Save The smell of brown sugar hitting hot bacon fat is one of those kitchen moments that stops everyone in their tracks. I first made these on a rainy Sunday morning when I was craving something special for brunch but didnt want to commit to a full baking project. My roommate wandered in halfway through cooking and just stood by the oven door, watching the sugar bubble and caramelize into something that looked like candied magic. Now theyre the first thing people ask for when I host anything from book club to game night.
Last Christmas I made four batches back to back because they disappeared faster than I could plate them. My dad usually turns his nose up at fancy appetizers but I caught him sneaking them straight off the cooling rack while pretending to check the oven temperature. The way the cinnamon hits that salty bacon creates this nostalgic carnival flavor that somehow feels elegant at the same time.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon: Thin bacon burns too fast and you want that meaty chew to balance the sweet coating
- Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar works but gives a deeper molasses flavor that can overpower the cinnamon
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground makes a huge difference if you have whole sticks on hand
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch creates that addictive sweet heat profile without making it actually spicy
Instructions
- Set up your baking station:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top so air can circulate and the bacon cooks evenly instead of swimming in rendered fat.
- Mix the spiced sugar:
- Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne in a shallow dish. The mixture should clump slightly when pressed together which helps it adhere better to the bacon.
- Coat the bacon:
- Press each slice firmly into the sugar mixture on both sides. Dont be shy about really working it into the meat because this is where all the flavor lives.
- Create the twists:
- Holding one end of each slice, twist the bacon several times until it forms a loose spiral. Lay them on the wire rack with plenty of space between each twist.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the sugar bubbles and turns deep amber. Rotate the pan halfway through and watch closely in the last few minutes because the sugar goes from perfect to burned fast.
- Let them set:
- Cool for at least 5 minutes on the rack. The coating needs this time to harden into that candy like shell instead of staying sticky.
Save These have become my go to host gift because they travel so well layered between parchment paper in a tin. I brought them to a friends housewarming and three people immediately texted me for the recipe before I even left the party.
Making Ahead
You can twist and coat the bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Store them between layers of wax paper in the refrigerator then bake just before serving. They reheat beautifully at 350°F for about 5 minutes if you need to make them a day ahead.
Serving Ideas
These work for almost any occasion from brunch cocktails to midnight snacks. I love crumbling them over roasted Brussels sprouts or serving them alongside scrambled eggs at brunch. They are also unexpected and amazing on a burger instead of regular bacon.
Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic technique the variations are endless. Maple sugar instead of brown sugar gives a more complex sweetness while a pinch of smoked paprika adds a savory depth. For holiday twists try adding a bit of orange zest or swapping the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
- Chopped pecans pressed into the sugar mixture add an amazing crunch
- A tablespoon of maple syrup whisked into the sugar creates extra gooey spots
- Black pepper instead of cayenne gives a sophisticated grown up version
Save These are proof that the simplest ingredients can create something extraordinary. Make them once and they will be permanently written into your recipe file.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Bake at 350°F and keep an eye on the twists during the last 5-10 minutes. The wire rack helps air circulate evenly, reducing hot spots. If your oven runs hot, check at 20 minutes.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the twists up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container. Reheat at 350°F for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness before serving.
- → What's the best way to twist the bacon?
Hold one end of the bacon slice firmly and rotate the other end in the opposite direction, creating 3-4 tight twists. The spiral will hold its shape during baking as the fat renders.
- → Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Thick-cut bacon works best as it holds up better to twisting and provides a meatier texture. Regular bacon will become very crispy and may break more easily when handling.
- → What other spices can I add?
Try nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of clove for warmth. Smoked paprika adds depth, while black pepper enhances the savory notes. Maple extract works beautifully with the brown sugar.
- → Do I need a wire rack?
A wire rack is highly recommended as it allows excess fat to drip away and promotes even crisping on all sides. Without it, the twists may cook unevenly and sit in rendered grease.