These Candied Bacon Bites are the perfect mix of sweet and salty! Crunchy bacon is coated in brown sugar and baked until crispy and caramelized. Yum!
Honestly, who can resist bacon? 🤤 These bites are great for parties or just a fun snack! I love serving them as an appetizer with some toothpicks. Easy, tasty, and a sure hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for these bites since it holds up to baking and has a great chewy texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon can be used, but the flavor will be different, and it might not crisp up as nicely.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds that rich sweetness. If you’re out, you can use white sugar mixed with a touch of molasses or honey to mimic the flavor. Coconut sugar or maple sugar are other alternatives if you want a different sweetness profile.
Flaky Sea Salt: I love using flaky sea salt for the final sprinkle. It adds a nice burst of flavor! If you don’t have it, coarse kosher salt is a good substitute. Just be careful not to use too much, as it’s saltier than flaky varieties.
How Do I Get My Bacon Bites Perfectly Crispy?
For perfectly crispy candied bacon bites, the trick lies in how you bake them. Here are some tips:
- Use a wire rack: This helps the heat circulate around the bacon, so it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure the bacon pieces are in a single layer and not touching, or they will steam instead of crisp.
- Watch the bake time: Start checking at 20 minutes; depending on your oven and bacon thickness, they may need a little more or less time. Once they are golden and the sugar is bubbly, they are ready!
Let them cool slightly before serving, as they’ll continue to crisp up a bit more. Enjoy your delicious treats!
How to Make Candied Bacon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon strips
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer that’s bound to impress your friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make cleaning up a breeze later! Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to catch the drips and allow heat to circulate around the bacon.
2. Cut the Bacon:
Next, take your thick-cut bacon strips and cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 2 inches long. This size is perfect for snacking!
3. Coat with Brown Sugar:
In a bowl, toss the bacon pieces in the brown sugar until they are nicely coated. You want every piece to be covered in that sweet goodness!
4. Arrange the Bacon:
Spread the coated bacon bites in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure the pieces aren’t touching; this will help them crisp up while they bake.
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the bacon bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end, to avoid burning. You want them crispy and the sugar should be caramelized and bubbly.
6. Salt Them Up:
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the hot bacon bites. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness!
7. Let Them Cool:
Allow the bacon bites to cool on the rack for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious bites can be served warm or at room temperature. For a fun touch, you can provide toothpicks for easy picking. Perfect for parties or a tasty treat any time!
Enjoy your sweet and salty Candied Bacon Bites! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Regular Cut Bacon Instead of Thick-Cut?
Yes, you can use regular cut bacon, but keep in mind that it will cook faster and might not have the same chewy texture. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Candied Bacon Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon with the brown sugar coating ahead of time, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Serve with Candied Bacon Bites?
These bites pair well with a variety of dips like spicy mustard or maple syrup for dipping. You can also serve them alongside cheese platters or as part of a charcuterie board for an extra tasty spread!