Can bacon twists be made ahead of time?

Bacon twists can be prepared, but not baked, up to 2 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, they can be baked, covered, refrigerated and reheated in a microwave or low (250 degree) oven.

Can twisted bacon be cooked in an Air Fryer?

Yes, these bacon sticks can be cooked in an Air Fryer. Preheat to 350 degrees; place prepared bacon twists in a single layer in the basket and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

How to serve Spiced Bacon Straws

I have always served Spiced Bacon Twists at breakfast or brunch. The other day, Robert asked me why I don’t serve them as an appetizer. Well, why not? If you’re going to, I would recommend snipping the baked strips in half - or even thirds - to make them easier to eat as an appetizer. Maybe even pair them with a queso dip . . .

How can Sweet and Spicy Bacon Sticks be used in other recipes?

You can get creative with how to use/serve these bacon twists! Break cooked bacon strips into small bits and then: - add to salads, - use as a garnish on soups, - toss with cooked broccoli, or - sprinkle over cooked potatoes.

Twisted Bacon (Sweet and Spicy) - A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®

Description

These addictively delicious Spiced Bacon Twists are chewy, crunchy and both sweet and savory. Salty, smoky bacon is dredged in a sweet and spicy brown sugar mixture and then baked until crispy. The resulting bacon has the most wonderful caramel taste, with a bit of zing.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound sliced bacon – see Note below
Around 16 (12-inch) wooden skewers – you’ll need the same number as slices of bacon

Instructions

Arrange oven racks in the middle and bottom positions of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line the bottom of a broiler pan or large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place broiler rack or metal cooling rack over foil-lined pan. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne, blending with a fork until evenly blended. Transfer mixture to a large sheet of wax paper. Dip bacon strips into sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Poke a skewer through each end of a coated bacon strip. Twist strip several times around the skewer to make a tight spiral. Place bacon on prepared rack. Repeat with remaining bacon strips and skewers.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bacon is almost crisp and sugar is bubbly — it may take 45 minutes depending on the oven and thickness of your bacon. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.
Transfer strips to clean aluminum foil or parchment paper (don’t use a paper towel — they will stick!) just until cool to the touch, around 4 to 5 minutes. Gently remove skewers and serve.

Notes

Make ahead: May be prepared a day or two ahead of baking and refrigerated. Or bake, refrigerate and reheat in microwave or low (250 degree) oven.

Note on bacon: I prefer to use thick cut bacon, but have made it also with thinner. Watch the latter carefully as it can burn more easily. I also like to use peppered bacon for another layer of flavor.