Bourbon Bacon Brittle Recipe

Introduction

Bourbon Bacon Brittle is a deliciously sweet and savory treat that combines crispy bacon, rich bourbon, and crunchy pecans in a caramelized candy. Perfect for snacking or gifting, this brittle offers a unique twist on traditional brittle with a smoky, boozy flavor.

Ingredients

• 8-12 strips thick cut bacon
• 3 tablespoons bourbon (for brushing bacon)
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (for brittle mixture)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or a silpat mat.
2. Step 2: Lay the bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides with 3 tablespoons bourbon and sprinkle with light brown sugar.
3. Step 3: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon caramelizes and crisps. Thinner bacon cooks closer to 15 minutes, thick cut closer to 20.
4. Step 4: Let the bacon cool slightly, then chop into small bite-size pieces.
5. Step 5: Spread the chopped pecans on the same baking sheet and toast in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.
6. Step 6: Clean the baking sheet or prepare a new one by lining it with a silpat mat or parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Measure and have ready the remaining ingredients. Mix the browned bacon, toasted pecans, and 2 tablespoons bourbon together for easy addition later.
8. Step 8: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture boils.
9. Step 9: Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 290°F (using a candy thermometer) or turns a golden amber color. Then add the bourbon, bacon, and pecan mixture and continue heating to 300°F while stirring.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat immediately and stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda until butter melts and mixture is fully combined.
11. Step 11: Pour the mixture quickly onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading thinly with a wooden spoon.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle with sea salt while still hot. Allow to cool and set for at least 20 minutes, then break into pieces.
13. Step 13: Store in an airtight container for up to one week and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer to ensure perfect caramelization and avoid burning.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to change the nutty flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• If you prefer less alcohol flavor, reduce the bourbon amounts slightly.
• Make sure to spread the brittle thinly to ensure it crisps up well and breaks easily.

Storage

Store the bourbon bacon brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep away from moisture to maintain crispiness. If it softens, you can briefly warm pieces in a low oven to restore crunch before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick cut?

Yes, but cooking time will be shorter. Keep a close eye to prevent burning and adjust baking time accordingly.

Do I have to use bourbon?

Bourbon adds a unique flavor, but you can substitute with other whiskey or omit it. The brittle will still be delicious without alcohol.

Bourbon Bacon Brittle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 102 reviews

Bourbon Bacon Brittle is a deliciously sweet and savory treat combining crispy bourbon-brushed bacon with rich caramel brittle infused with pecans and vanilla. This decadent snack balances smoky, salty, and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch—perfect for special occasions or indulgent snacking.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat (Silpat) for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare bacon: Lay the bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each strip generously with bourbon and sprinkle light brown sugar on both sides to enhance caramelization and flavor.
3. Bake bacon: Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes until it starts to caramelize and becomes crispy. Thinner bacon cooks closer to 15 minutes, thick cut closer to 20 minutes. Adjust time based on your preferred crispiness.
4. Chop bacon: Allow the bacon to cool slightly, then use a knife to chop it into small bite-sized pieces.
5. Toast pecans: Spread the chopped pecans evenly on the same baking sheet and return to the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to lightly toast them, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
6. Prepare for brittle: Clean the baking sheet or get a new one and line it with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prepare for pouring the hot brittle mixture.
7. Mix bourbon and bacon: Combine the chopped bacon, toasted pecans, and 2 tablespoons of bourbon in a small bowl to incorporate flavors and simplify adding to the hot candy mixture later.
8. Cook sugar syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
9. Reach hard crack stage: Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it reaches 290°F on a candy thermometer or turns a golden amber color, indicating the hard crack candy stage.
10. Add bourbon bacon mixture: Stir in the bourbon, chopped bacon, and toasted pecans. Continue cooking and stirring over medium heat until the temperature reaches 300°F.
11. Finish brittle mixture: Remove from heat immediately and stir in unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Mix until the butter melts and the mixture is fully combined, which causes the mixture to foam slightly.
12. Pour and spread brittle: Quickly pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to spread it thinly and evenly into a layer.
13. Salt and cool: Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the hot brittle. Allow it to cool and set for at least 20 minutes until firm.
14. Break and store: Once fully set, break the brittle into pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for best flavor and texture, but adjusting baking time is necessary for thinner cuts.
• The candy thermometer is highly recommended for accurate sugar temperature control, ensuring perfect brittle texture.
• Be careful when handling hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
• For a milder bourbon flavor, reduce the bourbon amounts slightly.
• This brittle is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Bourbon Bacon Brittle, bacon brittle, bourbon candy, pecan brittle, sweet and savory snacks, homemade brittle, caramel brittle