Candied pecan bacon twists come together in minutes and always feel special. They bake into crisp, glossy spirals that look impressive on any holiday table yet require simple pantry ingredients. The flavor is bold and comforting, with sweetness from the brown sugar, richness from the pecans, and gentle heat from the cayenne. These twists work well for parties because they can be prepared ahead. You coat the bacon, twist it, and place it on the tray. When guests arrive, the only step left is baking. The result is a warm snack that fills the kitchen with the most tempting smell.
The pecan mixture is the key to the recipe. The nuts grind down into a coarse crumb that clings beautifully to the bacon. When the twists bake, the sugar melts into the pecans and forms a candied shell. The coating turns crisp as it cools. The texture feels almost like pralines. The bacon adds saltiness that balances the sweetness. The combination tastes nostalgic, like something enjoyed at a festive market or winter fair.
These twists are versatile and fun to serve. They work for brunch boards, cheese platters, cocktail parties, or gift bags. Once cooled, they keep their crunch, which makes them ideal for make-ahead prep. You can also adjust the heat by changing the cayenne. A pinch keeps it mild, while a little more adds a warm kick. Children enjoy them with less spice. Adults often love the heat.
This recipe fits well into the busy season. It uses ingredients many cooks already have on hand. The method is fast, and cleanup is simple thanks to the foil-lined tray. The twists cool quickly on a rack. Then they are ready to serve or pack. Each twist offers a balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors that feel comforting during winter. They add a fun touch to gatherings because guests always reach for them first. They taste great warm or cool, which makes them reliable for entertaining. Their aroma and texture make them an easy holiday favorite.
Candied Pecan Bacon Twists
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- small dish
- cooling rack
- Foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick cut bacon approx. 12 slices
- 1/2 cup pecans 55g
- 6 tbsp packed brown sugar 75g
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF / 200ºC degrees. line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place the pecans, pepper and brown sugar into a food processor and pulse until the pecans are finely chopped and all the ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer to a dish.
- Take each slice of bacon and dip into the pecan mixture coating both sides completely.
- Twist the bacon slices then pay onto the foil lined baking sheet and press down the ends to hold them in place. Repeat with all the slices of bacon.
- Bake for around 20 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely and crisp.
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