Save My friend Sarah showed up to a brunch with these spiced bacon twists tucked in a small box, and I couldn't stop eating them straight from her hands like we were conspiring over stolen treasure. The combination of cinnamon sweetness colliding with smoky bacon fat was completely unexpected, the kind of thing that makes you pause mid-chew and ask what you're actually tasting. I begged for the recipe on the spot, made them that same afternoon, and somehow they disappeared before anyone else got home. Now they're my secret weapon whenever I need to impress without breaking a sweat.
The first time I made these for an actual crowd, my neighbor smelled them baking and actually knocked on the door mid-oven time asking if something was burning because the aroma was so intense and sweet. I ended up making a second batch just for her family, and what started as a simple snack turned into one of those moments where food becomes an excuse for people to linger together longer than planned.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon (12 slices): The thickness matters here because thin bacon will turn into burnt paper before the sugar can caramelize properly, and you need that substantial chew underneath the crispy edges.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup packed): Brown sugar has molasses which creates that deep caramel flavor that white sugar just can't replicate, so don't skip this substitution.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): This is your backbone spice, warm and slightly sweet, and it's what makes people wonder what that mysterious delicious flavor is.
- Cayenne pepper (1/8 teaspoon optional): A whisper of heat against the sweetness keeps things interesting, but skip it if you're feeding people who like their snacks purely indulgent.
Instructions
- Set yourself up for success:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top so the bacon sits elevated and cooks evenly on all sides. The rack is crucial because it lets hot air circulate underneath instead of trapping steam.
- Create your spice mixture:
- Pour the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne into a shallow dish and give it a gentle stir until everything is combined and there are no brown sugar clumps hiding in the corners. This takes maybe 30 seconds and makes the next step so much easier.
- Coat each slice:
- Take one bacon slice at a time and press it into the sugar mixture on both sides, really making sure every surface gets coated because those exposed spots won't caramelize as beautifully. You'll feel the sugar cling to the fat in a satisfying way that tells you it's working.
- Twist with intention:
- Hold each coated slice at both ends and twist it gently several times to create a loose spiral, then lay it on the wire rack with a bit of space between each twist so they're not touching. The twisting helps the heat reach more surface area and creates those gorgeous caramelized edges.
- Don't waste the coating:
- Sprinkle any leftover spiced sugar from the bottom of the dish over the bacon twists before they go into the oven, since that extra sweetness will melt and adhere to the hot bacon.
- Bake with attention:
- Slide the sheet into the oven and set a timer for about 12 minutes, then rotate the entire baking sheet front to back halfway through the 25 to 30 minute cooking time. This ensures every twist bakes evenly instead of having some that are burned and others still slightly chewy.
- Cool and set:
- Remove the twists from the oven when they're dark amber and crackling, then let them rest on the hot rack for about 5 minutes so the caramelized sugar hardens and they become truly crispy. If you eat them right away they'll be floppy, so this rest period is your secret weapon.
Save There was this one Sunday morning when my teenage nephew tried one of these and actually asked for the recipe to make them at his dad's house, which felt like winning some kind of food award I didn't even know I was competing for. That's when I realized these weren't just a snack anymore, they were something memorable enough to pass along and recreate.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic version, the door opens to all kinds of experiments that feel exciting instead of risky. I've swapped the brown sugar for maple sugar which gives everything a deeper autumn flavor, added a pinch of nutmeg that made them taste almost dessert-like, and even tried a tiny bit of smoked paprika mixed in for something more savory and complex. The beauty of this recipe is that you're working with such a simple foundation that tweaks feel creative rather than dangerous.
Serving and Storage Wisdom
These are absolutely best eaten within a few hours of cooling because they're really at their peak crispness and that caramelized coating is still snappy instead of getting chewy from humidity. If you need to make them ahead, you can reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore some of that crispy texture, though they'll never be quite as pristine as freshly made.
Beyond Just a Snack
My friend's sister once crumbled a handful of these over a bitter green salad and added some creamy blue cheese dressing, and it was genuinely one of the most interesting salads I've ever eaten because the sweet caramelized bacon against the sharp cheese and peppery arugula created this unexpected harmony. You can also chop them up and scatter them on avocado toast, or serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a brunch that feels way more thoughtful than it actually is.
- Pair them with sharp cheeses and pickled vegetables on a charcuterie board for something that surprises people.
- Crumble them over roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potato dishes for a flavor bridge between savory and sweet.
- Keep a batch in an airtight container for 2 days and grab them as a protein-rich snack when you need something satisfying that won't make you feel heavy.
Save These spiced bacon twists have become the kind of recipe I make without even consulting the page anymore, muscle memory taking over while my mind wanders to who I'm cooking them for. They're proof that the simplest recipes, made with real attention and a little creativity, are often the ones that stick with people longest.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare these bacon twists ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon twists up to 8 hours ahead. Coat and twist the bacon, then refrigerate on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Bake just before serving for maximum crispness.
- → Why do I need a wire rack for baking?
The wire rack allows heat to circulate under the bacon, ensuring even crisping on all sides and preventing the sugar coating from sticking to the pan. This elevates the bacon and helps render the fat away.
- → How do I store leftover twists?
Store cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness before serving.
- → What can I substitute for cayenne pepper?
Try black pepper, smoked paprika, or a pinch of nutmeg for different flavor profiles. You can also skip it entirely for a purely sweet twist.
- → How thick should the bacon slices be?
Thick-cut bacon (about 1/4 inch) works best as it becomes crispy without burning. Thinner bacon may overcook before the sugar caramelizes properly.
- → Can I double this batch?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake on two separate sheets, rotating them halfway through. This ensures even cooking without overcrowding the baking sheet.