Save to Pinterest The first time I made these Spiced Bacon Twists was for a lazy Sunday brunch that turned into the talk of our friend group for weeks. I had spotted the idea at a local bistro where they served them alongside bloody marys, and something about the way the sugar caramelized around the edges made me determined to recreate them. Standing in my kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and sizzling bacon filling the air, I knew this simple experiment was going to become a staple in my repertoire.
Last Christmas morning, I had these twists baking when my sister arrived with her kids, and the moment they walked through the door, my nephew stopped in his tracks and declared it smelled like a carnival in heaven. We ended up standing around the kitchen island, laughing and stealing pieces straight from the cooling rack, our fingers sticky with caramelized sugar and absolutely no regrets about it.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon: Regular bacon works but thick-cut creates the perfect balance between chewy and crisp, plus it holds its spiral shape better during baking.
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar has just the right moisture content to create that gorgeous caramel coating without burning too quickly.
- Cinnamon: The warmth of this spice transforms ordinary bacon into something extraordinarily complex and aromatic.
- Cayenne pepper: Just that tiny pinch creates a subtle heat that blooms at the end of each bite, cutting through the sweetness perfectly.
Instructions
- Prep your baking setup:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil, then set a wire rack on top. This rack elevation is crucial for allowing the fat to drip away while the sugar caramelizes.
- Create your spice blend:
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne in a shallow dish until completely combined. I like running my fingers through it to break up any sugar lumps for even coating.
- Coat and twist:
- Press each bacon slice into the sugar mixture, making sure both sides get generously coated. The sugar will start to stick to your fingers, but thats just part of the messy fun.
- Shape into spirals:
- Hold each slice by the ends and twist several times to create a spiral, then arrange them on the wire rack with space between each twist. They'll spread a bit as they cook, so give them room to breathe.
- Final sugar shower:
- Sprinkle any remaining spice mixture over the twists for extra caramelization. This ensures not a speck of that delicious mixture goes to waste.
- Bake to perfection:
- Slide the tray into your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through. Watch for that moment when they turn glossy and dark but not burnt.
- Cool and set:
- Let them rest for 5 minutes before touching them. Trust me on this one, that sugar is molten hot and needs time to transform into a candy-like coating.
Save to Pinterest A colleague once asked me to bring these to an office potluck, and I watched as our usually reserved accounting department literally hovered around the plate, making small talk just to have a reason to grab another twist. By afternoon, people from other floors were finding excuses to stop by our department, having heard whispers about the bacon that tasted like dessert.
Flavor Variations
Playing with the spice blend has become something of a hobby of mine over the years. A teaspoon of finely ground coffee creates an intriguing mocha-like depth, while a few drops of maple extract mixed into the sugar turns these into a breakfast-inspired treat. During the holidays, I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg for a more festive profile that pairs beautifully with mulled wine or spiked cider.
Serving Suggestions
While these twists are spectacular on their own as a snack or appetizer, I've discovered they have incredible versatility beyond simple nibbling. Chopped into pieces, they make an extraordinary topping for vanilla ice cream, adding both salty crunch and spiced sweetness. They also elevate a simple salad to restaurant quality when crumbled over mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, creating this wonderful contrast of textures and flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Though best enjoyed fresh from the oven, these twists can actually be prepared in advance with a few tricks I've learned through trial and error. You can mix the spice blend up to a week ahead and store it in an airtight container to keep it from clumping. The twists themselves can be cooked earlier in the day and briefly reheated in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
- Store completely cooled twists in a paper towel-lined container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers as they'll make the bacon lose its crispness.
- If making for a crowd, you can double or triple the recipe but be sure to use multiple baking sheets rather than crowding one.
Save to Pinterest These Spiced Bacon Twists have transformed countless ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions at my house. Whenever I make them, I'm reminded that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most joy.
Your Questions Answered
- → Can I prepare these bacon twists ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the bacon with the spiced sugar mixture up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This actually helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
- → Why use a wire rack instead of a baking sheet?
A wire rack elevates the bacon, allowing fat to drip away during baking. This creates crispier twists with less grease, resulting in a more caramelized exterior.
- → How do I store leftover spiced bacon twists?
Store cooled twists in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- → What variations can I try with the spiced sugar coating?
Experiment with maple sugar instead of brown sugar, add nutmeg or ginger for warmth, use smoked paprika for depth, or increase cayenne for a spicy kick. Black pepper also complements the sweetness beautifully.
- → How many twists does this make and what's the serving size?
This yields 12 twists from 12 bacon slices. Each twist serves as one appetizer portion at approximately 120 calories, making it ideal for parties or entertaining.
- → Can I make these without the optional cayenne pepper?
Absolutely. The cayenne is entirely optional and simply adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness. The twists are delicious with just cinnamon and brown sugar.