Bacon twists
Bacon twists is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Courtney Luna on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min
Cost: $6.00 total, $1.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bacon (thick‑cut preferred for better twist and crunch)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully preheat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Baking Sheet
Line the cookie sheet with a sheet of parchment paper to catch grease and make cleanup easier.
Time: PT2M
Arrange and Twist Bacon
Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the parchment. Starting at one end, gently twist each strip into a loose spiral, keeping the twists spaced apart.
Time: PT5M
Bake First Half
Place the sheet in the middle rack and bake for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Flip Bacon
Using tongs, carefully flip each twisted strip to promote even browning.
Time: PT2M
Bake Second Half
Return the sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispness.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Drain and Cool
Remove the sheet from the oven. Transfer the twisted bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Let cool for 5 minutes; the bacon will crisp up further as it cools.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 1g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: gluten‑free, nut‑free
Allergens: pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Pork belly strips
Equipment Needed
- Cookie Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Tongs
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the oven to 400°F before adding bacon.
- Twist each bacon strip without overlapping.
- Flip the bacon halfway through baking for even crispness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a light coating of black pepper or a drizzle of maple syrup before baking for extra flavor.
- Save the rendered bacon fat for sautéing vegetables or making a quick gravy.
Troubleshooting
Bacon is soggy after baking.
Make sure the strips are not touching each other and flip them halfway. Increase baking time by 5‑10 minutes if needed.
Bacon burns around the edges.
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and extend baking time slightly, or move the sheet to a higher rack.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; risk of bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the bacon a day ahead, let it cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
- If you need extra crispness, place the cooled bacon under the broiler for 1‑2 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of twisted bacon in American breakfast cuisine?
Twisted bacon is a modern twist on the classic American breakfast staple. While bacon has been a breakfast favorite since colonial times, the twisted presentation became popular on social media for its visual appeal and added crunch, making it a fun way to serve a traditional protein.
What regional variations of bacon dishes exist in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., bacon is often smoked and served alongside biscuits. In the Midwest, bacon is incorporated into casseroles and salads. The West Coast embraces flavored bacon, such as maple‑glazed or pepper‑crusted, similar to the optional seasonings suggested for twisty bacon.
How is twisted bacon traditionally served in American households?
Twisted bacon is usually served hot as a side to eggs, pancakes, or waffles. It can also be used as a crunchy topping for salads, baked potatoes, or even as a garnish for cocktails like Bloody Marys.
What occasions or celebrations is twisted bacon associated with in American culture?
Twisted bacon is popular at brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, and backyard cookouts where visual presentation matters. Its bite‑size, portable nature also makes it a hit at game‑day snack tables.
What other American breakfast dishes pair well with twisted bacon?
Twisted bacon pairs beautifully with fluffy scrambled eggs, avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and classic buttermilk pancakes. Its salty crunch balances sweet maple syrup and creamy avocado.
What makes twisted bacon special compared to regular flat‑cooked bacon?
Twisting the strips creates more surface area, allowing the fat to render evenly and the edges to become extra crispy. The shape also makes the bacon easier to eat as a finger food and adds a playful visual element.
How has twisted bacon evolved on social media platforms?
The trend started on Instagram and TikTok, where home cooks showcased the dramatic curl and crispness of twisted bacon. Over time, creators like Courtney Luna have refined the technique, emphasizing a single‑sheet method for consistency and reduced mess.
What are common misconceptions about cooking bacon in the oven?
Many think oven‑cooked bacon is soggy, but using a high temperature (400°F) and a single layer on parchment yields crisp results. Another myth is that you need a rack; a flat sheet actually allows the fat to drip away, producing even crispness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making twisted bacon?
Avoid overlapping strips, which trap steam and prevent crisping. Do not skip the flip halfway through, as one side will stay softer. Also, watch the final minutes closely to prevent burning.
Why does this twisted bacon recipe bake at 400°F instead of a lower temperature?
Baking at 400°F renders the fat quickly and creates a dry heat that crisps the bacon without steaming it. Lower temperatures can leave the bacon chewy and require a longer cooking time.
Can I make twisted bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the bacon fully, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
What does the YouTube channel Courtney Luna specialize in?
The YouTube channel Courtney Luna focuses on quick, approachable home cooking tutorials, often highlighting clever shortcuts and visually appealing presentations for everyday meals.
How does the YouTube channel Courtney Luna's approach to American breakfast cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Courtney Luna emphasizes minimal equipment, single‑sheet methods, and step‑by‑step visual cues that make classic breakfast items like bacon accessible to beginners, whereas many channels use more elaborate techniques or multiple pans.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
