Sweet & Spicy Oven-Baked Bacon Twists: The Viral Recipe You Need
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary bacon experience! These delightful bacon twists offer a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, featuring richly caramelized brown sugar with an exciting kick from a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This isn’t just another way to cook bacon; it’s a revelation that transforms ordinary strips into irresistible, spiraled masterpieces. Get ready to discover one of the most exciting and delicious new methods for preparing bacon that you’ll ever encounter!
Why This Sweet & Spicy Bacon Twists Recipe Works So Well
When the ingenious concept of twisted bacon began to dominate TikTok feeds, we instantly recognized its potential and knew we had to delve into this culinary sensation. After experimenting with numerous variations and flavor enhancements, our team landed on what we believe is the ultimate combination: a delicious sweet and spicy blend featuring the deep, molasses notes of brown sugar perfectly contrasted by the warming, subtle heat of cayenne pepper. This particular recipe isn’t just about following a trend; it’s about elevating a simple ingredient into something truly extraordinary that will undoubtedly tickle your tastebuds and leave you craving more. We’ve had a knack for viral trends before, successfully tackling the smoked queso dip and dalgona coffee in previous years, and we’re thrilled to say that these sweet and spicy bacon twists are no exception.
The magic of this recipe lies in the transformation that occurs during oven baking. As the bacon twists cook, the brown sugar melts and caramelizes, creating a gloriously sticky, glossy coating that adheres to every spiral. This caramelization process not only infuses the bacon with incredible sweetness but also contributes to its desired tender-crisp texture. The cayenne pepper, meanwhile, doesn’t overpower but rather provides a delightful subtle heat that beautifully cuts through the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the sugar, creating a complex and incredibly addictive flavor profile. The result is a perfect balance – a bacon twist that’s both delightfully chewy and satisfyingly crispy, never too greasy, and bursting with an unforgettable sweet and spicy flavor. Once you take your first bite of these perfectly twisted, oven-baked wonders, you’ll understand precisely why this simple yet brilliant method took the internet by storm.
Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Bacon Twists
Crafting these amazing sweet and spicy bacon twists requires just a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. For all exact measurements, a comprehensive list of ingredients, and detailed cooking instructions, please refer to the convenient printable recipe version located at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Information and Smart Substitutions
Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this recipe and discuss how you can tailor them to your preference or what to consider for substitutions.
BACON – For our delectable bacon twists, we primarily use **thick-cut pork bacon**. Its robustness holds up beautifully to the twisting method and provides a substantial bite that truly showcases the sweet and spicy flavors. Thick-cut bacon also tends to render its fat more slowly, allowing the sugar to caramelize perfectly without burning, resulting in a tender-crisp interior and a satisfying chew. While thick-cut is our top recommendation, you can certainly use almost any kind of bacon you prefer. If you opt for **regular or thin-cut bacon**, be mindful that your cooking time will need to be significantly reduced. These thinner varieties will crisp up much faster, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking and achieve the ideal texture. Should you decide to use **turkey bacon** for a leaner option, be aware that its texture and fat content differ greatly from pork bacon. It will cook much faster and may not achieve the same level of crispiness or caramelization due to its lower fat. Adjust your baking time accordingly and watch for visual cues of doneness to avoid a dry result.
BROWN SUGAR – This ingredient is crucial for achieving that irresistible caramelized sweetness that defines these bacon twists. We recommend using **light brown sugar** for a balanced flavor profile that complements the bacon without overpowering it, but **dark brown sugar** can also be used if you desire a deeper, richer molasses flavor and a slightly more intense caramelization. The key here is the sugar’s inherent moisture and its ability to melt and adhere to the bacon, creating a glistening, slightly chewy crust as it bakes. This caramelized layer is what makes these bacon twists so uniquely delicious and visually appealing. For those looking for alternatives, a sprinkle of **maple sugar** could provide a similar sweetness with an added maple essence, or even a very fine sprinkle of granulated sugar could work in a pinch, though it won’t offer the same depth of flavor or moisture as brown sugar.
