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Bourbon Bacon Brittle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 710 reviews

Bourbon Bacon Brittle is a unique, sweet, and savory treat combining crispy candied bacon with rich bourbon-flavored brittle studded with pecans. This confection offers a delightful balance of caramelized sugar, smoky bacon, and nutty crunch, perfect as a snack or party favor.

Ingredients

Scale

Candied Bacon

  • 8–12 strips thick cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar

Brittle

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prep the oven and bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or a silpat mat. Lay the bacon strips on the prepared pan, brushing both sides with bourbon and sprinkling with brown sugar.
  2. Bake the bacon: Bake for 15-20 minutes until caramelized and crispy. Thinner bacon cooks closer to 15 minutes; thick cut may take 20 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly, then chop into small bite-sized pieces.
  3. Toast pecans: Spread chopped pecans on the baking sheet and toast in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to bring out their flavor.
  4. Prepare for brittle making: Clean the baking sheet or use a new one lined with a silpat mat or parchment paper. Measure ingredients and mix chopped bacon and toasted pecans with bourbon for convenience.
  5. Make the brittle syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture boils.
  6. Cook to hard crack stage: Without stirring, cook until temperature reaches 290°F (143°C) or until the syrup turns a golden amber color, using a candy thermometer for accuracy.
  7. Add flavor and mix-ins: Stir in bourbon, candied bacon pieces, and toasted pecans. Continue heating and stirring until the temperature reaches 300°F (149°C).
  8. Finish the brittle: Remove from heat immediately. Stir in butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda until butter melts and mixture combines smoothly.
  9. Shape the brittle: Quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a wooden spoon to spread it into a thin, even layer.
  10. Add salt and cool: Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the hot brittle. Allow it to cool undisturbed for at least 20 minutes until set.
  11. Break and store: Once fully set, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to one week to preserve freshness.

Notes

  • Use 8 to 12 strips of bacon depending on your preference; thick cut bacon takes longer to crisp.
  • If you want less bacon, scale accordingly or save extras for other recipes such as pecan shortbread cookies.
  • A candy thermometer is highly recommended for accurate sugar temperature and perfect brittle texture.
  • Handle hot sugar carefully to avoid burns and ensure even spreading quickly before it hardens.
  • Storing brittle in an airtight container prevents it from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky.

Keywords: bourbon bacon brittle, candied bacon brittle, bourbon brittle, pecan brittle, sweet and savory snack, homemade brittle

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/bourbon-bacon-brittle-recipe/