Pin It The smell of brown sugar caramelizing in the oven has this way of stopping everyone in their tracks and pulling them toward the kitchen. My sister discovered this recipe during a chaotic holiday brunch prep when we needed something impressive but dead simple. We laid out these twisted strips of bacon, dusted with cinnamon and just enough heat to keep things interesting, and watched them transform into sticky, candied ribbons of perfection. Now they are the first thing requested at every gathering, and honestly, they disappear faster than we can bake them.
I brought a batch to a friends housewarming party last fall, not expecting much attention among all the other appetizers. Within fifteen minutes, the platter was empty and people were genuinely asking for the recipe, something that rarely happens with such simple food. The host confessed later that she hid two pieces in her pocket before they vanished completely, which I took as the highest compliment possible.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon: The extra heft here prevents the twists from burning too quickly and gives you that satisfying chew alongside the crisp edges
- Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar works too, but light lets the cinnamon shine without overpowering the delicate balance
- Ground cinnamon: This warm spice bridges the gap between savory bacon and sweet sugar, creating that classic breakfast pastry vibe
- Cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to make people pause and wonder what makes these so special, though you can skip it if you prefer pure sweetness
Instructions
- Set up your baking station:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange a wire rack over a lined baking sheet, which lets the bacon drip and crisp evenly without sitting in its own grease.
- Prepare the spiced sugar:
- Whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne in a shallow dish until completely combined and no lumps remain.
- Coat the bacon:
- Press each slice into the sugar mixture on both sides, ensuring even coverage, then give each piece a gentle twist to form that characteristic spiral shape.
- Arrange and bake:
- Space the twisted strips on the wire rack and sprinkle any remaining sugar over the top, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Let them set:
- Wait about five minutes before serving, as the caramelized coating needs time to firm up or it will stick to everything it touches.
Pin It These have become my go-to contribution whenever someone needs help with party food, mostly because they require zero last-minute fuss. People tend to hover near the oven as the smell wafts through the house, and I have learned to make extra because the chef never gets more than one piece.
Getting The Twist Just Right
The trick is twisting the bacon while it is still cold and firm, right from the package. Warm or room temperature bacon becomes frustratingly floppy and the spiral will not hold its shape through baking. I give each slice about three full twists, then place it gently on the rack without pulling too tight, which causes the bacon to snap as it shrinks.
Balancing The Sweet And Heat
Start with just an eighth teaspoon of cayenne if you are unsure, because a little goes a long way when combined with sugar. The heat should be a subtle suggestion at the back of your throat, not a blazing afterthought that overwhelms the caramelized sweetness. I have made the mistake of doubling it for friends who love spicy food, and the result was still delicious but completely changed the personality of the dish.
Serving Ideas That Work
These twists shine alongside brunch favorites like scrambled eggs and French toast, where they serve as a sweet-savory bridge between courses. They also work beautifully crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert that never fails to get reactions, or piled next to cheese and crackers on an appetizer board.
- Try them dipped in warm maple syrup for an over-the-top brunch treat
- Crumble over roasted Brussels sprouts to add sweetness that balances bitterness
- Layer onto a burger with sharp cheddar for a sweet and savory twist
Pin It These spiced bacon twists have saved me more times than I care to admit when I needed something impressive but had almost no time to prepare. Watch them disappear and listen for the silence that falls over the room when everyone takes that first bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these bacon twists ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the coated bacon twists and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. You can also bake them fully and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
- → What type of bacon works best for this dish?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal as it holds up better during twisting and provides a meatier texture. Regular bacon can work but may become too crispy and break during the twisting process.
- → How do I prevent the bacon from sticking to the rack?
Using a wire rack allows air circulation and prevents sticking. Lightly coating the rack with cooking spray before placing the bacon helps ensure easy removal after baking.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Omit the cayenne pepper for a purely sweet version, or increase it to 1/4 teaspoon for more heat. You can also add black pepper or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
- → How should I store leftover bacon twists?
Store cooled bacon twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for best results, as microwaving may make them chewy.
- → What can I serve with spiced bacon twists?
They pair beautifully with brunch items like eggs, pancakes, and waffles. They also make excellent appetizers alongside cheese platters, fruit, or as garnishes for cocktails and salads.