Maple Bacon Twists are a tasty treat that combines sweet maple syrup with crispy bacon, all twisted together in flaky pastry. They’re perfect for breakfast or a fun snack!
Who wouldn’t love the mix of sweet and salty? I can never have just one! Pair these twists with a cup of coffee, and you’ve got a winner. It’s a breakfast game changer for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Regular or thick-cut bacon works well for these twists. Thin bacon could get too crispy, while thick-cut gives a nice chew. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, but it may not get as crispy.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is best for authentic flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use maple-flavored syrup. Just know it’s usually sweeter! Agave syrup can work too if you want a different twist.
Pepper: Black pepper adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you enjoy spice, a tiny bit of cayenne pepper can really elevate the flavor. Feel free to skip it if you prefer things mild!
How Do I Make Sure My Bacon Twists Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is key! Start by cutting your bacon into thinner strips, as thinner pieces bake up crunchier. Here are some tips:
- Use a wire rack if you have one; it lets the fat drain off and promotes even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the bacon strips on the baking sheet; they need space to crisp up!
- Keep an eye on them while baking, as the sugar from the maple syrup can caramelize quickly. Pull them out as soon as they look nice and crispy.
Let the twists cool on the rack – they’ll get crispier as they do!
Maple Bacon Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- Optional: a pinch of black pepper or cayenne pepper for a little kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparing and assembling, and then 15-20 minutes for baking the twists to crispy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, you can get everything else ready.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take out your bacon slices and lay them flat on a cutting board. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut each bacon slice in half lengthwise. This will make thinner strips that twist beautifully!
3. Add Maple Syrup:
Drizzle or brush some maple syrup on one side of each bacon strip. This sweet coating will add a delicious flavor as it cooks.
4. Twist Them Up:
Now, it’s time to twist! Gently twist each bacon strip a few times to create a lovely spiral shape. This will help create that fun twisty look!
5. Bake Your Bacon Twists:
Place your twisted bacon strips on the wire rack or directly on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them out so they don’t stick. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning since the maple syrup can caramelize quickly.
6. Adding Seasoning:
If you want to add a bit of spice, sprinkle a tiny pinch of black pepper or cayenne pepper over the bacon twists as soon as you take them out of the oven for an extra flavor kick.
7. Cooling Time:
Let the bacon twists cool on the rack for a moment. They’ll crisp up nicely as they cool down!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve these delicious maple bacon twists warm as a sweet and savory snack or as a fun breakfast addition. Enjoy every bite!
Enjoy your delicious maple bacon twists!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative, but be aware that it might not get as crispy as pork bacon. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as turkey bacon generally cooks faster.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different, but they will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Maple Bacon Twists?
Store any leftover twists in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I Make These in Advance?
While these bacon twists are best fresh, you can prepare them ahead of time by twisting and assembling them, then refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going into the oven cold!