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Bourbon Bacon Brittle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 90 reviews

A decadent and crunchy bourbon bacon brittle combining sweet caramelized sugar with smoky bacon, toasted pecans, and a splash of bourbon for a gourmet treat that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and smoky flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon Mixture

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

Brittle Base

  • 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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with foil or a Silpat mat to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Bacon: Lay the bacon strips evenly on the prepared baking pan. Brush both sides of each strip with bourbon, then sprinkle with light brown sugar to coat.
  3. Bake Bacon: Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes until caramelized and crispy. Thinner bacon will take closer to 15 minutes; thick cut may need up to 20. Cook according to your preferred crispness.
  4. Chop Bacon: Allow the bacon to cool slightly, then chop into small bite-sized pieces for mixing later.
  5. Toast Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans on the same baking sheet and toast in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
  6. Prepare New Baking Surface: Clean the baking sheet or use a new one. Line it with a Silpat mat or parchment paper for the brittle to set on.
  7. Ready Ingredients: Measure and have all your remaining ingredients ready to combine quickly once the sugar reaches the correct temperature. Mix bourbon, chopped bacon, and toasted pecans together in a bowl for easy incorporation.
  8. Cook Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil.
  9. Reach Candy Stage: Without stirring, continue cooking the mixture until it reaches 290°F (143°C) on a candy thermometer or until it turns a golden amber color. Then add the bourbon, bacon, and pecans mixture. Continue cooking on medium heat and stirring until the temperature reaches 300°F (149°C).
  10. Finish Brittle Mixture: Remove from heat immediately. Stir in unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined.
  11. Pour and Spread: Quickly pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a wooden spoon to spread it out into a thin, even layer before it hardens.
  12. Sprinkle and Cool: Sprinkle sea salt over the top right away, then allow the brittle to cool and set for at least 20 minutes.
  13. Break and Store: Once completely set, break the brittle into pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor balance.
  • Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure proper sugar temperatures for perfect brittle texture.
  • Adjust cooking time for bacon based on thickness and crispness preference.
  • Work quickly when pouring and spreading the brittle, as it hardens fast.
  • Store in an airtight container to keep brittle crunchy up to one week.
  • For a nuttier flavor, try substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds.

Keywords: bourbon bacon brittle, bacon brittle recipe, bourbon candy, pecan brittle, sweet and salty snack, homemade brittle

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