CAYENNE PEPPER – The cayenne pepper is where the “spicy” in “sweet and spicy” comes from. It adds a wonderful warmth and subtle kick that beautifully balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, preventing the bacon from becoming overly rich. You have complete control over the heat level – you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to perfectly suit your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, use just a small pinch, or omit it entirely for a purely sweet caramelized bacon. For those who love an extra fiery twist, feel free to be more generous! Other fantastic spicy alternatives include **red pepper flakes** for a more visible and textured heat, or a dash of **smoked paprika** for a smoky, slightly less intense warmth. For a different flavor profile, a touch of freshly ground black pepper can also add a subtle zest without the overt heat of cayenne, allowing the natural bacon flavors to shine through.
Optional Flavor Enhancements: While simple is often best, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your sweet and spicy bacon twists! A hint of **garlic powder** or **onion powder** can add an umami depth, elevating the savory notes of the bacon. For an unexpected twist, a tiny pinch of **cinnamon** or **nutmeg** can introduce a cozy, warm spice, making these perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches. You could even drizzle a touch of maple syrup over the twists before baking for an extra layer of maple sweetness, just be careful not to make them too wet to ensure crispiness. These twisted bacon treats are incredibly versatile and invite experimentation!
How to Master Making Perfect Sweet & Spicy Bacon Twists
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredibly satisfying recipe. For a quick reference, you can always Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post, where you’ll find the complete printable version, including all precise measurements and cooking instructions.
- Prepare Your Baking Environment: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even cooking and proper caramelization when the bacon goes in. Next, line a large baking tray with a piece of parchment paper. This step is crucial for effortless cleanup, as the caramelized brown sugar can become quite sticky and difficult to remove from an unlined pan.
EXPERT TIP – Choosing the right liner is important. High-quality parchment paper is excellent, but ensure it’s rated for 400°F. If your parchment paper isn’t suitable, or you prefer alternatives, aluminum foil works well (though the sugar might stick slightly more, requiring a quick soak after baking), or a reusable silpat baking mat. While you *could* bake directly on an unlined tray, be warned: the delicious caramelized sugar will likely harden and be exceptionally difficult to scrub off later. For truly crispy results and to allow excess grease to drip away, consider placing a wire rack over your lined baking sheet before arranging the bacon twists.
- Twist Each Slice of Bacon: Take each individual slice of bacon and twist it as tightly and uniformly as possible from one end to the other. The tighter the twist, the more substantial and “meaty” each bacon twist will feel, creating delightful pockets of flavor, and the more surface area there will be for the sweet and spicy coating to adhere. Once twisted, arrange them next to each other on your prepared baking tray, leaving a small space (about half an inch) between each twist. This allows for proper airflow around each piece, ensuring even cooking and preventing them from steaming or sticking together as they caramelize. Aim for consistent twists so they cook at a similar rate and achieve uniform texture.
- Season with Sweet and Spicy Goodness: In a small, dry bowl, combine your brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Use a spoon or your fingers to mix them thoroughly, ensuring the cayenne is evenly distributed within the sugar. Once mixed, sprinkle this sweet and spicy mixture generously and evenly over the top of all the twisted bacon slices. Make sure each twist gets a good coating, as this is what will melt, caramelize, and create that incredible flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, but also ensure it’s distributed well so you don’t have large clumps of sugar on just a few pieces. The even coating ensures a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking tray in your preheated oven and bake for an initial 20 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Using heat-resistant tongs, gently flip each bacon twist over to ensure even cooking and caramelization on both sides. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness and the brown sugar has beautifully caramelized to a rich, deep golden-brown color. Keep a close watch during the final minutes, as the sugar can burn quickly if left unattended. The total cooking time will vary depending on your specific oven, the thickness of your bacon, and how crispy you prefer your twists. You’re aiming for a firm, slightly chewy to wonderfully crispy texture throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Bacon Twists
Yes, absolutely! While the sweet and spicy coating adds an incredible dimension to these bacon twists, you can certainly bake your twisted bacon as-is without any additional spices or seasonings. Bacon, in its natural state, is already inherently savory and delicious. By simply twisting and oven-baking it, you’ll still achieve a wonderful texture and rich flavor. The twisting method itself creates a unique chewiness and crispiness that many find appealing. Follow the same twisting and baking directions, adjusting cook time for desired crispiness, to make classic, irresistible plain bacon twists. They are fantastic on their own or as a savory addition to any meal.
For maximum crispiness, we highly recommend baking the bacon twists on a wire rack placed over your lined baking sheet. This elevates the bacon, allowing hot air to circulate all around each twist and enabling excess grease to drip away. This prevents the bacon from simmering in its own fat, which can lead to a chewier rather than crispy texture. Additionally, ensuring your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature and allowing them to bake until deeply golden brown and firm will contribute significantly to a crispier finish. You can also lightly pat them dry with paper towels immediately after removing them from the oven to absorb any remaining surface grease before serving.
