Sweet and Spicy Oven Baked Bacon Twists
This sweet and spicy twisted bacon is great for appetizers, a snack, holidays, or a special morning breakfast.
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Need a little salty, spicy, and sweet breakfast treat? Mmmm yes! These crispy bacon twists add the perfect combination of flavors. It might be your new favorite way to prepare bacon. A little salt and sweetness with a spicy kick is a fun addition to any breakfast. The twisted shape is unnecessary, but it is the best way to take an everyday food and make it look a little extra special.
We like to make this recipe on Christmas Morning to accompany our traditional cinnamon buns. It’s an easy recipe to pop in the oven before the kids come running out to see what fun items they have in their stockings. Also, it’s such a delicious and easy breakfast that’s easy to clean up and makes everybody happy.
We also like to serve these as an appetizer when friends come over. You can make them whole or you can cut the slices in half for a fun little bite to accompany a glass of wine or a good cocktail. A piece of bacon might seem like an unconventional appetizer, but trust me they go quickly. Actually, the bacon twists are usually the first to go! They also aren’t bad if you’re hosting brunch alongside an egg casserole, a good cup of coffee, or a bloody mary. You can even use the bacon twists as a garnish for your bloody mary if you’re feeling fancy! At your next gathering, give it a try and let me know what you think!
4 Simple Ingredients
This is a very basic recipe using thick-cut regular bacon. A few simple ingredients easily come together to make something a little more special than plain cooked bacon.
- Thick-cut bacon- It needs to be thick-cut for this recipe a thinner kind of bacon will burn. Thick cut peppered bacon might be good in this recipe if you want a little extra peppery flavor.
- Coconut sugar – Any brown sugar would work well too. You could also use maple syrup in this recipe and brush it onto the bacon with a pastry brush.
- Dry mustard powder – It just adds a little extra somthin’
- Cayenne Pepper – This is where the bacon twists get their heat. For less spice, you could use cracked black pepper. If you like a lot of spice add more cayenne than the recipe calls for. We’ve also tried dried Aleppo pepper in this recipe and it’s great too.
How to Prepare Sweet and Spicy Twisted Bacon Recipe
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper if you want easy cleanup. Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch the grease that will run off
- In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and mustard powder.
- Press each strip of bacon into the brown sugar mixture and rub until coated.
- Twist each strip a few times and place it on the prepared baking rack.
- Bake until bacon is golden brown and crisp enough to hold its shape, about 20-30 minutes. The cook time will vary from oven to oven
- Drain on a plate covered with a paper towel and serve.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Twist FAQs
Does this recipe work in the air fryer?
Yes, it does!
If you have an air fryer, try cooking this sweet and spicy twisted bacon in it. Cooking bacon in it will take less time and still taste delicious. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.
Twist each strip of bacon a few times, add the bacon in an even layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for 8-15 minutes. The cooking time will vary a little based on how thick your bacon is. Make sure the bacon strips are in an even layer and not touching so the air in the air fryer can circulate evenly.
How to store leftover bacon
Store any leftover bacon twists in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to eat it. If you’re looking for a way to use the leftover bacon twists, we suggest having it as an easy snack or adding it to a BLT with avocado. Or just pull it out another morning for a quick breakfast side. Is leftover bacon really ever a problem? Not in our house!
How do I reheat the bacon twists?
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven on a lined baking sheet at 350 for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Printable Recipe Card
Sweet and Spicy Oven Baked Bacon Twists
Ingredients
- 1 pound sliced bacon
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. You can set a wire rack over the foil to ensure even cooking but it isn't neccessary. Use a baking sheet that has sides to catch the grease that will run off
- In a small bowl, stir together the coconut sugar and mustard powder.
- Press each slice of bacon into the sugar mixture and rub until coated.
- Twist each strip a few times and place on the prepared baking rack.
- Bake until bacon is browned and crisp enough to hold its shape, about 20-30 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and serve.