Candied Bacon Twists
Candied Bacon Twists is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by iRick Wiggins on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $5.12 total, $1.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 strips Bacon (thick‑cut, sliced lengthwise for twisting)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, optional for a hint of spice)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the bacon.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Bacon Twists
Lay each bacon strip on a cutting board and slice lengthwise to create two thinner strips. Twist each strip tightly around itself.
Time: PT5M
Coat with Brown Sugar
Place the twisted bacon in a mixing bowl, sprinkle the packed brown sugar and optional black pepper over them, then toss gently until each twist is lightly coated.
Time: PT3M
Arrange on Rack
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set a cooling rack on top, and lay the bacon twists in a single layer, making sure they do not touch.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Bake the bacon twists for 20‑25 minutes, or until the sugar is caramelized and the bacon is crisp. Rotate the rack halfway through for even browning.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 400°F
Cool
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the twists cool on the rack for about 5 minutes; they will crisp up further as they cool.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Transfer the cooled bacon twists to a serving platter and enjoy immediately or store as directed.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains sugar, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb (moderate)
Allergens: pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Pancetta
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar, Maple syrup (use 1.5× amount)
- Instead of Black Pepper: Cayenne pepper, Smoked paprika
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Cooling Rack
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Step 2: Properly slice and twist the bacon to ensure even coating and texture.
- Step 5: Monitor baking time closely to avoid burnt sugar.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use thick‑cut bacon for a meatier bite and better structural integrity when twisting.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sugar coating.
Troubleshooting
The sugar burned and turned bitter.
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and shorten baking time by 5 minutes; keep a close eye after the 15‑minute mark.
Bacon twists are soggy after cooling.
Place the rack on a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to allow excess fat to drip away, and let them cool completely uncovered.
Sugar did not stick to the bacon.
Make sure the bacon is slightly damp from the natural fat; you can lightly brush each twist with a tiny amount of melted butter before adding sugar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours; sugar coating can become sticky.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the twists a day ahead and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Allow the twists to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of sweet bacon snacks in American cuisine?
Sweet‑and‑salty bacon dishes have roots in Southern barbecue traditions where brown sugar or maple glaze was used to balance the richness of pork. Over time, caramelized bacon became a popular bar snack and party finger food across the United States.
What regional variations of sweet bacon exist in American cuisine?
In the South, bacon is often glazed with maple syrup or molasses, while in the Midwest, brown‑sugar‑coated bacon is common at fairs. Some coastal regions add a splash of bourbon or chili powder for a spicy twist.
How is brown sugar bacon traditionally served in the United States?
Brown sugar bacon is typically served hot as an appetizer at barbecues, holiday gatherings, or as a garnish for salads and baked potatoes. It is often presented on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
What occasions or celebrations is brown sugar bacon twists traditionally associated with in American culture?
These sweet bacon twists are popular at Super Bowl parties, Fourth of July picnics, and backyard barbecues because they are quick to make and pair well with beer and casual finger‑food spreads.
What other American dishes pair well with brown sugar bacon twists?
They pair nicely with creamy dips like ranch or blue‑cheese, alongside fried chicken, mac and cheese, or as a crunchy topping for baked potatoes and salads.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making brown sugar bacon twists?
Common errors include over‑baking, which burns the sugar, and under‑twisting, which leads to uneven coating. Also, using thin bacon can cause the twists to fall apart; thick‑cut strips hold better.
Why does this recipe use a cooling rack instead of placing bacon directly on the baking sheet?
The rack allows air to circulate around the bacon, resulting in a crispier texture and preventing the sugar from sitting in rendered fat, which would make it soggy.
Can I make brown sugar bacon twists ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, bake them a day ahead, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the brown sugar bacon twists are done?
The twists should be deep amber‑brown, glossy from the caramelized sugar, and crisp to the bite. The bacon should be fully cooked but not shriveled, and the sugar should not be blackened.
What does the YouTube channel iRick Wiggins specialize in?
The YouTube channel iRick Wiggins focuses on quick, crowd‑pleasing snack recipes and creative twists on classic comfort foods, often using simple ingredients and minimal equipment.
How does the YouTube channel iRick Wiggins' approach to American snack cooking differ from other cooking channels?
iRick Wiggins emphasizes high‑impact flavor combos like sweet‑and‑salty, delivers ultra‑fast prep times, and often presents the recipes in a lively, informal style that encourages home cooks to experiment without fancy tools.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
