) at slumber parties.
• Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
• Keywords: Pork, Meat, Kid Friendly, < 60 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Easy
• Servings: 12
• Calories: 128.5 per serving
• Fat Content: 10.3g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3.4g
• Cholesterol Content: 15.4mg
• Sodium Content: 191.2mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 6.2g
• Fiber Content: 0.1g
• Sugar Content: 5.9g
• Protein Content: 2.7g
• Rating: 5 stars based on 2 reviews

Ingredients

For this delightful recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/3 cup light-brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sugar substitute (optional, for a diabetic or low-carb version)
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 12 strips of bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Skewers
   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Soak 12 bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning during the baking process.

2. Prepare Baking Pan
   Line the bottom of a broiler pan with aluminum foil to facilitate easy cleaning later. Place a broiler-pan rack on top of the foil.

3. Mix the Sugar Coating
   In a small bowl, combine the light-brown sugar, sugar substitute (if using), mustard powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is well blended.

4. Coat the Bacon
   Spread a sheet of waxed paper on your work surface and pour the sugar mixture onto it. Lightly shake the paper to distribute the mixture evenly. Press each bacon strip into the sugar mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated on both sides.

5. Twist and Skewer the Bacon
   Twist each sugar-coated bacon strip and thread it onto a bamboo skewer. Place the skewered bacon strips on the broiler-pan rack, arranging them so they do not touch each other.

6. Bake to Perfection
   Bake the bacon twists in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. The bacon should be almost crisp, and the sugar coating should be bubbly.

7. Cool and Serve
   Allow the bacon twists to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This cooling period helps the sugar coating to harden slightly, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Brown Sugar Bacon Twists provides:

• Calories: 128.5
• Fat: 10.3g
• Saturated Fat: 3.4g
• Cholesterol: 15.4mg
• Sodium: 191.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 6.2g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugars: 5.9g
• Protein: 2.7g

Cooking Tips

1. Choosing the Right Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite and better structural integrity when twisting onto skewers. Thin bacon may become too crispy and fall apart.
2. Uniform Coating: Ensure the bacon is uniformly coated with the sugar mixture for consistent flavor in every bite. Press firmly but gently to avoid breaking the bacon strips.
3. Preventing Stickiness: Using parchment paper instead of waxed paper can also help in managing the sugar mixture without sticking excessively.
4. Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar substitute if you prefer a less sweet or a more diabetic-friendly version of this recipe.

Variations and Pairings

1. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet variation that adds a kick to each bite.
2. Maple Flavor: Substitute brown sugar with maple sugar or drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the bacon before baking for a rich, maple-infused flavor.
3. Savory Addition: Incorporate finely chopped rosemary or thyme into the sugar mixture for an added layer of savory herbaceousness.

Serving Suggestions

These Brown Sugar Bacon Twists are incredibly versatile and can be served as:

• Appetizers: Arrange them on a platter with some dipping sauces like honey mustard or spicy aioli.
• Brunch Addition: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a decadent brunch treat.
• Party Snacks: Perfect for any gathering, they can be paired with a variety of other finger foods and snacks.

Storing and Reheating

While these twists are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes or until they regain their crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Bacon Twists are a sensational treat that combines the irresistible flavors of sweet and savory in a simple, easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for parties, brunches, or just a special indulgence, these twists will quickly become a favorite. Despite their indulgent nature, their easy preparation and universally appealing taste make them a must-try for cooks of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!