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
Scale
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.
