Save to Pinterest The first time I made these, my kitchen smelled like a fairground met a Sunday brunch, and I couldnt stop eating them straight from the cooling rack. The combination of salty bacon and sweet spiced sugar creates something that feels familiar yet completely unexpected. My husband walked in, took one bite, and asked if we could just have these for dinner instead of the meal Id actually planned.
I brought a platter to a friends housewarming party and watched them disappear faster than anything else on the table. Someone asked for the recipe three different times throughout the evening. Now theyre my go-to whenever I need something that feels special but requires almost zero effort.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon: The extra thickness holds up better to twisting and creates a meatier bite that stands up to the sweet coating
- Light brown sugar: Packed brown sugar contains molasses which adds depth and helps the caramelization process beautifully
- Ground cinnamon: Warm, familiar spice that bridges the gap between sweet and savory in the most comforting way
- Cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to make things interesting and keep people guessing what that special something is
Instructions
- Set up your baking station:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top for even air circulation
- Mix the spiced sugar:
- Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne in a shallow dish until everything is evenly distributed
- Coat the bacon:
- Press each bacon slice into the sugar mixture on both sides, making sure the sugar really adheres to the meat
- Create the twists:
- Twist each coated slice several times to form a spiral shape, then arrange them on the wire rack with space between each
- Add extra coating:
- Sprinkle any remaining sugar mixture over the twists for that extra layer of caramelized goodness
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized nicely, rotating halfway through
- Let them set:
- Cool for 5 minutes so the sugar coating hardens properly, otherwise they might stick together
Save to Pinterest My sister now texts me every time she makes them for her family, saying her kids actually cheer when they smell the cinnamon and bacon wafting through the house. Its become their requested birthday breakfast, and honestly, I cant blame them one bit.
Making Ahead
You can twist and coat the bacon up to a day ahead, storing them layered between parchment paper in the refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking so they cook evenly.
Serving Ideas
I love crumbling these over vanilla ice cream for an insane sweet and salty dessert, or tucking them into breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs. They also make the most unexpected garnish for a Bloody Mary.
Flavor Variations
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth or swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall months. For a coffee twist, add instant espresso powder to the sugar mixture.
- Maple sugar creates a more complex sweetness
- A drop of vanilla extract mixed into the sugar adds warmth
- Freshly cracked black pepper pairs beautifully with the sweet coating
Save to Pinterest These are the kind of recipe that make people think youre a genius in the kitchen, even though they took barely any effort at all.
Common Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the twisted bacon up to 24 hours before baking. The sugar coating will slightly penetrate the meat, enhancing flavor. Add 2-3 minutes to baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 4-5 days. Recrisp in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes before serving.
- → Can I use regular cut bacon?
Thick-cut bacon works best as it holds the spiral shape and provides substantial texture. Regular bacon will become very crispy and may break more easily when twisting. If using thin slices, reduce baking time by 3-5 minutes.
- → What can I serve with these?
These pair beautifully with scrambled eggs at brunch, alongside deviled eggs at parties, or as a topping for loaded baked potatoes. They also complement maple glazed donuts or serve as a garnish for savory cocktails.
- → Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
The cayenne is completely optional. It adds subtle warmth that contrasts nicely with the sweet sugar coating. Omit it for a purely sweet version, or substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky element without heat.