Spiced Bacon Twists (Printable)

Thick-cut bacon strips coated in spiced brown sugar, twisted and baked until crispy and caramelized. Perfect for brunch or snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bacon

01 - 12 slices thick-cut bacon

→ Spiced Sugar Mixture

02 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set a wire rack on top.
02 - In a shallow dish, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
03 - Dredge each bacon slice in the sugar mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
04 - Twist each bacon slice several times to form a spiral, then arrange them on the wire rack with space between each twist.
05 - Sprinkle any leftover spiced sugar mixture over the twisted bacon.
06 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and caramelized. Rotate the tray halfway through for even cooking.
07 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes to let the caramelized coating set before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're done in 35 minutes flat, which means you can go from wanting a snack to actually eating one without losing your mind.
  • The combination of crispy bacon and caramelized spiced sugar feels indulgent enough to serve at a party but simple enough to make on a random Tuesday.
  • Everyone who tries them asks for the recipe, and that never gets old.
02 -
  • If you skip the wire rack and lay bacon directly on the baking sheet, the bottom will get soggy from the rendered fat pooling underneath—I learned this the hard way at a brunch that didn't go as planned.
  • Room temperature bacon is easier to twist and coat evenly than cold bacon straight from the fridge, which wants to crack and splinter under your fingers.
03 -
  • Pat the bacon dry with a paper towel before coating—any surface moisture will keep the sugar from adhering properly and create a less caramelized finish.
  • If you want maximum twist, try starting your bacon at room temperature and twisting it tight before laying it down; it'll hold the shape better as it cooks.
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