Sweet, smoky, twisted - these Billionaire Bacon Twists are guaranteed to steal the show
🥓 Sweet, smoky, twisted - these Billionaire Bacon Twists are guaranteed to steal the show! 🔥 is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by cookingintheyard on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 35 min
Cost: $8.06 total, $1.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Thick‑Cut Bacon (cut into 6‑inch strips)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (pure grade A)
- 2 Tbsp Honey (light)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Preheat Smoker
Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and let it come to temperature. Add your favorite wood chips (apple or hickory work well).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 225°F
Prepare Candy Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until a thick, glossy mixture forms.
Time: PT5M
Twist the Bacon
Lay a bacon strip flat, then roll it tightly into a spiral, pulling the ends together so the strip stays coiled. Secure the coil with a toothpick if needed.
Time: PT7M
Coat the Bacon Twists
Using a pastry brush, generously brush each bacon twist with the candy coating, making sure all surfaces are covered.
Time: PT5M
Arrange on Wire Rack
Place the coated bacon twists on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows smoke to circulate and prevents the twists from sitting in rendered fat.
Time: PT3M
Smoke the Bacon Twists
Insert the rack into the smoker and smoke for 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the coating is caramelized and the bacon is crisp but not burnt.
Time: PT1H45M
Temperature: 225°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the twists from the smoker and let them rest on a cooling plate for 5 minutes. The coating will set and become slightly crunchy.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: Pork, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Thick‑Cut Bacon: Turkey Bacon (will be less fatty)
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Coconut Sugar, Turbinado Sugar
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, Agave Nectar
- Instead of Honey: Maple Syrup
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Paprika, Chipotle Powder
Equipment Needed
- Smoker
- Wire Rack
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry Brush (optional)
- Tongs
- Kitchen Shears (optional)
- Plate for Cooling (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheating the smoker to the correct temperature
- Twisting the bacon tightly so it holds its shape
- Coating the bacon evenly with the candy mixture
- Smoking until the coating caramelizes without burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the coating for extra depth.
- For a glossy finish, brush the twists with a little extra maple syrup during the last 10 minutes of smoking.
- Serve with a side of creamy ranch dip to balance the sweetness.
Troubleshooting
Coating burns before bacon is crisp.
Lower smoker temperature to 200°F and extend smoking time by 15‑20 minutes.
Bacon twists fall apart.
Use thick‑cut bacon and pull the strip tighter when twisting; secure with a toothpick if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat as above.
Room temperature: Not recommended; the coating can become sticky and the bacon may spoil.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Twist and coat the bacon the night before; keep covered in the fridge and smoke the next day.
- If you must prep earlier, freeze the coated twists on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of billionaire bacon twist in American party cuisine?
Billionaire bacon twist is a modern twist on the classic candied bacon trend that exploded in the United States during the early 2010s. It reflects the American love of sweet‑savory combos and is often served at barbecues, tailgate parties, and upscale cocktail gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of billionaire bacon twist in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., maple syrup and brown sugar dominate the coating, while West Coast versions may incorporate bourbon or sriracha for a spicy kick. Some Midwest cooks add a thin layer of mustard before the sugar glaze for extra tang.
How is billionaire bacon twist traditionally served in American gatherings?
It is usually presented on a platter as a finger food, often alongside other smoked meats, cheese boards, and craft beers. The twists are served warm, allowing the caramelized coating to stay slightly gooey.
What occasions or celebrations is billionaire bacon twist traditionally associated with in American culture?
Billionaire bacon twists are popular at Super Bowl parties, Fourth of July barbecues, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve because they are easy to eat while mingling and pair well with both alcoholic and non‑alcoholic drinks.
What makes billionaire bacon twist special or unique in American snack cuisine?
The combination of smoky, salty bacon with a thick, sweet candy coating creates a contrast of textures—crisp, chewy, and caramelized—that is both indulgent and memorable, setting it apart from plain bacon strips.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making billionaire bacon twist at home?
Common errors include twisting the bacon too loosely so it unravels, using too high a smoker temperature which burns the sugar glaze, and not allowing enough space on the rack, leading to soggy twists.
Why does this billionaire bacon twist recipe use a smoker instead of a regular oven?
Smoking at a low temperature infuses the bacon with deep wood flavor while gently rendering the fat, allowing the candy coating to caramelize evenly without scorching—a result harder to achieve in a conventional oven.
Can I make billionaire bacon twist ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can twist and coat the bacon the night before, keep it refrigerated, and smoke it the next day. After smoking, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the billionaire bacon twist is done?
The bacon should be crisp with a deep amber‑brown glaze that is slightly glossy. The coating should be firm enough to crack when bitten but still retain a hint of chewiness.
How do I know when the billionaire bacon twist is done cooking?
When the sugar coating has fully caramelized, turning a rich amber color, and the bacon feels firm to the touch, the twists are done. A quick taste test should reveal a balanced sweet‑salty flavor without any raw bacon taste.
What does the YouTube channel cookingintheyard specialize in?
The YouTube channel cookingintheyard specializes in backyard cooking, focusing on grilling, smoking, and outdoor-friendly recipes that are easy to make for gatherings and casual meals.
How does the YouTube channel cookingintheyard's approach to American barbecue differ from other cooking channels?
Cookingintheyard emphasizes simple, ingredient‑driven techniques with a strong focus on flavor layering using smoke, while many other channels rely heavily on sauces or complex marinades. The host often demonstrates how to use everyday tools like a basic smoker or grill.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
