If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that elevates bacon to a whole new level of irresistible, this Candied Bacon Lollipops Recipe is your golden ticket. Picture thick-cut bacon, kissed by a sweet maple and brown sugar glaze with a hint of black pepper for just the right amount of spice. These little lollipops offer a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors wrapped into crispy, caramelized bites that everyone will be begging for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a quirky snack, this recipe turns humble bacon into a playful and delicious treat that’s almost too fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to whip up these stunning candied bacon lollipops. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, from creating the perfect crispy texture to imparting rich flavors and that glossy, caramelized finish that makes these sticks shine.
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon: Thick slices hold up beautifully during cooking and provide hearty, satisfying bites.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a wonderful depth of flavor that soaks into the bacon.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Helps create the luscious caramel coating that crisps perfectly in the oven.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle kick to balance the sweetness and enhance complexity.
How to Make Candied Bacon Lollipops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Glaze
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking pan with foil topped with parchment paper. This setup prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Next, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the sticky, flavorful glaze that will transform your bacon into candied perfection.
Step 2: Cut and Skewer the Bacon
Cut each thick bacon slice into pieces about 2 1/2 to 3 inches long. Then, skewer each piece several times with a toothpick so they hold their lollipop shape and cook evenly. This step adds a fun finger-food element that’s sure to delight guests.
Step 3: Arrange and Start Cooking
Place your skewered bacon pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them in the oven and cook until the bacon begins to brown and some fat has rendered out. This initial cooking step ensures the bacon will crisp nicely once glazed.
Step 4: Add the Glaze and Crisp Up
Carefully blot the bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease—this helps the glaze stick better. Generously brush the bacon with your maple-brown sugar mixture. Return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes, then flip the bacon pieces, blot again, and brush with more glaze. Finally, cook until the lollipops become golden, sticky, and perfectly crispy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the candied bacon lollipops to cool for several minutes so the glaze can set a bit. When they’re cool enough to handle, remove the toothpicks and replace them with wooden skewers for easier serving. Give them one last blot to catch any extra grease, and you’re ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Candied Bacon Lollipops Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup on the lollipops just before serving. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme also add an unexpected aromatic touch that complements the sweet-savory profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
These candied bacon lollipops shine as appetizer stars on their own, but they also pair well with creamy dips like whipped goat cheese or a smoky chipotle mayo. They can even be served alongside deviled eggs or a crisp green salad to balance their richness and create a well-rounded spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your lollipops standing upright in a glass jar filled with coarse salt or popcorn kernels for a charming display. Or arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces. These presentation ideas turn a simple snack into an inviting centerpiece that sparks conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra candied bacon lollipops, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any leftover grease. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While candied bacon lollipops are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that crispy texture, warm leftovers in a 350-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon chewy instead of delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut for this Candied Bacon Lollipops Recipe?
You can, but thick-cut bacon works best here to hold the lollipop shape and create a substantial bite. Regular bacon may cook too quickly and become overly crisp or fragile.
What can I substitute for maple syrup if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have maple syrup, a mild honey or even a light corn syrup can be used, but maple syrup adds a unique richness that is tough to replicate.
How long can I store these candied bacon lollipops before they lose their crispiness?
They’re best enjoyed the same day, but can last a couple of days stored properly in an airtight container with paper towels. Over time, the candy coating might soften slightly.
Is the black pepper necessary in this recipe?
The black pepper adds a nice contrast to the sweetness, balancing the flavors. However, if you prefer a purely sweet snack, you can leave it out or reduce the amount.
Can I make this recipe without skewers?
While skewers add to the fun and presentation, you can also bake the candied bacon pieces on their own and simply serve them as bite-sized treats. Just be careful when turning and glazing them on the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Bacon Lollipops Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings joy not just through its irresistible taste but through the fun, playful way it’s enjoyed. Whether shared with loved ones or savored solo, these sticky, sweet, and savory lollipops transform bacon into something truly special. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, heat up that oven, and treat yourself to a little bacon bliss that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Candied Bacon Lollipops Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candied Bacon Lollipops are a deliciously sweet and savory treat featuring thick-cut bacon pieces glazed with a rich maple syrup and brown sugar mixture, baked until golden brown and crispy. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a unique appetizer, these bacon lollipops combine smoky, sweet, and peppery flavors with a fun presentation on wooden skewers.
Ingredients
Bacon Lollipops
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Top the foil with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and black pepper until fully combined. Set this sweet and spicy glaze aside for later use.
- Cut the bacon: Take the thick-cut bacon slices and cut them into pieces about 2 1/2 to 3 inches long, suitable for skewering and serving as lollipops.
- Skewer the bacon pieces: Insert a toothpick several times through each piece of cut bacon to secure them, ensuring they stay in place during cooking.
- Arrange bacon on baking sheet: Place the skewered bacon pieces evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even cooking and caramelization.
- Partially cook bacon: Bake the bacon pieces in the oven until they just start to brown and some fat has rendered out. This initial cook helps render excess grease.
- Blot and glaze the bacon: Remove the partially cooked bacon and blot with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Then generously brush the bacon pieces with the prepared glaze for a sweet coating.
- Bake with glaze: Return the glazed bacon to the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Afterward, remove, flip the pieces over, blot again to remove grease, and brush with the remaining glaze to coat the other side.
- Final bake until crispy: Bake once more until the bacon is golden brown, caramelized, and crispy. This final bake ensures a sticky, flavorful glaze and perfect texture.
- Cool and assemble lollipops: Allow the bacon pieces to cool for several minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks and replace them with wooden skewers to create the lollipop presentation. Blot any excess grease before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor; thinner bacon may overcook too quickly.
- Adjust black pepper to taste if you prefer less or more spice.
- If you prefer extra sweetness, you can sprinkle a little more brown sugar before the final bake.
- Let bacon cool slightly before removing toothpicks and inserting wooden skewers to avoid breakage.
- This recipe can be made ahead and served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