Once completely cooled to room temperature, store any leftover bacon twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best reheating results and to bring back some of their original crispiness, we suggest placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and have re-crisped to your liking. Alternatively, they can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crispy. If you’re in a hurry, they can also be quickly warmed in a microwave for a softer texture, though they won’t regain their crispness using this method.
While these sweet and spicy bacon twists are truly at their peak when enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can certainly do some prep work in advance to make serving them easier, especially when entertaining. You can twist the bacon slices and arrange them on the lined baking sheet (or on a wire rack over the sheet), then cover the entire tray tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves valuable time on busy mornings or right before guests arrive. Just be sure to allow the tray to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure more even cooking.
Creative Ways to Serve Sweet & Spicy Bacon Twists
These incredibly versatile sweet and spicy bacon twists are a fantastic addition to almost any meal or occasion. Enjoy them straight off the baking sheet as a delightful snack, a standout appetizer for parties, or a unique, gourmet component of your breakfast spread. They pair beautifully with classic breakfast dishes like fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast casseroles, or even as a decadent side to pancakes or waffles, offering a perfect counterpoint to the sweet syrup. Their portable nature and irresistible flavor make them ideal finger food for game days, holiday gatherings, or any casual get-together where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Think beyond breakfast! Crumble them over a crisp salad for a sweet, spicy, and smoky crunch, adding depth and texture. Use them as an unforgettable garnish for a sophisticated Bloody Mary, transforming a classic cocktail into a memorable experience. They make an impressive addition to a charcuterie board, offering a burst of flavor that complements various cheeses and fresh or dried fruits exceptionally well. For a festive touch during the holidays, a mere dash of cinnamon added to the brown sugar and cayenne mixture will infuse these twists with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor, making them ideal for a special holiday breakfast or brunch buffet. Remember, this recipe offers a wonderful foundation with a good balance of sweet and spicy flavors, but don’t hesitate to play with the amounts of brown sugar and cayenne pepper to perfectly match your personal taste preferences. Experiment and make them truly your own signature treat!
The original mastermind behind the viral TikTok bacon twists trend is Abby from House of Keto. Her innovative approach brought this fantastic cooking method to countless kitchens worldwide, sparking joy and deliciousness. You can find her inspiring video here!
More Irresistible Bacon Recipes to Explore
If you’re a true bacon enthusiast, there’s always a new and exciting way to enjoy this beloved ingredient. Here are a few more of our favorite bacon-centric recipes that we think you’ll absolutely love – perfect for any occasion:
- Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
- Hearty Sheet Pan Breakfast Pizza
- Delicious Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Comforting Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Flavorful Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Classic How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Bacon Twists
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips within the main blog post that you may find incredibly helpful for perfecting this recipe. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds thick-cut bacon
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Things You’ll Need
-
Baking sheet
Before You Begin
- You can drain off excess grease by transferring the cooked bacon to a wire rack placed over a baking tray or a paper towel-lined plate. This helps maintain crispiness and removes any residual fat.
- Feel free to play with the amounts of brown sugar and cayenne pepper to suit your tastes! This recipe yields bacon with a good balance of sweet and spicy flavors, but it’s easily adjustable for a milder or bolder profile.
- If you can’t find parchment paper that can withstand this temperature, you can use aluminum foil or a reusable silicone baking mat (like a Silpat) to line your baking tray instead. You could also leave the tray unlined, but be prepared for the caramelized sugar to be exceptionally hard to scrub off afterwards.
- For even crispier results, consider using a wire rack placed over your lined baking sheet. This elevates the bacon, allowing grease to drip away and promoting better airflow for a more uniform crispness.
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper, foil, or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
-
Carefully twist each slice of bacon as tightly as possible from end to end, then arrange them side-by-side on the prepared tray, ensuring a small space between each one for even cooking.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Evenly sprinkle this sweet and spicy mixture generously over the top of all the twisted bacon slices.
-
Bake for an initial 20 minutes. Then, carefully flip each bacon twist over using tongs. Continue to bake for another 10-20 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully crispy and the sugar has caramelized to a deep golden-brown. Watch closely during the final minutes to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.