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

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the bacon.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Candied Bacon Twists

Recipe by iRick Wiggins

Crispy bacon twists coated in caramelized brown sugar for a sweet‑and‑salty snack that will blow your mind. Quick, easy, and perfect for parties or a tasty treat.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.12
Total cost
$1.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Step 2: Properly slice and twist the bacon to ensure even coating and texture.
  • Step 5: Monitor baking time closely to avoid burnt sugar.

Safety Warnings

  • The oven and hot baking sheet become extremely hot; use oven mitts.
  • Caramelized sugar can cause burns; handle with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sweet bacon snacks in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of sweet bacon exist in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is brown sugar bacon traditionally served in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is brown sugar bacon twists traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with brown sugar bacon twists?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making brown sugar bacon twists?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cooling rack instead of placing bacon directly on the baking sheet?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make brown sugar bacon twists ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the brown sugar bacon twists are done?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel iRick Wiggins specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel iRick Wiggins' approach to American snack cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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