These Maple Bacon Twists are a fun and tasty treat! With crispy bacon swirled in sweet maple goodness, they make a breakfast or snack that everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist the crunchy, sweet, and salty combo? I love making these on lazy weekends, and they vanish in seconds! 🥓✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best here as it holds its shape when twisted and provides a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon can work, but it won’t be as crispy.
Maple Syrup: Always choose pure maple syrup for an authentic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pancake syrup, but it won’t have the same depth of sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Both light and dark brown sugar can be used; dark has a stronger molasses flavor. If you’re aiming for a lower sugar option, coconut sugar is a decent substitute.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds a warm spice that complements the sweetness. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, feel free to leave it out or use nutmeg instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Bacon Twists are Perfectly Crispy?
The key to crispy bacon twists is really in the cooking process. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated! This helps the bacon caramelize quickly.
- Avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet. Giving each twist space helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
- Baking longer at a lower temperature can also yield great results; just watch closely so they don’t burn.
- Letting them cool on a wire rack will help maintain that crispy texture, as it prevents steam from softening them.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious, crunchy Maple Bacon Twists that everyone will love!
How to Make Maple Bacon Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Non-stick cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 to 25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 35 minutes to enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, take a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Don’t forget to give it a light spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Sweet Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and if you like, the ground cinnamon. Stir well until everything is combined into a delicious syrupy mix.
3. Twist the Bacon:
Now, take each slice of bacon and twist it tightly several times along its length. This will help create that fun, spiral shape that gets all the yummy coating on it.
4. Arrange the Bacon Twists:
Place your twisted bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to give them a little space in between so they can cook evenly and get crispy.
5. Coat with Maple Mixture:
Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each twisted bacon piece with the maple syrup and brown sugar mix. Yum!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop them in the preheated oven and let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and remember to brush them again with the mixture halfway through baking for extra sweetness and caramelization.
7. Cool and Drain:
Once they’re nice and crispy, take the bacon twists out of the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. This will help them cool and let any excess fat drip away.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These Maple Bacon Twists are best served warm! Enjoy them as a sweet and savory snack, or as a fabulous breakfast side. You won’t regret making these delicious bites!
Enjoy your crispy, syrupy Maple Bacon Twists!
Can I Use Regular Bacon Instead of Thick-Cut?
Yes, you can use regular bacon, but keep in mind that it may cook faster and may not hold the same crispy texture. Just watch it closely while baking to prevent burning!
Can I Make These Without Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness. The flavor will vary, but they will still be delicious.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Maple Bacon Twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp back up, or microwave them on low heat for a quick snack.
Can I Freeze Maple Bacon Twists?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking and cooling, place the twists in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven for the best results!