Sunny Anderson's Twisted Bacon
Sunny Anderson's Twisted Bacon is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 22 min
Cost: $29.39 total, $7.35 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bacon (thick‑cut, sliced into strips)
- 2 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon Hot Hungarian Paprika (smoked, hot)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (leaves chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Mustard (dry mustard powder)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Garlic (garlic powder)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Dry Maple Syrup (powdered maple syrup, acts like dry maple sugar)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat fully.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Bacon
Separate the bacon strips, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Mix Dry Coating
In a mixing bowl combine dark brown sugar, hot Hungarian paprika, chopped thyme, ground mustard, granulated garlic, black pepper, and dry maple syrup. Stir until evenly blended.
Time: PT5M
Coat the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the dry coating over the bacon and toss with tongs until each strip is lightly coated.
Time: PT5M
Arrange for Baking
Spread the coated bacon in a single layer, leaving a little space between strips so they can twist and crisp.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, turning the strips halfway through (about 22 minutes) to ensure even crisping.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Set
Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for 10 minutes; the sticks will become rigid as they cool.
Time: PT10M
Serve or Store
Enjoy immediately as a snack, or store in an airtight container as described in the storage section.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Keto, Low‑Carb, Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein
Allergens: Pork, Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon
- Instead of Dark Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar, Erythritol
- Instead of Hot Hungarian Paprika: Regular paprika plus a pinch of cayenne
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Instead of Ground Mustard: Mustard seeds ground
- Instead of Granulated Garlic: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Dry Maple Syrup: Liquid maple syrup (use less other sugar)
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs or Spoon
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Evenly coat the bacon without excess sugar
- Bake until the bacon is crisp but not burnt
- Cool completely so the twists become rigid
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use thick‑cut bacon for a meatier bite and better structural integrity.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked sea salt to the coating.
Troubleshooting
Bacon sticks are still floppy after cooling.
Bake an additional 5‑10 minutes until the coating is fully caramelized and the bacon is crisp.
Coating becomes sticky and clumps.
Use less dark brown sugar or add a little more dry maple syrup powder; ensure bacon is dry before coating.
Bacon burns at the edges.
Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and extend baking time by a few minutes, checking frequently.
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: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 day if consumed quickly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the twists a day ahead and store in the refrigerator; reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- The coating can be prepared in advance and kept in an airtight jar for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of twisted bacon in American cuisine?
Twisted bacon emerged as a playful bar snack in the United States during the craft‑beer boom, offering a portable, flavorful bite that pairs well with drinks. Its sweet‑and‑spicy coating reflects the American love for bold, indulgent snack foods.
How did twisted bacon become popular as a bar snack in the United States?
Breweries and gastropubs began serving bite‑size, oven‑baked bacon twists as a low‑mess alternative to fried pork rinds. The easy preparation and eye‑catching presentation helped it spread across cocktail lounges nationwide.
What regional variations of bacon twists exist in American cuisine?
In the South, chefs often add brown sugar and cayenne for a sweet‑heat profile; in the Pacific Northwest, maple syrup and smoked paprika are common; while in the Midwest, a simple salt‑and‑pepper twist is traditional.
How is twisted bacon traditionally served in American breakfast settings?
Some diners serve the twists alongside eggs and toast, using them as a crunchy garnish for custard‑style French toast or as a side to a hearty breakfast plate.
What occasions or celebrations is twisted bacon commonly associated with in the US?
Twisted bacon is a favorite for Super Bowl parties, tailgate gatherings, and casual brunches because it’s easy to make in large batches and pairs well with beer and cocktails.
What makes twisted bacon unique compared to other bacon preparations in American cooking?
The twist shape creates more surface area for the sweet‑spicy coating, and the oven‑baking method renders fat while caramelizing the sugar, giving a crunchy exterior and tender interior that differs from fried or grilled bacon.
What are common misconceptions about twisted bacon in American cuisine?
Many think the twists are deep‑fried or overly greasy, but when baked at 350°F they become crisp with minimal added fat, making them a relatively clean snack option.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making twisted bacon on the YouTube channel Food Network?
Common errors include coating the bacon too heavily, which leads to a sticky, soggy result, and under‑baking, which leaves the twists floppy. Follow the measured spice amounts and bake the full 45 minutes for best texture.
Why does this twisted bacon recipe use a dry maple syrup powder instead of liquid maple syrup?
Dry maple syrup adds the characteristic maple flavor without introducing extra liquid that would prevent the sugar from caramelizing properly on the bacon surface.
How do I know when the twisted bacon is done baking and ready to cool?
The bacon is done when the edges are deep golden‑brown, the coating has hardened, and the strips feel crisp to the touch. A quick flip halfway through ensures even browning.
What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Network specializes in a wide range of cooking tutorials, from quick home‑cooking hacks to full‑scale restaurant‑style recipes, featuring celebrity chefs and everyday home cooks.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Food Network when it comes to snack recipes?
Food Network’s snack recipes focus on approachable techniques, bold flavors, and visual appeal, encouraging home cooks to experiment with simple ingredients while delivering restaurant‑quality results.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
